Dumbarton vs Dunfermline preview - Smith in for Sons

Posted Saturday, January 05, 2013 by PA

Dumbarton have signed defender Scott Smith on loan from Hibs as player-manager Ian Murray takes on Dunfermline in his first league game in charge at the Bet Butler Stadium.

The bottom side are without the injured James Creaney, Kevin Nicol and Pat Walker while Murray is still not ready to make his debut

However, their spirits are high after away wins over Falkirk and Morton.

Murray said: "After looking adrift we have given ourselves a chance as we have narrowed both the points and the goal-difference gap.

"It will be tough physically for the players as this is our third game in a week against a full-time side, especially one as good as Dunfermline, but everyone has a spring in their step at the moment."

Dunfermline welcome back utility man Jordan McMillan.

McMillan has completed a two-game ban to give manager Jim Jefferies a full squad to choose from.

Assistant boss Gerry McCabe said: "Winning at Falkirk and at Morton has shown everyone that Dumbarton really mean business under Ian Murray in terms of staying in this league.

"We would have been hot favourites for the game a couple of weeks ago but those results have made everyone sit up and take notice.

"We played well against Raith Rovers to get the win we needed to end a disappointing run of results and hopefully we can build on that."