Sons' sorrow

[Jan Vojáček]

2 minutes ago, RandomGuy. said:

Tbf Kane is now our main striker, of we play one then it'll be him. I just seen similarities in how they play. Both seem to like to have the first and final touch in a move, if that makes sense. 

And I wondered, as I say I don't see Dumbarton matches, so wasn't sure if it was the norm or not. I'd seen plenty of chat on here about you maybe struggling to have a full bench so assumed there was a fair whack of injuries. 

I'd love it if that happened. He's still, stats wise, one of the most clinical strikers in the country, sure one of the twitter pages had him scoring 50% of his chances this season, top scorer Morelos is at 22%. 

Only worry is you and Stirling end up in the same division. They're virtually our B side now. 

They have two Saints icons, so they've already got their fair share. It's only right that we get another one - especially given the good work we did in preparing his replacement for you 

[RandomGuy.]

15 minutes ago, Sonsteam of 08 said:

They have two Saints icons, so they've already got their fair share. It's only right that we get another one - especially given the good work we did in preparing his replacement for you 

You can have Chris Millar. He's being forced out for whatever reason, is heavily involved in media work so part time would be perfect, and lives in Glasgow. 

You'd also have @Honest Saints Fan fully convert from Saints to Sons fan aswell. 

[Boghead ranter]

Anyone think Froxy's free kick has come down yet?  I reckon he was aiming at the goals on the Cypriot pitch he'd been  on the night before.

7 hours ago, ATLIS said:

Really sad to see you guys lose today, was a massively fun day out for us when we won it. It must be hard to lose in that way especially but it's a great advert for the Sons getting to a cup final and taking that many there. It's insane to see that many fans travel to the game and hopefully you guys retain them and run the revenge train to relegate ICT. For some reason always had a wee soft spot for Dumbarton and liked to see them defy the odds each season in staying up.

Hopefully the great escape starts a week after our game  

I was enjoying reading your post, but you kinda let yourself down there. 

[sergie's no1 fan]

The main point every expert/pundit makes before a cup final is don't have any regrets.

Will Stevie have regrets this morning with regards to a few of his decisions/gambles?

I think he probably will, even though i felt Dumbarton had the better of the first half. Sitting in, letting ICT have the ball and hit them on the counter. It was working. Then bringing on Stewart and Froxy to stretch the game. The downside to that is you's didn't test Ridgers enough. I remember him having one save from Handling in the 2nd half that was quite comfortable too.

You's were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty, looked a stonewaller, but were lucky not to have the boy sent off for the tackle on Warren.

Hopefully a few of the fans there yesterday that haven't been to many games come back, you's deserve the backing. Dumbarton have been punching above their weight in this predominantly full time league.

We'll probably cheer you up on Tuesday with your annual 3 points in Paisley.

[The Moonster]

7 minutes ago, sergie's no1 fan said:

The main point every expert/pundit makes before a cup final is don't have any regrets.

Will Stevie have regrets this morning with regards to a few of his decisions/gambles?

I think he probably will, even though i felt Dumbarton had the better of the first half. Sitting in, letting ICT have the ball and hit them on the counter. It was working. Then bringing on Stewart and Froxy to stretch the game. The downside to that is you's didn't test Ridgers enough. I remember him having one save from Handling in the 2nd half that was quite comfortable too.

You's were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty, looked a stonewaller, but were lucky not to have the boy sent off for the tackle on Warren.

Hopefully a few of the fans there yesterday that haven't been to many games come back, you's deserve the backing. Dumbarton have been punching above their weight in this predominantly full time league.

We'll probably cheer you up on Tuesday with your annual 3 points in Paisley.

I'm not sure Stevie will regret anything. We had a cobbled together team and sitting in and trying to steal a goal from a set piece or counter was the right game plan IMO. We could argue the subs should've happened earlier but given both Froxylias and Burt had just stepped off a flight Stevie was probably in a better place to call that than us (Stewart can't be fit either or he would've started). 

We need to forget about it now though, we have 2 huge games against Inverness coming up in the league and hopefully without around 7 players out/injured we can cause them a few more problems. If you want to hand us some points on Tuesday that would be a lovely bonus though.

