Family affair for Willie

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WILLIE GIBSON’S matchday started with pride, and continued with distinction.

But there was one thing he wasn’t looking forward to after Dumbarton’s 2-1 win over Hibernian – the wrath of his Hibs-supporting brother.

The winger scored Sons’ winning goal against the Easter Road club as well as setting up the opening goal, scored by Gregor Buchanan.

His three-year-old son Rory was mascot, but Willie’s brother Ryan wouldn’t have been quite as happy at the result.

However, the close season signing was already thinking about next Saturday’s trip to face St Mirren as Sons look for another shock result.

Willie said: “Rory has been mascot for every club I’ve been at since he was born. Results have been mixed – but today was definitely one of the better ones!

“It was a great day – as well as my son being the mascot, my brother is a Hibs fan! The only thing is I’ve now got to sit and listen to him in the car going home!

“It’s not so much about fearing anyone in this league. We know what’s in our dressing room and we’ll be going to Paisley to put on another performance next week.”

Willie also found himself on the receiving end of some stick from the travelling Hibs fans after some challenges in midfield with sought-after midfielder Scott Allan.

But he brushed it off and helped Dumbarton to arguably their most famous result since October 1995, when they beat Dundee United.

He added: “It was strange because I didn’t say anything to them and I’ve not had any dealings with them before.

“Scott Allan is a player you can’t give a lot of time on the ball and that’s what players will find when they come here.

“The manager spoke about belief before the game. It’s a big word and you’ve got to have it out there to get the result.

“We know what the players are capable of here – it was all about believing we could do it.”

Dumbarton 2 Hibernian 1

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NEARLY 800 matches have been played by Dumbarton. They’ve changed manager 11 times and their stadium once.

The town has two totally new supermarkets, an expanded retail park and one of the secondary schools has been replaced by a new building. The UK has had three new prime ministers and Scotland has its own parliament.

All that has happened since one autumn day 20 years ago when Martin Mooney blasted home the goal that meant Dumbarton had beaten Dundee United 1-0. The last time Sons gathered a competitive victory against one of the ‘Bourgeoisie’ of Scottish football.

Until now.

Very few people would have written Sons off altogether ahead of the season opener against Hibernian. Even if they are a club that hasn’t recently tended to do winning on the first day.

But few would have expected it to take just three minutes for the first impression to be made. Gregor Buchanan made it.

Even though Dominique Malonga soon levelled for Hibs, Sons were competitive, industrious and bright to the point where their opponents knew they were in a game.

And then – 10 minutes into the second half. Willie Gibson, take a bow son.

Having already set up Buchanan’s goal with a free kick, a similar set piece saw the winger do the job himself from 20 yards.

Hibs had most of the possession after that, but what threat they could manage was seen off.

Sons had earned it. No boxes were left unticked, no battle was left unfought. The 100 per cent display needed to take points from this fixture was in full evidence.

It’s only one game. There are another 35 to go in the Championship. A long, long way to go before any goals are achieved.

But 90 minutes into the journey, this Sons side has made history. They’ve generated a result they’ll be talking about for as long as the day Mooney shocked Dundee United.

That goal was a late one – but Hibs were stunned within 180 seconds of the start. Steven Craig was fouled out wide and when Gibson sent over the set piece, Buchanan glanced it home.

Scott Allan, the man under a huge microscope, provided some response for Hibs with a shot that Mark Brown saved easily. But on 14 minutes Malonga did find a way to goal.

Having scored a hat-trick at the Rock last season, this time he latched on to a long ball and made no mistake with a 15-yard finish.

Soon after, Garry Fleming aimed to restore Sons’ lead, but his low angled shot hit the post and went out of play. Then Brown blocked from Scott Martin at close range.

Headed chances fell to both Fleming and Craig, but the former’s effort was saved while the new signing’s under-pressure finish was wide.

Close on half time, Brown kept out another Allan effort, with Jason Cummings unable to follow up the loose ball.

Half time arrived. It was almost unwanted. This was a game and a half.

And 10 minutes after the interval, it was won by a goal and a half. Kevin Cawley was chopped down by Marvin Bartley. In previous days, this was Scott Agnew territory.

But it was another midfielder signed from Stranraer who provided the magical finish. Gibson blasted the kick home and once again, Sons were in a position of power.

In quick succession, Malonga and Liam Fontaine were off target. Lewis Stevenson tried from the edge of the area but his shot was easily held.

Then the final 10 minutes kicked in. Time to dig in, once Sam Stanton’s header had also missed the target.

Eight minutes. Five minutes. Three. Nerves were getting shot to pieces.

Two minutes. One. Ninety minutes played. One minute into injury time.

Another headed chance fell to Fontaine, but Brown dealt with it. More added time.

And that was it. The team tipped by many to challenge for the title had been beaten by Dumbarton.

The signs are that this will be far from the only highlight for Sons this season. But whatever else they do, they’ve already done something special.

Dumbarton: Brown; Taggart, Docherty, Graham, Buchanan, Cawley (Kirkpatrick 67), Gallagher, Fleming (Smith 84), Craig (Lindsay 77), Gibson, Routledge. Subs: Ewings; Miller, McCallum, Waters. Booked: Routledge.

Hibernian: Oxley; Gray, Hanlon, Fontaine, Bartley (Boyle 83), Malonga, Fyvie, Allan, Stevenson, Cummings (Stanton 68), Martin (McGinn 55). Subs: Reguero; Carmichael, Harris, Dunsmore. Booked: Stevenson, Allan.

Referee: Don Robertson.

Crowd: 1,552.

Championship preview 2015/16

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Alloa Athletic

Finished last season: 9th (beat Forfar Athletic in play-off final)

Manager: Danny Lennon

Players in: David Crawford (Arbroath); Michael Duffy and Conor McManus (Celtic, both loan); Colin Hamilton (Brechin City); Dougie Hill (Raith Rovers); Omar Kader (Forfar Athletic); Kyle McAusland (Dunfermline Athletic); Andy McNeil (Airdrieonians); Geoff Mitchell (Histon); Burton O’Brien (Livingston); Catalin Paun (Stirling University); Mikk Reintam (Frydek-Mistek); Mark Williams (St Mirren).

Analysis: Since Alloa were promoted to the Championship in 2013, the only thing that’s been predictable about them has been their unpredictability. One week they can be coming from 2-0 down to beat Rangers in a cup semi-final, the next they can be hounded 5-1 at home by Dumbarton. The Wasps achieved some remarkable results last season, drawing with Rangers three times as well as beating them in the Petrofac Cup semi-final, and beating Hibs. If they’d had that sort of form against other teams at the bottom, they’d have been nowhere near their finishing position, as enthralling as the climax was.

That era, though, is set to end. The dynasties of Paul Hartley and Barry Smith have been more or less removed by a close season of intense transfer activity by Danny Lennon, with players brought in from within Scotland and further afield. Of the starting XI for the play-off final second leg against Forfar, only Iain Flannigan is still with the club, although he could yet be joined by Michael Doyle. If that does not transpire then on Saturday, September 5 at the Rock, there will be more of that Alloa team in Dumbarton jerseys than Wasps ones.

It really is difficult to know what to make of the new-look squad at the Indodrill Stadium. Some players bring experience from higher up the Scottish football spectrum, with ex-Hibs keeper Andy McNeil the early first choice in goal, while Burton O’Brien has joined from Livingston. Others have come from outside Scotland – most notably striker Geoff Mitchell, whose towering presence upfront made him a must-sign. However, results in the cup ties were to say the least mixed. A potential banana skin trip to Brora in the Petrofac Cup brought success, but Saturday’s League Cup first round tie at Berwick Rangers will not be fondly remembered. Two goals ahead with 20 minutes gone, the Wasps were eliminated after extra time. Perhaps the reverse of previous cup exploits against another team called Rangers.

