Travelling in hope

Off to Alloa today, to see if the mighty Dumbarton can add to their goals and points tally after finally breaking the 'duck' at home against Stenhousemuir last weekend. As Alan Findlay points out in his match preview, Sons won three of the four clashes between the two teams last season, including both games at Recreation Park. It's likely to be tougher this time round, though. The Wasps have made a good start to their campaign, tucked in just one point behind leaders Livingston in the Second Division, and have nine points more than us.

Mind you, I have yet to see a team that has really impressed me in this division yet. Even full-timers Livi have looked less than overwhelming, despite the pre-season hype. Nonetheless, they will likely improve as the weeks march on, and their superior resources will probably see them claim promotion. As for the rest, no one has convinced yet.

Meanwhile, the priority for Dumbarton is to gain some momentum and move away from the danger zone at the foot of the table. In a ten-team league you can never rest on your laurels. At the moment we have no laurels at all. So the initial task is clear.

According to the BBC, Alloa boss Allan Maitland has more than 20 players to pick from for this encounter. Goalkeeper Jamie Ewings is fit again. Also back on duty are midfielder Jason Thomson and strikers Dougie Wilson and Andy Scott. It will be interesting to see which way Sons gaffer Jim Chapman goes this time. I hope we might get danger man Derek Carcary on at the beginning, but wouldn't bet on it.
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