Sons urged to focus pain on defeating Hibs

DUMBARTON boss Stevie Aitken has challenged his team to swiftly banish their Scottish Cup nightmare.

The Sons crashed out of the tournament on Tuesday as Junior minnows Bonnyrigg Rose claimed a senior scalp in the third-round replay clash.

Gutted Aitken briefly considered quitting in the aftermath of the shock result.

But after reflecting on the events of Tuesday night, he decided to stay at the helm of the Championship side.

Bonnyrigg’s win earned them a crack against cup holders Hibs – the same team Dumbarton face tomorrow at Easter Road.

And Aitken knows points are at a premium for his side as they bid to haul themselves away from the basement – and increase the heat on bottom club St Mirren.

The manager said: “Tomorrow is a big game for us as it is for Hibs.

“This is an important part of the season as we’re almost halfway and we head towards the transfer window.

“Hibs are a very good team and I watched them last Friday against Dundee United so we are all aware of what kind of game it will be.

“Tuesday night is gone now but hopefully the players can use the hurt they are rightly feeling to produce the kind of performance the fans deserve.

“We obviously owe them a performance after Tuesday night and hopefully we can deliver one against Hibs.”

On-loan defender Daniel Harvie is added to the Sons squad having missed out midweek against Bonnyrigg.

Frazer Wright is back in training and in further good news, Garry Fleming’s wrist injury does not require surgery after he was seen by a specialist in midweek.