Similarly to Dumbarton, Alloa had something of a cushion last season in that they were one of three part-time teams, at least one of whom would survive. Now there are only two, and every point the teams can take off each other will be vital. Not to mention the games against full-timers who are not liable to challenge the promotion places. With such a hefty rebuilding process, the team is going to take time to gel, and with a tough start (away to Queen of the South on Saturday, then at home to Rangers), time is something Alloa don’t really have.

It’s going to be a fascinating Championship this season, but after two impressive escapes, this time it may be a bridge too far for Alloa.

Verdict: 10th

Falkirk

Finished last season: 5th

Manager: Peter Houston

Players in: Bob McHugh (Motherwell); Danny Rogers (Aberdeen, loan); Paul Watson (Raith Rovers).

Analysis: “Much the same as last season” was how this correspondent heard Falkirk being described at half time during Dumbarton’s game at New Bayview on Saturday. Given the transfer activity in and out at Westfield Stadium over the close season, that assessment seems about right.

Last season, of course, wasn’t all about the league for the Bairns. The run to the Scottish Cup final – the club’s third in 18 years – will live long in the memory and will always be a “what if” for them. What if they’d made better use of the extra man? What if the ball hadn’t spun loose for James Vincent to tap home the winner for Inverness CT? There’s always this year to do it again – why not?

But that now has to be forgotten about as Falkirk look to return to the top flight, a division they haven’t taken part in since 2010. There’s no prize for guessing whose names stands out for Dumbarton observers among the signings. Danny Rogers is the epitome of the warning that penalties don’t guarantee goals. Lee McCulloch, Dominique Malonga, Gennero Zeefuik and Farid El Alagui were all kept out from the spot by the on-loan Aberdeen man. It would have been no surprise to see him push for a first-team place at Pittodrie, but Dons boss Derek McInnes obviously feels he needs another year at this level. Jamie MacDonald may now be playing for Kilmarnock but the Bairns have added a quality replacement.

Does Bob McHugh fill the space left by Rory Loy – the man who put two goals past his former team-mate as Dundee hammered Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday? Can a striker who was on loan in League One last season score the goals to keep Falkirk in the promotion hunt? Perhaps. After all, he spent the later part of the 2013/14 campaign on loan at Queen of the South and was part of their successful play-off push. Much will also be expected from academy graduates like Kieran Duffie, Blair Alston and Craig Sibbald, unless they get better offers elsewhere before the transfer window closes.

Any other season, Falkirk would have been good enough to finish in the top four, but they had Hearts, Hibs and Rangers to deal with as well as Queen of the South. Now Hearts have gone, and many of Queens’ top players have left. This may be Falkirk’s opportunity.

Verdict: 4th

Hibernian

Finished last season: 2nd (lost to Rangers in play-off semi-final)

Manager: Alan Stubbs

Players in: Marvin Bartley (Leyton Orient); Martin Boyle (Dundee); Danny Carmichael (Queen of the South); James Keatings (Hamilton Accies); John McGinn (St Mirren); Mark Oxley (Hull City); Antonio Reguero (Ross County).

Analysis: Hibs haven’t been in this position since 1999 – looking up from the second tier of Scottish football while their Edinburgh rivals are in the top division. That, alone, should be enough motivation for them to push hard for promotion.

The top performers of last season are still at Easter Road – although how much longer that will be the case, with Scott Allan’s ongoing transfer saga, remains to be seen. They’ve also been added to very well – most notably in the form of John McGinn, whose performances in Scotland’s top division with St Mirren had him strongly touted for a move to at least that level again, if not down south. It’s a huge coup for Hibs and the thought of him and Allan in the same midfield, in Scotland’s second tier, is some prospect.

It isn’t just about the youngest of the three McGinn brothers, though. Striker James Keatings and midfielder Danny Carmichael have made a significant impression at this level already, the former with Hamilton Accies more so than Hearts, and the latter at Queen of the South. The likes of Farid El Alagui and Dominique Malonga are still around to provide goals, and with another striker rumoured to be on the radar, additions in that department might not be complete yet.

For Hibs, anything lower than second place this season would be a disaster. They are one of two teams who are, far and away, best-placed to compete for the title. However, a statement has already been made, on Saturday, July 25 when the first competitive ball of Scotland’s 2015/16 season was kicked. Hibs were decimated by injuries that day, and maybe it was just a beginner’s impression being made by the new-look Rangers side. However, 6-2? In your own backyard? They say the early season cup ties don’t matter that much, but when it’s by that margin, at home to your fiercest divisional rivals, maybe it does a bit.

Hibs’ first league match against Rangers is two weeks on Sunday. It may be at Ibrox, but they need to go there and show that anything the Gers can do, they can equal. They don’t have to run in six goals – a fluke 1-0 will do; it’s still a win. But they do need to show their title rivals that they’re up for this battle. It’s a result they’ve got a chance of recording, having won on both their league visits to Govan last season.

Until they do that, they are behind Rangers in the running for the league title. However, watch this space. It WILL be watchable.

Verdict: 2nd

Livingston

Finished last season: 8th

Manager: Mark Burchill

Players in: Liam Buchanan and Ben Gordon (both Alloa Athletic); Moses Duckrell (Barnet); Spas Georgiev (Dobrudzha Dobrich); Kieran Gibbons (Aberdeen); Matt Gould (Cheltenham Town); Jackson Longridge (Stranraer); Ross Millen (Dunfermline Athletic); Morgyn Neill (Motherwell); Jordyn Sheerin (Musselburgh Athletic).

Analysis: As soon as the five-point penalty was handed down last season, the prospects of Livingston featuring in this division last season seemed distant. And when Garry Fleming stuck away the winner for Dumbarton on Saturday, March 21, it seemed unthinkable that Almondvale would be back on the itinerary.

Yet here we are. Although it took a last day nerve-shredding win at home to Queen of the South to seal it, there’s no denying Livingston did brilliantly to turn it around. There was a point in season 2014/15 when they could rarely record a victory and when they did, it was 5-1 away from home, with Raith Rovers and then Sons beaten by that margin on their own pitches. However, the Lions dug deep and got their reward.

Nobody pretends that Livingston will spend this season around the lower part of the Championship table again. A return to top flight football is still some way off, indeed it may never happen for a considerable time. However, with the impending bottom-half season in mind, they’ve taken two of the best players from their rivals. Liam Buchanan and Ben Gordon each had a stellar season at Alloa last season as the Wasps clinched survival in dramatic style. Left back Jackson Longridge has also made the step up from Stranraer.

But key players have left, most notably the remaining two of the four Jacobs brothers, with Keaghan moving to South Africa and Kyle joining Queen of the South. They were big players for Livi and it will be interesting to see how they are replaced. There are also spaces to fill in defence, with Jason Talbot and Callum Fordyce dropping down a division to join Dunfermline. Again, interesting times ahead.

Nothing spectacular is to be expected from Livingston this season – at least not in league terms, as their defence of the Petrofac Cup is still ongoing. However, survival should come their way more easily than it did last season.

Verdict: 7th

Morton

Finished last season: 1st in League One (promoted as champions)

Manager: Jim Duffy

Players in: Bobby Barr (Brechin City); Denny Johnstone (Birmingham City, loan); Frank McKeown (Stranraer).

Analysis: If Dumbarton are to avoid the bottom two this season, they’re going to need at least one full-time side to finish below them. It took them just 90 Petrofac Cup minutes to identify an ideal target.

Apparently the assertion was made on national radio at half time during that tie that Morton would be wondering how they weren’t ahead. This was at the interval of a game where Dumbarton led 2-0 and the gap between the sides was almost as wide as the River Clyde that separates them. Eventually Sons won 3-2, but although the score may suggest otherwise, they were right on top of the Championship’s newly-promoted side.

That day, Morton did have key players missing, and once they return, and more signings come in, they will potentially be a different side. Already they’ve bounced back from that game – the 5-0 win they recorded over Elgin City on Saturday is decent whoever the opposition are. That game saw a debut goal for ex-Celtic striker Denny Johnstone, recruited on loan from Birmingham City, a signing which has generated excitement.