[Howlin' Wilf]

10 hours ago, Tartantony said:

I had already decided to ditch Celtic for a season ticket at the Sons next season but today has just cemented that decision. These days do impact people so you never know, perhaps there will be a few more new faces along next season.

I was at the league cup final earlier in the season as a Celtic fan and it was shite, there was no build up, no atmosphere, I never even wore my scarf that day. We won but it pretty much felt like another run of the mill league win.

Today I woke up to my 2 kids chanting a Dumbarton song at me, over excited, shirts and scarfs on for a trip down to the stadium for a few beers before the buses left. They gave the kids a goody bag with balloons, confetti stuff and a son's trust application form (which will be getting filled in). We get there and they see all the black and gold flags and feel the excitement. My eldest was nearly in tears when Caley scored. The whole experience was fantastic despite the result.

Tony, that is FANtastic.  I hope you manage the miserable mid winter Tuesday evenings with a few hundred there!

[Howlin' Wilf]

Probably some of the comments directed at Stevie and the team are a little unfair.

The only explanation for Beanie starting over Stewart would be respective fitness. If we had had a bigger threat up front maybe the result would have been different. ICT's defence seemed to panic when the ball was anywhere near their goal area. Perhaps Froxy was to blame for not tracking back (just watched it on catch up) but he was the guy who almost single handedly got us to the final by setting up one goal and scoring a wonder strike himself. There was a noticeable tiring of our team. The penalty save should have been the catalyst for a final push but we just didn't have the legs. Either team could have won and it had looked from midway through the second half that one goal would settle it.

An absolutely fantastic turnout from the fans. Great to see folk at a Dumbarton game I haven't seen in many a year.

[Sons FC]

Totally agree with Wilf, some of the comments are a little unfair.

I thought we more than competed and actually played well, especially the first half.

What a great build up though. Full marks to the club, the Trust and all the fans for  fantastic day out. As I said in the pub before we headed to the game, it all goes downhill from here (tongue in cheek of course).

I met a number of people who said they would start going back to games - we'll soon see if they do.

[Howlin' Wilf]

Can anyone explain the reason for three or four sizeable union flags in amongst the Sons support behind the goal yesterday? Whilst it is the UK's flag and all that, its appearance at sporting occasions in Scotland are usually just at one club. Its appearance in public is not usually a sign of something positive. Or have I perhaps got that wrong?

 

[Sons FC]

I assume that with the international break some of the usual knuckle draggers from the ugly sisters from Dumbarton came along for the day, never to be seen again.

I don't want to be too unfair though, anyone who identifies themselves as a Sons' supporter, even for day, who wears the colours, supports the team and pays their money, to my mind, is very welcome 

Edited March 25, 2018 by Sons FC

[BallochSonsFan]

1 hour ago, Howlin' Wilf said:

Probably some of the comments directed at Stevie and the team are a little unfair.

The only explanation for Beanie starting over Stewart would be respective fitness. If we had had a bigger threat up front maybe the result would have been different. ICT's defence seemed to panic when the ball was anywhere near their goal area. Perhaps Froxy was to blame for not tracking back (just watched it on catch up) but he was the guy who almost single handedly got us to the final by setting up one goal and scoring a wonder strike himself. There was a noticeable tiring of our team. The penalty save should have been the catalyst for a final push but we just didn't have the legs. Either team could have won and it had looked from midway through the second half that one goal would settle it.

An absolutely fantastic turnout from the fans. Great to see folk at a Dumbarton game I haven't seen in many a year.

I agree Wilf.

The big difference between the 2 sides became clear in the final 15 minutes or so of the game.  We looked tired and I'd disagree with Stevie when he said that he thought we were ready for extra time. A fit Boomer perhaps closes down the cross before it comes over, or at least makes it more difficult for the guy crossing the ball. Froxy isnt somebody whose known for tracking back - a fit Davie Smith maybe gets to Tremarco? One of the centre halves perhaps has the awareness to look at who is coming in behind them at the far post and adjusts? One of the 2 defensive midfielders maybe sees Tremarco making his run from deep to get into the box and is aware of the danger?

It was painful to lose so late in the game but I reckon it was tiredness that did it for us.  They just had more left in the tank and could take advantage of a very late chance.

[sonsanorak]

Tiredness and injuries cost us. I think the 3rd sub could have been either walshy or boomer at that point. But think of the recent game time both have had; it shouldve been expected that they'd tire badly.

