Who are The Nomads’ Irn-Bru Cup opponents Dumbarton?

Connah’s Quay Nomads ace Scottish Championship side Dumbarton in the second round of the Scottish Challenge Cup this weekend. 

The match will take place on Saturday, 3rd of September with a 2:30pm kick-off at the YOUR Radio 103FM Stadium in Dumbarton.

The Sons’ manager is former Stranraer and Greenock Morton midfielder Stevie Aitken. Aitken took over the helm at Dumbarton in 2015, after enjoying a three year managerial stint with Stranraer, lasting from 2012-2015. He started his career at Greenock Morton, where he enjoyed an eight year stay with the club. Upon leaving Greenock Morton he joined Stranraer, where he stayed for six years.

Despite a positive pre-season, Dumbarton haven’t got their league campaign to the best of starts, collecting only two points from their first three games. They began their season with a goalless draw against Greenock Morton at home, before holding Falkirk to a draw at The Falkirk Stadium.

A solitary goal by Callum Fordyce meant The Sons experienced their first defeat of the season at Queen of the South. “The Rock” based side finished bottom of their League Cup group after collecting only the solitary point, which came as a result of losing on penalties to Annan Athletic. Dumbarton defeated Rangers u20s 2-1 in the first round to book their place in the second round of the Scottish Challenge Cup, facing The Nomads of course.

There has been a whole host of changes over the summer at Dumbarton with many joining the club, while many moved on to pastures new. Their first acquisition of the summer was Andy Dowie.

Dowie had enjoyed spells at top Scottish clubs which include Rangers, Patrick Thistle and Ross County. Next to sign was striker Mark Stewart, joining the club after enjoying a spell at Raith Rovers. Stewart’s previous clubs include Bradford and Dundee.

Tom Walsh joined the club from league of Ireland side Limerick FC, having been at the club during a loan spell in the 2015-16 season. Also joining the club are Craig Barr, Scott Gallagher, David Wilson, Chris Johnston, Dougie Hill, Christopher McLaughlin, Ally Roy, Kyle Hutton, Danny Handling and Sam Wardrop.

There have been many outgoings at Dumbarton this summer most notably club captain Darren Barr. The 32-year-old has played for numerous former Scottish Premiership sides such as Falkirk, Hearts and Ross County.

He joined Greenock Morton to be part of their coaching staff. Another notable name that has left is goalkeeper Alan Martin. The 28-year-old has won 17 caps at youth level and has played for a number of Football League sides which include Leeds United, Crewe Alexandra and Aldershot Town.

The rest of the outgoings are Andy Stirling, Donald McCallum, Garry Fleming, Mark Doherty, Tom Lang and Greg Buchanan.

In 2008-09 Dumbarton won the Scottish Third Division, now the Scottish League Two, which is the lowest professional level in the Scottish pyramid system.

After a three year spell in the Scottish second division, now Scottish League One, Dumbarton were promoted after securing their place through the play-offs system. Since 2011-12 they have competed in the Scottish Championship, formerly Scottish first division.

In terms of cup honours, Dumbarton won the Stirlingshire in successive seasons in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, but narrowly missed out on glory to winners Falkirk in the 2012-13 competition. The following season though in 2012-2013, Dumbarton regained the cup.

In 2015-2016 and last year, 2016-2017, Dumbarton finished eighth in the Scottish Championship with a points tally of 37 and 39 respectively. In 2014-2015 Dumbarton finished seventh, although with a fewer points tally.

The Sons narrowly missed out on promotion in 2013-2014, after losing in the play-offs. Last season was a disappointing seasons for the Sons’, reaching only the third round in both Scottish Cup and Scottish Challenge Cup. They will be hoping to improve on their performance this season.

(Featured Image: John Ferguson)

THREE Dumbarton players to look out for
Christian Nade

The Frenchman will pose a huge threat to the Nomads’ defensive, and they’ll need to be wary of him. Nade is strong, aggressive and also good in the air. He is also good with his feet. His reputation needs no further explaining having played for big name teams including Sheffield United and French outfit Troyes. The Montmorency born forward has scored four goals in 18 appearances for Dumbarton. He has also represented his country at under-21 level.

Stuart Carswell

Bellshill born Carswell has played nearly every game since arriving at “The Rock” back in 2015, and was rewarded with a new contract in May 2017. The Scot began his career at Motherwell racking up 86 in a stay which lasted four years. He made his debut for The Well against Hearts on the Scottish Premiership. In June 2017 Carswell signed for St Mirren and agreed a two-year deal, but left the club in the 2015-16 season having made 24 appearances for The Saints. He then joined Icelandic outfit Keflavik, but left at the end of the season to move back to his native Scotland.

Andy Dowie

The 34-year-old is currently the club captain at “The Rock”, and has eight appearances to his name this season. The tall centre-half has played for several high-profiles clubs across Scotland which include Rangers, Patrick Thistle and Ross County. Bellshill-born Andy became Dumbarton’s first signing of the season after signing a one-year deal.