The two other signings have been steady performers at a lower level – Frank McKeown with Stranraer and Bobby Barr with numerous clubs, most recently Brechin City. However, the number of youngsters used in the Morton side so far suggests that there isn’t much strength in depth. Between now and transfer deadline day, Jim Duffy has a big job on his hands to add to his squad. Before then, they have to face Hibernian and St Mirren, and also face an early crunch match at home to Alloa.

If they mess that up, along with other games against the part-time sides, it’s going to be a long, hard season for Morton.

Verdict: 9th

Queen of the South

Finished last season: 4th (lost to Rangers in play-off quarter-final)

Manager: James Fowler

Players in: Darren Brownlie and Robbie Thomson (Cowdenbeath); Ryan Conroy (Raith Rovers); Steven Higgins (Motherwell); Dale Hilson (Forfar Athletic); Kyle Jacobs and Shaun Rutherford (Livingston); Jordan Marshall (Carlisle United); Gavin Skelton (Workington); Calum Tapping (Brechin City).

Analysis: Victims of your own success. Something this website said about Stranraer in the League One preview which was published yesterday. And a phrase which could also be used to describe another team in blue in Dumfries and Galloway.

Queen of the South, for the last three seasons, have enjoyed incredible fortunes. The Second Division title (now League One title) was won at a canter, and has been followed by two consecutive play-off places in the Championship. But with neither push being successful, the top players are going to be noticed by other clubs, who will offer them the chance of a step up with them instead.

Gavin Reilly, Mark Durnan, Ian McShane and Kevin Holt will all be playing top flight football this season while Danny Carmichael will be back at Palmerston this season, but only as part of the away team with Hibs. That’s the nature of football, and this close season, James Fowler has had the task of replacing those key players. He’s done well to bring the likes of Ryan Conroy to the club – perfect evidence of the midfielder’s talent coming with a stunning goal in Saturday’s 4-3 win over Annan Athletic. Others have come from a lower level, having impressed there, like Dale Hilson and Calum Tapping. Kyle Jacobs, Darren Brownlie and Robbie Thomson  have also arrived after a relegation battle last season, when their teams had different results.

Queens aren’t going to disappear from the race for the top four overnight. One thing which didn’t change at all when Fowler took over from Jim McIntyre was the team’s work ethic. They’ll still be bright and industrious, and taking points off them will be a big ask. However, they are set to battle with Falkirk for fourth place, and with the Bairns squad having largely been together longer, they just might have the edge. It’s one to keep an eye on, though. 

Verdict: 5th

Raith Rovers 

Finished last season: 6th 

Manager: Ray McKinnon

Players in: Kyle Benedictus and Craig Wighton (Dundee, Wighton on loan); James Craigen (Partick Thistle); Ryan McCord (Alloa Athletic); Mitch Megginson (Dumbarton); Darren Petrie (Dundee United); Lewis Toshney (Cowdenbeath).

Analysis: It’s getting on for 20 years now since Raith Rovers were last in Scotland’s top division. The desire will always be there to bring that level of football back to Kirkcaldy, but it’s been a slow burner.

After steering Raith to another mid-table finish, Grant Murray may have been expecting that he’d at least have the chance to lead them into the 2015/16 season. The Stark’s Park board had other ideas and relieved him of his duties before the 2014/15 campaign was out. Despite caretaker Laurie Ellis overseeing a 2-2 draw at Dumbarton, the chosen replacement was Ray McKinnon, who had impressed in the division below in charge of Brechin City.

From a Dumbarton point of view, two names stand out among the close season signings made by McKinnon. Darren Petrie pretty much came and went during his loan spell with Sons from Dundee United last season. Mitch Megginson was a revelation during his first season at the Rock, but couldn’t replicate that form second time around. How much that had to do with his position on the field was up for a lot of debate during that spell. If Raith can get the same out of him in his debut season as Sons did, they’ll have made a bargain purchase.

As far as other signings are concerned, activity has been steady. Big things are expected of Craig Wighton at Dundee, and having had the player on loan at Brechin last season, McKinnon is well aware of his ability. James Craigen is known to be a capable performer at this level with Partick Thistle, while Kyle Benedictus was part of the Alloa side who pulled it out of the fire against Forfar in the play-off final.

Existing players are also liable to continue to make a good impression at Stark’s Park, although the long-term injury sustained by Lewis Vaughan is a blow. Raith are set for a season of more excitement and better results, but in a tough league, it’s questionable whether their overall league position will improve. However, it’s set to be steady enough.

Verdict: 6th

Rangers

Finished last season: 3rd (lost to Motherwell in play-off final)

Manager: Mark Warburton

Players in: Wes Foderingham (Swindon Town); Andy Halliday (Bradford City); Jason Holt and Danny Wilson (Hearts); Rob Kiernan, James Tavernier and Martyn Waghorn (Wigan Athletic).

Analysis: This was going to be the most difficult thing to decide about this preview. It probably still is. Rangers and Hibernian, by far, are going to be the two teams battling it out for the title. But which of them will win it?

Then the Petrofac Cup first round draw was kind to those who wanted an early impression. And then Rangers went out and delivered a clear message. It’s a new era under Mark Warburton, a manager who made an incredible impact in charge of Brentford. As competitive debuts go, a 6-2 win away to Hibs was some statement to make.

Of course, Peterhead were also dispatched from the League Cup at the first round stage at Ibrox on Sunday. However, on Friday night, the real task begins for the Warburton regime. And it’s going to be far, far different to the task he excelled at while Brentford manager. At the start of the 2014/15 season, the Bees were newly promoted from League One into the Championship. Their aspirations for promotion to the Premier League would have been zero and therefore, there was no pressure on the gaffer. What followed was an incredible rise to prominence.

The pressure will be on, though, as soon as the first whistle sounds against St Mirren on Friday. It’ll increase with every scrutinised misplaced pass; every mistake will be picked up on by the almost sell-out crowd and the media. A first competitive cup tie outing at Easter Road was one way of breaking yourself into your new job. This is going to be another.

Signing activity has consisted largely of players from England who are already known to the new Ibrox boss. What Danny Wilson and, to a lesser extent, Jason Holt can do at this level has already been established with Hearts last season. If this squad can deliver to the extent it did at Easter Road there’ll be very little to stop them winning the title. More will be known about that, though, when Hibs go to Ibrox on Sunday, August 23.

Verdict: 1st

St Mirren

Finished last season: 12th in Premiership (relegated)

Manager: Ian Murray

Players in: Scott Agnew (Dumbarton); Stuart Carswell (Motherwell); Luke Conlan and Cameron Howieson (Burnley, Conlan on loan); Calum Gallagher (Rangers); Paul McMullan (Celtic, loan).

Analysis: So…this could easily have been the preview that was to be written for Dumbarton. At least in terms of signings, key players and what football they would play. Until the events of Friday, May 22 changed all that.

Ian Murray, exactly two and half years since he took the Sons job, was off across the Erskine Bridge to manage St Mirren. A full-time vacancy, almost every one of which he’d been linked to for at least a year, had finally become his next move. Nobody is doubting he has what it takes to thrive as a manager at this level – what he did at Dumbarton, both in the short and long term, was spectacular. But he won’t be in any doubt that this will be an entirely different challenge to the one he faced at the Rock.

For a start, he’s working with higher-profile players than he had at Dumbarton. They’ll all be full-time, and with that comes a higher level of fitness. Murray has been studying to work with these sort of players – now it’s time for him to put his work into practice. The signings of Stuart Carswell, Calum Gallagher and Paul McMullan are good ones – up-and-coming prospects who should add real quality to the midfield. And then there’s Scott Agnew. Nobody at Dumbarton needs told what he’s capable of. Neither does anybody at Berwick Rangers after his double goal haul against them in the Petrofac Cup first round tie.

St Mirren are unlikely to challenge for the title, but should easily make the top four, probably in third place. They’re then unlikely to come through all six play-off matches in triumph, but they’ll have given themselves a chance. We’ll see.