I think the cross for the goal comes through boomers legs, gets awful close to dowser and then gets to tremarco. Not sure if dowser gets a shout but he may have been able to stop it. Jimmy absolutely shouldve tracked his man; he crosses the half way line 5 yards in front of him and just switched off, ending up 5 or 10 yards behind him.

It was much the same set up and tactics as TNS; sit in amd counter for an hour then open up and have a go. It might have worked but for the lack of fully fit players late in the game.

There was an incident in the first half were Mango bullied and grabbed at their striker who turned and pushed Mango inthe chest/neck/face and conceded a foul. That could have gone either way, but for me the foul against Mango in the second half is a penalty.

I dont think we'd have made penalties, such was the fatigue in the team. But what a great effort from them and the support. I wanted to leave when the podium came out and I noticed Hutts had to be turned back onto the park by someone; he was on his way to wreck the dressing room it seemed.

Only other downside was the lack of food and drink at the ground. Its amazing that we can sell out the main stand but sell out food and drink before half time. Mrs Anorak had a good gripe about the ladies toilets too.

Hopefully we get the disappoinment out our system quickly or St Mirren and Livy will hammer us.

[RandomGuy.]

3 minutes ago, sonsanorak said:

Only other downside was the lack of food and drink at the ground. Its amazing that we can sell out the main stand but sell out food and drink before half time. 

Thats been an issue at McDiarmid for a whole now. Disappointing the werent professional enough to make sure there was enough. 

[Boghead ranter]

1 hour ago, BallochSonsFan said:

I agree Wilf.

The big difference between the 2 sides became clear in the final 15 minutes or so of the game.  We looked tired and I'd disagree with Stevie when he said that he thought we were ready for extra time. A fit Boomer perhaps closes down the cross before it comes over, or at least makes it more difficult for the guy crossing the ball. Froxy isnt somebody whose known for tracking back - a fit Davie Smith maybe gets to Tremarco? One of the centre halves perhaps has the awareness to look at who is coming in behind them at the far post and adjusts? One of the 2 defensive midfielders maybe sees Tremarco making his run from deep to get into the box and is aware of the danger?

It was painful to lose so late in the game but I reckon it was tiredness that did it for us.  They just had more left in the tank and could take advantage of a very late chance.

Before I make my main point, I want to state that I am not kicking  Froxy - without his contribution in at least two games, we wouldn't have BEEN in the final.

But

From a purely tactical point, Tremarco is his to mark. Left back/ left wing back has to be picked up by our right midfielder, which Froxy was. If, as stated, Smith or a CB noticed and adjusts, then no-one is picking up the man that they originally have.

Froxy  didn't do his job, either through fatigue, lack of concentration, or just not thinking defending is his role. But again, this is just a statement of fact, not slagging him himself.

[Bring Back Paddy Flannery]

Before I make my main point, I want to state that I am not kicking  Froxy - without his contribution in at least two games, we wouldn't have BEEN in the final.
But
From a purely tactical point, Tremarco is his to mark. Left back/ left wing back has to be picked up by our right midfielder, which Froxy was. If, as stated, Smith or a CB noticed and adjusts, then no-one is picking up the man that they originally have.
Froxy  didn't do his job, either through fatigue, lack of concentration, or just not thinking defending is his role. But again, this is just a statement of fact, not slagging him himself.

Froxy is fully to blame for that goal in terms of switching off and not even attempting to track his man. Very basic stuff that even the most undefensive of players should be able to do. You can see the other players looking over at him absolutely bewildered.

Whether or not he should've been on the park in the first place is a different matter. The guy must have been absolutely fucked and deserves massive credit for even making it to the game.

[O'Kelly Isley III]

Unfortunately yesterday's game panned out exactly as I had feared, as all the preceding week I had felt that the Oswestry experience was the final before the Final.  I haven't watched the game on catch-up and I maybe won't, but in truth it was a pretty God-awful affair between two struggling teams.  In the end ICT ground us down as for once the full-time training proved decisive.

