Dumbarton hoping for a cup bounce to take them out of danger zone

Dumbarton return to earth tonight after the high of clinching an Irn-bru Cup final place and manager Stephen Aitken is hoping the availability of five fresh players will help make it a soft landing against visitors Morton.

The Sons secured their final berth against Inverness Caledonian Thistle with a 2-1 comeback success over Welsh side The New Saints on Saturday night and Aitken reckons that an influx of fresh blood will help against the Cappielow side.

Aitken, pictured, said: “Saturday was terrific and the result will help us as it has restored confidence after a disappointing run. Going again so soon against Morton would not normally be ideal but the lift we have taken from winning has made it a game to welcome.

“We have Liam Dick, Aidan Wilson, Andy Stirling and Kevin Nesbit available after being cup-tied and Mark Stewart is fit enough to start after a couple of months out. I need to get my team right as Morton are a very decent outfit.

“We are second bottom now, nine points behind Falkirk with three games in hand. It will be hard to recover that but winning this game would take us a step closer.”

Dumbarton do miss Sam Wardrop, Chris Mclaughlin and Grant Gallagher with Dougie Hill a major doubt. Morton boss Jim Duffy reckons that the lift Dumbarton got on Saturday will ensure that there is no fatigue in their ranks despite the quick turnaround to this game. Duffy said: “To go to a side as good as TNS are and come from a goal behind to win was an outstanding achievement for Dumbarton. Fortunes change in football quickly and that result will make the rest of Dumbarton’s season really interesting as they will take a huge lift.”

The Greenock side have the chance to move four points clear of Dunfermline in the play-off chase but Jack Iredale, Thomas O’ware and Scott Tiffoney are doubts for tonight, with Jamie Mcgowan, Lee Kilday, Ross Forbes, Robert Thomson and Jai Quitongo all continuing to be out.