Verdict: 3rd

Dumbarton

Finished last season: 7th

Manager: Stevie Aitken

Players in: Darren Barr and Mark Brown (Ross County); Gregor Buchanan (Dunfermline Athletic); Kevin Cawley and Mark Docherty (Alloa Athletic); Steven Craig (Wycombe Wanderers); Grant Gallagher and Willie Gibson (Stranraer); Jamie Lindsay and Calum Waters (Celtic, both loan); Darren Miller (Queen’s Park); Jon Routledge (Hamilton Accies); Gordon Smith (Stirling Albion). 

Analysis: It’s like moving house. Moving to a new country, even. You’ve got a good feeling, a real buzz about a new beginning for yourself. But although you’ve a good idea of how it’s going to go, you’re never certain until it all kicks off.

The friendlies and early season cup ties have offered an early impression of what life will be like for Dumbarton under Stevie Aitken, who until Saturday, May 9 was on course to manage Stranraer to a place in the Championship. Some of it has been most impressive, others had all the hallmarks of a team still gelling. The two cup ties offered different perspectives. Against Morton in the Petrofac Cup Sons were dominant, ruthless and clinical with chances. At East Fife last week they still had opportunities, but weren’t as merciless when they came along. Although as previously outlined, the League Cup exit may not be the worst thing, bearing in mind how it would fit into the schedule.

Possibly predictably, the players who have impressed most are the ones Aitken brought with him from Stranraer. The ones he’s worked with for some time and knows what he can get out of them. While the Blues have been Grant Gallagher’s only senior club, Willie Gibson has been around a few teams, even moving down south with Crawley Town. Both of them, though, have fitted seamlessly into life as Dumbarton players.

And the big-name players just keep coming. The ones who, if told a few years ago that they’d be playing for Dumbarton one day, you’d laugh at whoever was telling you. Darren Barr, Mark Brown, Jon Routledge, Steven Craig? Yet again, it just shows how far the club has come in such a short space of time.

Those big-name players will of course be vital with the experience they offer of arenas like Ibrox and Easter Road. But each and every one of Aitken’s troops will be vital. From the five (FIVE) he has retained from last season to those who have done it at a high level, all will be needed to perform. It gets said every season, but this is going to be a 36-game roller coaster. One which can be brutal and ruthless, but also generate moments to savour. Starting on Saturday against Hibs, perchance, or at least providing a victory in one game against a high-profile side?

No rash predictions. Eighth place will do just fine. The signs have been there that it can be bettered – but one step at a time. The preliminary journey is over, for the time being. The real one is about to begin. Enjoy it.

Verdict: 8th

Bring it on!

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WHAT’S done is done. Now for the real stuff.

Dumbarton’s penalty shootout defeat to East Fife is already consigned to the past by manager Stephen Aitken.

And the message is now simple. Bring on Saturday’s league opener against Hibernian.

The Edinburgh side visit the Rock for episode one of a 36-match saga which will see both teams strive for their respective goals.

With progress sealed in one cup, and the other ended only on penalties, Stevie is ready for the real journey.

The Sons boss said: “It’s always nice to get through cup ties but your bread and butter is the league and we’re looking forward to that starting on Saturday.

“We know there will be setbacks along the way, and that’s just part and parcel of football. We’ve worked hard in pre-season and we worked hard last night to be ready for the Hibs game.

“When the fixtures were released it was an opening fixture which excited everybody. Hibs are one of the favourites for the league and it was a challenge we wanted early doors.

“Unless anything goes wrong in training on Thursday, we’ll have a fully fit squad to choose from.”

The gaffer also clarified Garry Fleming’s angry reaction to the concession of East Fife’s opening goal on Saturday, and his substitution which followed.

While disappointed to lose on penalties at New Bayview, he was impressed with the response at training last night (Tuesday).

The manager added: “There’s no problem. Players get frustrated and in Garry’s case, it’s because he’s set such high standards for himself, which he showed against Morton.

“He was just annoyed, like everyone else gets, but it’s easily forgotten about and we move on from there.

“The response to Saturday was what I thought it would be. We have professional players in the squad and they were disappointed with how the weekend went.

“We only had ourselves to blame on Saturday as we had enough chances, and enough penalties, to win, but the players worked really hard last night.”

Do NOT miss The Dumbarton Terrace’s 2015/16 Championship preview, online tomorrow. Leagues One and Two are already previewed on the homepage, below this story.

League One preview 2015/16

Airdrieonians

Finished last season: 5th

Manager: Gary Bollan

Players in: David Cox (Peterhead); Sean Crighton (Morton); Alan Lithgow (Stenhousemuir); Caolan McAleer (East Fife); Kevin McBride (Dundee); Taylor Morgan (Ostersunds, loan); Neil Parry (Albion Rovers); Nico Sumsky (Hamilton Accies, loan); David Van Zanten (Dumbarton).

Analysis: Three years on from the unexpected promotion, which brought instant relegation, things just might be starting to look up for Airdrieonians again. After gradually adjusting to life back in the third tier of Scottish football, this might be their time to shine.

Before transfer business even kicked off in this close season, Airdrie had one of the best strike forces in the division in Jim Lister and Bryan Prunty. They have since added David Cox to it, and defensively the signings of Alan Lithgow and David Van Zanten are positive ones. Together with the highly-rated Neil Parry arriving to keep goal, the Diamonds have signed well over the close season.

Gary Bollan is starting his third full season in charge at New Broomfield and some may feel this is the campaign where he has to make them a big part of the promotion race. The early signs are that he is capable of doing that. Dunfermline are the last team to visit Airdrie this season on ordinary league business, on Saturday, April 23, and if the Pars can be kept at arm’s length until then there may be more at stake than just a play-off place. Hopes can rightly be high at Airdrie this season.

Verdict: 2nd

Albion Rovers

Finished last season: 1st in League Two (promoted as champions)

Manager: Darren Young

Players in: Andy Barrowman (Dunfermline Athletic); Mark Ferry (unattached); Scott McBride (Arbroath); Yamikani Misanjo (Rossvale); Paul Willis (Berwick Rangers).

Analysis: In the early part of season 2014/15, it looked for all the world like those who tipped Albion Rovers for the title were wide of the mark. Arbroath were running away with the league – but when all started to go wrong at Gayfield around the halfway point, Rovers were there to take advantage. That all culminated in them clinching the title and being presented with the trophy at their last home game – against Arbroath.

They’re set to start life in League One with largely the same squad, with the Dunlop brothers, Michael and Ross, teaming up again in defence. Big things will be needed from newly-signed striker Andy Barrowman and fellow frontman John Gemmell this season, while two players have joined Rovers after impressing sufficiently in opposition last season. Scott McBride has already performed at this level, while Paul Willis’ ability to do so after a step up remains to be seen. Arguably Rovers’ biggest signing of the close season has been in the dugout, with Billy Stark arriving to assist manager Darren Young.

The Rovers will not make it easy for other teams this season. As has been discovered by many sides over the years, Cliftonhill is an unforgiving place, even for the best teams in the league. However, League One is a totally different prospect for the Coatbridge men than League Two was. It won’t be without a fight, but they may just come up short.

Verdict: 10th

Ayr United

Finished last season: 8th

Manager: Ian McCall

Players in: Jamie Adams (Wigtown and Bladnoch); Pat Boyle and Greg Docherty (Airdrieonians); Ross Caldwell (Morton); Greg Fleming (Stenhousemuir); Gerry McLauchlan and Allan Trouten (Brechin City); Craig Moore (Motherwell, loan).

Analysis: What a difference a year makes. This time in 2014, Ayr United were still scrabbling around for players and were being touted for relegation in many quarters, including this one. In the end, it took a last-day victory at Forfar for all those expectations to be proven wrong.

This time around, under McCall’s experienced management, pre-season transfer activity has improved. The double signing of Gerry McLauchlan and Allan Trouten from Brechin City is a very positive move and in Trouten’s case, should bring goals from midfield. In new signing Pat Boyle and new captain Nicky Devlin, Ayr are also well served in the full back areas while Greg Fleming’s experience at a higher level should be beneficial in goal.

