Dumbarton vs Partick preview - Creaney still touch and go

Posted Saturday, January 12, 2013 by PA

Dumbarton defender James Creaney is free of suspension, but a niggling ankle injury may keep him out of the home game with Partick.

Player/manager Ian Murray remains sidelined due to a groin injury and striker Pat Walker is also out with an ankle problem, but the First Division's bottom side have no fears for the visit of the Jags.

Murray said: 2We have given three good performances in a row and taken six points, which has really closed the gap at the bottom.

"A couple of teams are beginning to look nervously over their shoulders at us. That is a much-improved position from a month ago.

"Another good performance against a good Partick side and closing the gap further would be terrific."

Partick welcome back goalkeeper Scott Fox following a two-month lay-off.

Fox, sidelined with a thigh injury, will start in place of Graeme Smith, who has now left the club at the end of his short-term deal.

The Jags will be without the suspended Sean Welsh and Stephen O'Donnell is still sidelined with an ankle problem.

But James Craigen has returned from his loan spell at Forfar and Steven Lawless is fully fit after illness.

Manager Jackie McNamara said: "Dumbarton have upped their game considerably under Ian Murray and any team that wins 3-0 at Morton deserves a lot of respect.

"By all accounts they were a bit unlucky against Dunfermline last Saturday, so we need to be up for the challenges that they will give us."