Hamilton FC vs Dumbarton preview - Accies pair shake off knocks

Posted Saturday, December 08, 2012 by PA

Hamilton duo Jon Routledge and Louis Longridge have shaken off knocks and are included in manager Billy Reid's squad for the visit of struggling Dumbarton to New Douglas Park.

Striker Darian MacKinnon is also available after ending his loan spell at Ayr United, but Accies will miss the injured Stephen Hendrie, Kieran Millar and Jon McShane.

Reid said: "We have Dumbarton in this one and then face them again on Monday in the Scottish Cup. Winning both games would really lift our season and that is our aim, although I am sure Dumbarton are saying the same.

"We still need to get some points on the board to get away from the foot of the table and we have to look at this as an opportunity to do so."

Dumbarton have goalkeeper Stephen Grindlay missing through suspension as new player/manager Ian Murray looks to avoid a hat-trick of postponements and finally begin life as the Sons boss.

Murray, who cannot play yet after groin surgery, does have James Creaney available after a knock, but Kevin Nicol and Pat Walker remain out through groin and ankle injuries respectively.

Murray said: "Hopefully the weather will be kind and I can get the first game under my belt. This is a game we believe that we can win especially as Dumbarton were unlucky in the 3-3 draw between the sides earlier in the season.

"Hopefully we can get the win and start moving closer to the teams above us."