Then you have the signing of Craig Moore on loan from Motherwell, already a regular scorer a division up with Cowdenbeath and a player who many were expecting to get a chance at Fir Park this season. The Steelmen’s loss (until January anyway) is Ayr’s gain, and if all the signings can click straight away, there could be something in this season for the Honest Men – namely a play-off place.

Verdict: 3rd

Brechin City

Finished last season: 4th (lost in play-off semi-final to Alloa Athletic)

Manager: Darren Dods

Players in: Kevin Buchan (Arbroath); James Dale (Forfar Athletic); Craig Johnston (Cowdenbeath); Jamie Montgomery (Dundee United); Ross Perry (Northampton Town); Dene Shields (Zewkij Tigers); Euan Smith (Kilmarnock); Jonathan Tiffoney and David Weatherston (Alloa Athletic).

Analysis: By no means are they alone in having this happen to them in League One, but Brechin, after a successful 2014/15 season, have had the rug pulled from under them. Ultimately they didn’t make the step up to the Championship, but manager Ray McKinnon did, accepting the hot seat at Raith Rovers. Some key players will be back at Glebe Park only twice next season, in opposition, and overall it has been a summer of transition at Brechin.

Ex-Forfar defender Darren Dods, another whose promotion ambitions were thwarted by Alloa, is now in the hot seat for his first managerial gig. While hopes may be high for another tilt at the play-offs, Brechin’s expectations may have to be tempered. Much of their squad building was done late in the day due to the process of appointing a new gaffer – their first friendly was undertaken with only six signed players available.

Some of the signings have been good ones while the impression made by others is awaited with interest. David Weatherston is undoubtedly talented at this level but injury upon injury has plagued his career. This season is likely to be one for Dods to adjust to life as a manager, and get things ready for a promotion push in 2016/17.

Verdict: 7th

Cowdenbeath

Finished last season: 10th in Championship (automatically relegated)

Manager: Colin Nish

Players in: Michael Andrews (Berwick Rangers); Luke Armstrong (Birmingham City); Jack Beaumont and Brad Donaldson (Livingston); Cameron Muirhead (Fife Elite Football Academy); Sam Orritt (Limestone College); Greig Spence (Alloa Athletic); Mo Yaqub (St Mirren)

Analysis: After the success of previous years under Danny Lennon and Colin Cameron, it’s all gone a bit stale at Cowdenbeath. And the freefall may not be over yet.

Although only relegated from the Championship on the last day of the season, they were always likely to be in that position. And it was the way they went down in that final clash, away to Alloa, that summed it up. On a day when the sleeves should have been rolled up for a big battle, they limply went down 3-0. Key players from last season have now departed and while some good acquisitions have been made, most notably striker Greig Spence, there isn’t much experience. Neither is there in the dugout, with Colin Nish taking up his first senior managerial role, having hardly had great success as manager of Dumbarton’s under-20s.

‘Play-offs’ will be a key phrase when it comes to Cowdenbeath’s aspirations this season. But which ones? At the moment, rather than bouncing straight back up, it looks more likely to be the ones to avoid a second straight relegation.

Verdict: 9th

Dunfermline Athletic

Finished last season: 7th

Manager: Allan Johnston

Players in: Joe Cardle (Ross County); Callum Fordyce and Jason Talbot (Livingston); David Hutton (Ayr United); Sean Murdoch (Rochester Rhinos); Michael Paton (Queen of the South); Ben Richards-Everton (Partick Thistle);

Analysis: Dunfermline have, of course, been through relegation from the top flight on numerous occasions. However, in terms of disappointing league finishes, last season must rank among the lowest of them. Not even a play-off place.

Many people were predicting silverware for the Pars this time last year only to end up with egg on their faces. This time they have a manager in Allan Johnston who has already won this league at a canter, many signings from a higher level, and a clean slate. The signings of Callum Fordyce and Jason Talbot, already team-mates at Livingston, is a very positive move, along with the return of Joe Cardle who drops two divisions to come back to East End Park.

Progress has been made in both early season cup competitions, with nine goals run in by the Pars so far. All the boxes seem to have been ticked for this season to be a big improvement. Dunfermline surely will not mess it up this time around.

Verdict: 1st

Forfar Athletic

Finished last season: 3rd (lost in play-off final to Alloa Athletic)

Manager: Dick Campbell

Players in: Bryan Hodge (Stenhousemuir); Kevin Nicoll (Arbroath); Thomas O’Brien (Cowdenbeath).

Analysis: The team who looked for all the world like they would be in the second tier for the first time since 1992. Leading Alloa 2-0 on aggregate, they headed for Clackmannanshire in May highly optimistic. And then it all went wrong. Has the opportunity passed them by? Not necessarily, but some rebuilding is still needed.

There are question marks over whether age is catching up with some members of the Forfar squad. As well as the 42-year-old Rab Douglas in goal, Chris Templeman will be 35 in a few weeks’ time. However, 40-year-old Darren Dods is now away to Brechin as player/manager and new signing Thomas O’Brien should fit seamlessly into his place at centre half. All he needs now is somebody to play alongside him there, with Stuart Malcolm away to Stenhousemuir. Others, like Omar Kader and Dale Hilson, are also off elsewhere.

It will be tough for Forfar to challenge as they did last time around as they have struggled to replace some key players. Dick Campbell always has a trick up his sleeve to get his side into the promotion places and it will be interesting to see if he can manage it again. They’ll be closer to the play-offs at the top than the bottom, but another challenge may have to wait another year.

Verdict: 6th

Peterhead

Finished last season: 6th

Manager: Jim McInally

Players in: Nathan Blockley (Airdrieonians); Kevin Dzierzawski (Queen of the South); Ally Gilchrist (St Johnstone, loan); Marc Lawrence (Lewis United); Leighton McIntosh (Montrose); Shane Sutherland (Elgin City).

Analysis: There’s obviously a lot of faith in last season’s squad at Peterhead. Of the four permanent signings over the close season, only one has come from a higher division, and he was already on loan at Balmoor in the 2014/15 campaign.

The 3-0 win away to Brechin City in the Petrofac Cup first round offers hope for the season ahead – not an easy result to get by any means. However, the league campaign is drawn out over 36 games and Peterhead will need to go to places like Glebe Park on a regular basis and come away with the points. Of course they have Rory McAllister, set to be among the goals again, and they’ll be a banana skin for many opponents.

But this season is going to be tough for Peterhead. Dunfermline, Ayr United and Stenhousemuir, who all finished below them last season, have all improved for this campaign. The signings from a lower level will really need to hit the ground running in what is set to be a battle to survive. Jim McInally’s experience as a manager may swing it for them ahead of Cowdenbeath and Albion Rovers.

Verdict: 8th

Stenhousemuir

Finished last season: 9th (beat Queen’s Park in play-off final)

Manager: Brown Ferguson

Players in: Jamie Barclay (Clyde); Alan Cook (East Fife); Mark Gilhaney (Dumbarton); Liam Henderson (Hearts, loan); Jon McShane (East Fife); Stuart Malcolm (Forfar Athletic); Euan Murray (Western United); Jon Robertson (Cowdenbeath); Allan Smith (Dunfermline Athletic); Stephen Stirling (Stranraer).

Analysis: It would have been interesting to see what sort of players would be in that above paragraph had Saturday, May 16 not been such a successful day for Stenhousemuir. The Warriors were at the end of a season where the disastrous tenure of Scott Booth as manager was ended in early February. Although they held a 1-0 lead over Queen’s Park from the play-off final first leg, nerves would still have been shredded. When Colin McMenamin put them in an early lead on the day, though, that was realistically that. The Spiders did equalise on the day, but could do no more than that, and Stenny were safe.