We can argue long into the night about refereeing decisions and team selection, and from Sons' point of view both were questionable, but recrimination is futile.  After the best part of 60 years I saw my team take the field in a meaningful Cup Final backed by a sizeable and good-natured travelling support and that will live with me in the memory bank.  As for the furore about the passionless ICT fans and the 'Diddy Cup' tag, well the joyous outpouring behind Gal's goal at the winner rather put a lie to that.

A few points though; I felt that the gamble with Tom Walsh backfired and I agree with BBPF's opinion on Beany.  Mark Stewart is not however fully fit and neither is Boomer, although some of the critics on the Cup thread are obviously unaware of all the good performances he's put in this season.  Donaldson got MOTM because we stood off him; I could play square passes all day in that situation.  I though Gal, Smith, Mango, Hutton and Dowie were excellent.  Handling continues to confound me that he was once a rising star at Hibs.

We have no time to mope, and arguably the two games this week are as difficult as we could have.  At least Stirling, Nisbet and young Wilson give us some options.  I still expect us to be in the play-off spot as never mind the part-time thing and the rather patchwork squad, we simply are not cynical enough; ICT again demonstrated that yesterday.

Well done to everyone involved in yesterday's effort, if cups were awarded for marketing we'd have silverware in the cabinet today.

[Curler]

Great day out yesterday despite the result. I think in the last 20 minutes we tired although the players gave it their best. Certainly our injury situation has contributed to the team not being at their best but they did us proud. It was good to see so many coming along to support us on our big day and hopefully some will come and watch us again and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about.

Massive congratulations to the Trust for all their organisation of buses, flags etc and hopefully they recruited a few new members because of it.

I have just watched the game (glutton for punishment) and the piece by Colin Hosie in the half time break was very well said. I know he has been around the club for many years and is a true supporter of the team. It is a shame that our chairman could not say anything in the lead up to the match on the website to show to the fans that he cares about the club ( in fact has he said anything to the fans- maybe he doesn’t exist)

[Homer Thompson]

17 hours ago, Tartantony said:

I had already decided to ditch Celtic for a season ticket at the Sons next season but today has just cemented that decision. These days do impact people so you never know, perhaps there will be a few more new faces along next season.

I was at the league cup final earlier in the season as a Celtic fan and it was shite, there was no build up, no atmosphere, I never even wore my scarf that day. We won but it pretty much felt like another run of the mill league win.

Today I woke up to my 2 kids chanting a Dumbarton song at me, over excited, shirts and scarfs on for a trip down to the stadium for a few beers before the buses left. They gave the kids a goody bag with balloons, confetti stuff and a son's trust application form (which will be getting filled in). We get there and they see all the black and gold flags and feel the excitement. My eldest was nearly in tears when Caley scored. The whole experience was fantastic despite the result.

Great story

Theres more and more evidence/opinion from football at all levels about how important the experience is and how it goes even further than the result on the park to hooking fans, particularly kids. Something clubs at this level dont pay anywhere near enough attention too, in my opinion.

Sound like Dumbarton and the Trust did a good job of it for the final though

[Howlin' Wilf]

Great day out yesterday despite the result. I think in the last 20 minutes we tired although the players gave it their best. Certainly our injury situation has contributed to the team not being at their best but they did us proud. It was good to see so many coming along to support us on our big day and hopefully some will come and watch us again and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about.

Massive congratulations to the Trust for all their organisation of buses, flags etc and hopefully they recruited a few new members because of it.

I have just watched the game (glutton for punishment) and the piece by Colin Hosie in the half time break was very well said. I know he has been around the club for many years and is a true supporter of the team. It is a shame that our chairman could not say anything in the lead up to the match on the website to show to the fans that he cares about the club ( in fact has he said anything to the fans- maybe he doesn’t exist)

Funny, I bumped into the chairman when I went down to buy a new hat and scarf on Friday. There were no scarves. Les seemed in good spirits and said that he was hoping for a victory and was looking forward to a five figure spin off from the game which he said would see us through to the end of the season. I’ve known him for a few years and found him pretty personable. Colin came over well in the TV situation. Amongst the board it has to be Colin and Alan Findlay whose credentials and motives are beyond reproach and any accusation of ulterior motives.

[Craig fae the Vale]

Some thoughts on yesterday

https://piesontheterraces.wordpress.com/2018/03/25/dumbarton-v-inverness-caledonian-thistle/

Edited March 25, 2018 by Craig the Hunter