This close season, the transfer activity at Ochilview has been impressive for a club who stared League Two in the face for so long. This time around, they should have one of the best midfields in League One – Jon Robertson and Mark Gilhaney have done it for several seasons at a higher level and were part of promotion-winning teams in the division in 2012. At the back, Stuart Malcolm is an expert at defending teams to the play-offs and, if the end product can be delivered by the likes of Allan Smith, there might be something in it for Stenny.

Whisper it, as they struggled last season – but the Warriors might be a team to watch this time.

Verdict: 4th

 

Stranraer

Finished last season: 2nd (lost play-off semi-final to Forfar Athletic)

Manager: Brian Reid

Players in: Connor Brennan (Kilmarnock, loan); Paul Cairney (Kilmarnock); Max Currie (Motherwell); Dale Keenan (Partick Thistle); Peter McGill (Ayr United); Mark McGuigan (Albion Rovers); Lee Mair (Dumbarton); Liam Rowan (Falkirk); Andy Stirling and Ryan Thomson (Dunfermline Athletic).

Analysis: There’s a well-known phrase in football – victims of your own success. Stranraer may not have won any trophies last season but gained a huge amount of attention with their league exploits. Indeed, had they beaten Morton in their final ordinary home match, instead of losing 2-0, chances are they’d have been planning for the Championship, with Stephen Aitken in charge and largely the same team.

Unfortunately for them, Aitken’s achievements have led Dumbarton to appoint him as manager and while only two of his Stair Park squad, Willie Gibson and Grant Gallagher, have joined him, more have gone elsewhere. David Mitchell has gone to Dundee, Frank McKeown has joined Morton and Jackson Longridge is off to Livingston. Aitken did leave a few signed players, including new recruits, for the incoming manager to work with, and the signing of Paul Cairney from Kilmarnock is a real coup for the Stair Park club.

The new gaffer is Brian Reid, and having led Ayr United to promotion through the play-offs in 2009, Stranraer will be anxious to see if he can repeat the feat with them. After so many big names leaving the club, the Blues will do well to finish as high in the table as last time. The play-offs are certainly within reach, but such a huge rebuilding process means it’s not as certain as last year. We’ll see.

Verdict: 5th

League Two preview 2015/16

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Annan Athletic

Finished last season: 5th

Manager: Jim Chapman

Players in: Blair Currie (Hamilton Accies); Jordan Hart (Celtic); Jamie Watson (Airdrieonians).

Analysis: Jim Chapman is about to start his third full season in charge at Annan in League Two, the current version of the Third Division he won with Dumbarton in 2009. How patient is he going to be for similar success in the league with his current club?

Despite the relatively slow transfer activity at Galabank so far, early signs have been positive. League One Airdrieonians were dispatched from the Petrofac Cup while Championship Queen of the South needed a very late equaliser, and then extra time, in Saturday’s League Cup first round tie. That was also with Annan having gone down to nine men.

However, the league is a nine-month marathon and without much transfer activity having taken place, Annan will need a lot of breaks to be part of the race for the top four. The squad will have to stay fit and results which were difficult to get last season need to be obtained this time around. If that happens they’ll give themselves a chance, but it’s a lot to ask at the moment. 

Verdict: 7th

Arbroath

Finished last season: 3rd (lost play-off semi-final to Queen’s Park)

Manager: Todd Lumsden

Players in: Sergio Alvarez (Atletico Victoria); Calum Brodie and Jamie Reid (Dundee); Jamie Clarke (Broughty Athletic); Lewis Coult (Stirling Albion);  Allan Fleming (East Fife); David Gold (Berwick Rangers); Martin Grehan (Stenhousemuir); Graham Hay (Formartine United); Kane Hester (Arbroath Vics); Craig Wilson (Linlithgow Rose).

Analysis: It really shouldn’t be humanly possible for a season to fall apart as Arbroath’s did in 2014/15. Coasting to the title at the midway point, lucky to still be in the top four by the end, and chances of promotion through the play-offs ended at the first hurdle.

The Red Lichties’ new-look squad has had a couple of tough assignments in the cup competitions to kick things off. Dunfermline were comprehensive winners in the end in the Petrofac Cup first round but events at Tynecastle last Thursday will give confidence. Indeed, had Arbroath enjoyed the breaks in front of goal, they may have caused a shock against Hearts. That, though, is not their big priority this season.

Lewis Coult and Martin Grehan should score goals at this level, but many signings have come from senior or youth level and it remains to be seen what impression they will make. Arbroath should make the play-offs again, but can do without another mid-season collapse.

Verdict: 4th

Berwick Rangers

Finished last season: 8th

Manager: Colin Cameron

Players in: Kieran Ainslie and Mark Walters (Coldstream); David Banjo and Ross Graham (Montrose); Graeme Beveridge (Elgin City); Dwayne Coultress (Maidenhead Utd); Charlie Denton (Kirkcaldy YM); Finn Graham (Dunfermline Athletic); Calum Helm (Hutchison Vale); Barry Hogg (Tynecastle); Michael McKenna and Kevin Walker (Livingston); Ewan McNeil (Brechin City); David Morris (Dalkeith Thistle); Robert Wilson (Musselburgh Athletic).

Analysis: “A repeat of last season’s form is unacceptable.” The statement issued in June by Berwick chairman Brian Porteous which just about says it all regarding expectations at the club for the coming season. The Shielfield Park club were always going to challenge for promotion the hard way but it does seem rather strange that they reached the Scottish Cup quarter finals yet could only manage eighth place, only ahead of second bottom East Stirlingshire on goal difference.

Manager Cameron certainly can’t be accused of not strengthening the squad numbers-wise over the close season, with 15 new signings checking in. Many of them have come from non-league football and as yet are relative unknowns at senior level, but some have arrived with experience, such as ex-Livingston duo Michael McKenna and Kevin Walker, who were on the fringes of the Almondvale first team last season.

The new-look squad has made a positive start, most notably in Saturday’s League Cup first round tie at home to Alloa. Berwick were 2-0 down at home to the Championship Wasps but rallied to take the game to extra time and then won it 3-2 in the added half hour. Beginners’ luck or something they’re capable of doing on a regular basis? Time will tell, but Berwick should finish higher than last season and, if everything comes together, may be capable of a play-off push. The pressure is on to deliver this time, though.

Verdict: 5th

Clyde

Finished last season: 6th

Manager: Barry Ferguson

Players in: Michael Bolochoweckyj and Stephen Brisbane (East Stirlingshire); Archie Campbell and Scott Linton (Dumbarton); John Gibson (Alloa Athletic); David Gormley (Auchinleck Talbot); Sean Higgins (Cowdenbeath); Chris Mitchell (Queen of the South); Chris Smith (Stirling Albion).

Analysis: This is Clyde’s sixth season in the basement division, having been challengers for promotion to the top flight as recently as 2004. Any outsider would be forgiven for thinking that things were in the doldrums at the Cumbernauld outfit. But that may be about to change.

It was with no huge surprise that Scott Linton and Archie Campbell were released from Dumbarton. The former had done a steady job but needed a change of scenery, while the latter’s move 12 months ago just didn’t work out. It was, though, unexpected that they would end up two divisions lower. Campbell, in particular, should thrive in League Two, especially with the experience of Sean Higgins alongside him. The signing of Chris Mitchell from Queen of the South is also a notable one and should add steel to the defence.

After a hit-and-miss first season in charge, Barry Ferguson will surely look to kick on from there and seal at least a play-off place this time around. Consecutive cup ties at Livingston proved too much of an obstacle in the end, although the first did go to extra time. Clyde have signed well, and early, for a promotion push and may have put down a marker as the team to beat.

Verdict: 1st

East Fife

Finished last season: 4th (lost play-off semi-final to Stenhousemuir)

Manager: Gary Naysmith

Players in: Mikey Couser (Alloa Athletic); Ryan Goodfellow, Scott Mercer, Declan O’Kane and Jonathan Page (Dunfermline Athletic); Jason Kerr (St Johnstone, loan); Graeme MacGregor (East Stirlingshire); Craig Murray (Aberdeen); Pat Slattery (Queen of the South); Craig Sutherland (Stenhousemuir); Kyle Wilkie (Nairn County).

Analysis: Early season cup ties don’t always pre-empt how a league season will turn out, but East Fife may just have flexed some muscle ahead of what they will view as another push for promotion.

By all accounts they were very unlucky to lose to Falkirk in the Petrofac Cup first round, and the scoring pattern would suggest that. Until the second last minute the Bairns were going to be forced to settle for extra time, but edged it, eventually securing a 3-1 victory. Then there was Saturday. Having won on each of their last three visits to New Bayview, Dumbarton were frustrated and found the Fifers difficult to break down, eventually going out of the League Cup on penalties.

In striker Nathan Austin, East Fife have a special talent whose quality stood out on Saturday. He also impressed without the suspended Kevin Smith beside him. If those two can continue to produce, and the Fifers can remain difficult to break down, a play-off place should be a certainty. With a bit of luck, there may be more than that to aim for. 

Verdict: 3rd

East Stirlingshire

Finished last season: 9th

Manager: Craig Tully

Players in: Jonny Court (Raith Rovers, loan); Darren Dolan (Sauchie Juniors); Reece Donaldson (Peterhead); Kris Faulds (Stenhousemuir); Ally Roy (Hearts, loan).

Analysis: The so-near-and-yet-so-far days of promotion challenges now seem very distant for East Stirlingshire, who in recent seasons have shown signs of slipping back into the worst-team-in-Scotland maelstrom they were in during the early 21^st century.

It was said in many quarters that their performances deserved better than the ninth place they got last season. However, key players have left and are being replaced by loanees and players who are largely untried at senior level. The signing of Reece Donaldson, experienced at higher levels with Raith Rovers and Peterhead, is a good one and should strengthen the Shire at the back. And David McKenna, a regular goalscorer in lower league football, has been retained.

Already out of both cup competitions, East Stirlingshire are already free to concentrate on what will be another season of battling hard. They won’t be alone in the mix to avoid the play-off spot for finishing bottom, but their efforts may not be enough.

Verdict: 10th

Elgin City

Finished last season: 7th

Manager: Jim Weir

Players in: Liam Gordon, George Hunter, Mark Hurst (St Johnstone, all loan); Marc McKenzie (Albion Rovers); Kyle MacLeod (Ross County).

Analysis: Season number 16 in Scotland’s basement division beckons for Elgin City. A trip up the A9 to Borough Briggs is firmly part of the staple diet for a League Two club, and relished by most supporters.

Winger Marc McKenzie is a positive signing by the Morayshire club, with extensive experience at this level. Big things will also be expected of on-loan St Johnstone striker George Hunter, who was brought to McDiarmid Park after a phenomenal goalscoring spell with Spartans. If he can replicate that form during his stay at Borough Briggs, the scope may be there for Elgin to challenge for a play-off place.

It’s more likely to be a case of same again, though. Elgin will be the same banana skin team for many of the promotion chasers, but need to do it consistently if they are to improve on last season’s finish.

Verdict: 8th

Montrose

Finished last season: 10th (won play-off against Brora Rangers to avoid relegation)

Manager: Paul Hegarty

Players in: Matty Allan (Dundee, loan); Greg Cameron and Ryan Ferguson (Brechin City); Gary Fraser (Jeanfield Swifts); Ryan Kenneth (St James Ams); Jordan Millar (St Johnstone, loan); Dale Reid and Jordan Reoch (Montrose Roselea); Andrew Steeves (Forfar Athletic);

Analysis: That bit about Elgin City being in the bottom division for some time? Montrose can beat that. It is now 20 years since they were outside of the Third Division/League Two. They nearly weren’t going to be in this league for the 2015/16 season, but not in the way they’d have wanted. Only victory over Brora Rangers in a play-off kept their status in the SPFL’s top divisions.

That close call, and a desire to avoid a repeat scenario, will surely drive Montrose on this time around. But it is still set to be a season battling at the wrong end of the table, although many of their signings are unknown quantities and may be able to prove themselves at a higher level. The cup draws weren’t really kind to the Gable Endies, although Forfar did need to wait until 11 minutes from full time before breaking them down two weeks ago. The proving process starts in earnest this Saturday in the league opener away to Berwick Rangers.

They won’t trouble the promotion play-off race but after last season, it’s all about survival for Montrose. 

Verdict: 9th

Queen’s Park

Finished last season: 2nd (lost play-off final to Stenhousemuir)

Manager: Gus MacPherson

Players in: Joe Bradley (Beith); David Galt (Blantyre Vics); Craig McLeish (East Kilbride); Cammy Marlow (Glenafton); Connor O’Boyle (Harestanes Amateurs).

Analysis: So, was last season a flash in the pan for the Spiders, or is there more to come? Thirty-six instalments of league action will tell us.

The 2015/16 campaign hasn’t got off to the best start for Queens, who only edged out Edinburgh City on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in the Petrofac Cup first round. They were then beaten 2-0 at home by Forfar in a tie where, after the Spiders’ exploits last season, some may have looked for a shock result.

The squad hasn’t had much senior experience added over the close season, with the exception of Craig McLeish, who is returning to the SPFL ranks after a spell with East Kilbride in the Lowland League. Mind you, the number of junior signings was queried by some last season and look what happened there. Gus MacPherson’s experience at a higher level as manager will again be beneficial, but it remains to be seen what this season’s Hampden class can deliver. 

Verdict: 6th

Stirling Albion

Finished last season: 10th in League One (automatically relegated)

Manager: Stuart McLaren

Players in: Craig Beattie and Jon Paul McGovern (Ayr United); Sean Dickson (East Fife); Ross McMillan and Chris Smith (Stenhousemuir); Ross Smith (Peterhead); Mark Staunton (Irvine Meadow).

Analysis: Nobody does promotion and relegation quite like Stirling Albion at the moment. Since 2009 they have only had one season (2012/13) where they’ve gone neither up nor down. Unfortunately for them, last season was the latter of those, and in convincing fashion as well.

Needless to say, their aspiration after that will be to bounce straight back up. They have signed well in the form of players like Ross McMillan, Ross Smith and Sean Dickson, all of whom are well versed in football at a higher level. Injury concerns are always going to follow Craig Beattie around, but he’s already got his first goal for the Binos and, if they keep him fit, he may be able to chip in a few goals at this level.

Within 90 minutes this Saturday, fans of Clyde and Stirling Albion will have a better picture of their teams’ title prospects when the sides meet at Forthbank. The Binos should earn a play-off place over the entire season, and could make the title race a close one.

Verdict: 2nd

East Fife 1 Dumbarton 1 (4-3 penalties)

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WELL…are they ready for the new season or not?

Which Dumbarton side is going to turn up for the big league kick-off next week? The one which rolled Morton over, or this one?

The side which did have enough chances to see off East Fife, but weren’t as ruthless and clinical as they were at Cappielow? Right down to the penalty shootout when they were at matchpoint twice, only to still lose?

Sons were already close to being victims of a cup shock when Nathan Austin put the Fifers ahead, but Kevin Cawley’s equaliser forced extra time.

With no goals scored in the added half hour, it was down to penalties, the first three of which were converted by Scott Taggart, Grant Gallagher and Andy Graham.

Allan Walker had already missed for East Fife and when Craig Sutherland did likewise, Steven Craig had the chance to win it on his debut.

It was all downhill from there. After Craig blasted over, Pat Slattery gave the hosts a lifeline. A conversion by Willie Gibson would still put Sons through, but his effort was saved.

There was then some sort of inevitability about Declan O’Kane scoring for the home side, and then Cawley’s kick being saved. What should have been a victory was instead a disappointment.

In the long term, this might not be the worst thing. For one, had Sons won, they’d have faced a schedule of Queen of the South on Saturday, round two against full-time opposition on Tuesday, and Falkirk on Friday. Tough for any part-time side.

However, on the day, it wasn’t what was projected by the fine victory at Cappielow. Too many passes were slack and a well-organised East Fife side – who look definite play-off material – were hard to break down.

Nothing changes in terms of enthusiasm for the league opener with Hibs this Saturday. But of the two competitive displays Sons have produced so far, only one can be reproduced if they are to have a chance of a result.

The first half was generally poor fare, with Sons having marginally the better of it, but creating only half chances. Garry Fleming’s effort was saved while Darren Barr was ready to finish as Jamie Lindsay played the ball across, but the keeper did just enough. He also kept out Lindsay and Fleming with later shots.

East Fife, though, were quick to start the second half and took only three minutes to open the scoring. Austin latched on to a long ball and, similarly to Fleming at Greenock, lifted the ball over the keeper and into the net with precision skill.

Within a minute he thought he had scored a second, even going as far as to celebrate, but the referee had already given a foul against him.

Another near miss by Fleming was all Sons could immediately respond with, but on 66 minutes Cawley headed them level, connecting with Calum Waters’ cross at the back post.

There still wasn’t much to excite the away support, with Kyle Wilkie twice going close to restoring the home side’s lead.

But with two minutes left Craig had the chance to avoid extra time after cutting into the area for the left, only for his bending shot to go over.

The additional half hour saw Dumbarton more dominant, with Gallagher and Cawley going close in the first period.

Then in the second, Gregor Buchanan went close with a six-yard shot which was saved, before it looked as if Sons had taken the lead on 112 minutes.

For the second week in a row, they had a goal disallowed for an alleged foul on the keeper, with Cawley bundling home in vain from a free kick.

So it was on to the penalties. It should have been seen through, but wasn’t. That, and the way Sons laboured for long spells, are matters gaffer Stevie Aitken will look to address this week.

But his team is still in one cup competition. The one which, if the draws are kind, they have a better chance of winning.

And let’s face it. Although cup ties are nice to win, the early ones are appetisers ahead of the big league kick-off.

Bring it on.

East Fife: Goodfellow; Mullen, Slattery, Page, Murray (Walker 66), Brown, Austin (Sutherland 109), Wilkie, O’Kane, McGregor (Naysmith 75), Mercer. Sub: Couser. Booked: Wilkie.

Dumbarton: Brown; Taggart, Buchanan, Cawley, Gallagher, Fleming (Craig 60), Gibson, Barr (Graham 104), Waters, Routledge, Lindsay (Kirkpatrick 81). Subs: Ewings; Docherty, Miller, Smith. Booked: Gallagher, Routledge, Gibson.

Referee: Steven Kirkland.

Crowd: 461.

Post-match reaction – Craig will be available

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HE’S done something that only Jimmy Brown, David Winnie and Alan Adamson have done before.

Succeeded where promotion-winning managers like Billy Lamont, Murdo MacLeod and Jim Chapman couldn’t.

One competitive game into life as Dumbarton manager, Stevie Aitken has managed Sons to victory in a Petrofac Cup tie.

And after seeing off Morton with Saturday’s 3-2 first round victory, the gaffer is in no mood to stop.

A trip to Hampden to face Queen’s Park in round two is Sons’ reward for the win at Greenock, which Stevie felt they fully deserved.

He said: “I was delighted with the result and performance. We played really well and although losing the two goals made it nervy, we were never under pressure.

“Our display was very pleasing and we were on top of the game for long spells.

“In any cup competition you want to get games at home, but if you’re not getting that, you look at venues where you want to play.

“Hampden is a ground which we don’t get to play on that often and I’m sure our players will be looking forward to it.

“I am sure it will be the case that the pressure is on us as we are the team from the higher division.

“But Queen’s Park have done very well under Gus MacPherson, bringing young players through.

“There are players playing international football who were there in the past, so we will have to be on our guard when the game takes place.”

The immediate priority now is Saturday’s League Cup tie away to East Fife, who Stevie’s Stranraer team knocked out of the same competition this time last year.

He continued: “I’m looking forward to it. It’s another tough game and East Fife will be desperate to get through.

“But if we play as we know we can play, then I am confident of another good result.”

Stevie also confirmed that striker Steven Craig will be available for the East Fife match, having now become a signed player.

Jordan Kirkpatrick, who missed the Morton game with a training ground injury, will be assessed ahead of the New Bayview trip, but otherwise Sons have a clean bill of health.

The gaffer also hailed the appointment of former Sons player Stuart Millar as the club’s chief scout.

He added: “Stuart will watch future opponents for us and has made a wide range of contacts through his work in Scotland for West Brom.

“I am delighted to have him on board.”

Grant gets it spot-on

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GRANT GALLAGHER’S wish is the draw-makers’ command.

Only minutes before the teams are drawn out of the hat for the Petrofac Cup second round, the midfielder is on the phone to talk about Dumbarton’s win over Morton.

And when asked about the last 16, he replies: “I’ll take anyone, but I’d like a trip to Hampden.”

Ten minutes later, he has exactly the draw he wanted.

It’s pretty much the icing on the cake for the midfielder, whose weekend started with a double in the 3-2 victory at Cappielow.

He was then part of the winning team at the club’s golf day on Sunday – even though he doesn’t play golf.

He said: “I don’t know how that happened! A few of the boys talked a good game but on the course it was different.

“Some of the players are regular golfers – Mark Docherty spoke about it all the time and I think his team finished last!

“But it was another really good day with the players spending time together away from the football pitch.

“Saturday was a great day as well. I was delighted to get two goals and it’s a dream start for me in competitive football.”

With the trip to Hampden now pencilled in for the midweek of August 18/19, Sons can now concentrate on another cup campaign.

East Fife lie in wait at New Bayview on Saturday in the League Cup first round – and for Grant, it’s a chance for history to repeat itself.

He was in the Stranraer side which beat the Fifers 1-0 at the same stage of last season’s competition with an injury time winner.

Grant added: “I’ve always enjoyed going to New Bayview. It’s a big pitch and a good place to go and play football.

“I’ve had success there before with Stranraer, so here’s hoping it continues with Dumbarton.”

Free kick still Garry’s best

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SIXTY-SIX minutes. That’s how long some people’s goal of the season competitions might have lasted.

As soon as Garry Fleming ran on to a long ball, and lobbed the Morton keeper with skill Cristiano Ronaldo would be happy with, any contest was done and dusted.

Not just in terms of goal of the season, but Dumbarton’s game at Cappielow. It made the score 3-0.

In a way it was almost fitting that Morton pulled two goals back, as Garry’s fantastic piece of skill was the winner in a 3-2 victory.

However, the striker still reckons his best goal came seven months ago on a cold afternoon in Cowdenbeath.

His free kick in a 3-1 win at Central Park is still his favourite goal, although he hopes that the trail towards his 10-goal target for the season is now blazed.

Garry said: “I’m obviously happy to score it. I just ran on to a loose ball from the back, the defender couldn’t deal with it and I sneaked in and lobbed the keeper.

“But I’d still say my goal at Cowdenbeath last season is the best I’ve scored, even though the one on Saturday was good.

“Hopefully it’s the first of many competitive goals this season. I’m aiming for double figures and I’m off to a good start with that.”

After today’s (Monday) Petrofac Cup second round draw, Sons switch their attention to Saturday’s League Cup first round tie at East Fife.

Garry is well aware of the challenge awaiting at New Bayview, but after Saturday, confidence is high.

He added: “We’re confident of going anywhere and winning, but we know it’s not going to be an easy game.

“I’ve played against East Fife during my days at Albion Rovers and know it’s a tough place to go.

“They will be up for it as they were unlucky to lose at Falirk on Saturday, but we have confidence as well after our game.

“I thought we controlled (Saturday’s) game for long periods. We maybe took our foot off the gas a bit going into the late part when Morton got two back, but we fully deserved to win.

“Hopefully we can now push on from that and the win can give us confidence about facing Morton in the league.

“We’ll take anyone in the next round. We’ve shown we can compete with anyone in this league and we’re ready for anyone in the draw.”