2023–24 Dumbarton F.C. season
| 2023–24 season | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Dr Neil Mackay | ||
| Manager | Stevie Farrell | ||
| Stadium | Dumbarton Football Stadium | ||
| League Two | 4th (Promoted via playoffs) | ||
| League Cup | Group stage | ||
| Scottish Cup | Fourth round (lost to Rangers) | ||
| Top goalscorer | League: Tony Wallace (11) All: Tony Wallace (16) | ||
| Highest home attendance | 2,020 (vs Rangers, 20 January 2024) | ||
| Lowest home attendance | 385 (vs Banks o'Dee, 28 October 2023) | ||
| Average home league attendance | 662 | ||
|
| |||
The 2023–24 season was Dumbarton Football Club's second in Scottish League Two, the fourth tier of Scottish football, having finished second in the division in 2023–24 and lost in the playoffs. The club won promotion back to Scottish League One at the second time of asking via the playoffs.
Dumbarton also competed in the Scottish League Cup, Scottish Cup and Scottish Challenge Cup.
Story of the season
[edit]May
[edit]Following the playoff final loss to Annan Athletic the Sons released Joe McKee, Martin McNiff, John Gemmell, Ally Love, Stuart Carswell, Russell McLean and Edin Lynch on May 16.[1] Gregor Buchanan, Kalvin Orsi, Harry Broun and Luca Vata were all offered new deals. The same day the club announced the appointment of Kenny Morrison as their new chief scout.[2] Defender Gregor Buchanan turned down a new deal and left the club on May 26 after more than 160 appearances across two spells with the Sons.[3] Blair Malcolm became the club's first new signing of the summer on May 27, joining from Albion Rovers.[4] A busy day on May 29 then saw the club make four signings; midfielders Callum Wilson,[5] Tony Wallace[6] and Carlo Pignatiello[7] all returned for second spells at the club. And were joined by Mark Durnan who signed from Alloa Athletic.[8][9] The club's first friendlies were announced on May 31, with Hebburn Town visiting The Rock on July 1 and a trip to face Workington AFC on July 8.[10]
June
[edit]On June 7 three new signings were announced. Defenders Sean Crighton[11] and Greig Young[12] joined from Stenhousemuir and Raith Rovers respectively, along with midfielder James Hilton from Stranraer.[13] Winger Kalvin Orsi also agreed a new deal with the club, snubbing full-time offers from elsewhere.[14] A third friendly of pre-season was announced, with Premiership St Mirren visiting G82 on July 4.[15] In the Scottish League Cup the Sons were drawn in a section with Dundee, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Airdrieonians and Bonnyrigg Rose.[16] Striker Michael Ruth became the club's ninth new signing of the summer on June 15, signing a year long deal following his departure from Queen of the South.[17] The squad returned for pre-season training on June 17, with goalkeeper Harry Broun signing a new season long deal the same day.[18] On June 23 Mark Durnan was announced as the club's new captain, with Sean Crighton appointed vice-captain.[19]
July
[edit]Friendly action began in July, with Sons suffering a 3-2 defeat to Hebburn Town on July 1. Jinky Hilton and Ross MacLean were on the scoresheet.[20] Three days later the Sons lost 3-0 to Scottish Premiership St Mirren. The pre-season schedule concluded with a 4-0 victory against Workington on July 8 at Borough Park. Ross MacLean, Ryan Blair and Declan Byrne got the goals. With youth academy graduate Luca Vata scoring his first top team goal.[21] The club's Scottish League Cup campaign began with a 2-0 defeat to Airdrieonians with the Diamonds scoring twice in the final four minutes.[22] That was followed by a 2-1 victory against Championship Inverness Caledonian Thistle thanks to goals from Ryan Wallace and Tony Wallace.[23] A 0-0 draw and penalty shootout victory against Bonnyrigg Rose followed, before the campaign concluded with a 3-1 loss to Scottish Premiership Dundee.
August
[edit]Prior to the club's first game of the season defender Matthew Shiels became the club's 10th addition of the summer, joining from Hamilton Academical having previously spent time on loan at the Sons from Rangers in 2019–20.[24] The club's first league game of the season ended in a 1-1 draw with Bonnyrigg Rose on August 5, with Ryan Blair scoring Sons' goal. Another 1-1 draw followed, this time with newly promoted Spartans. Tony Wallace got Dumbarton's goal from the penalty spot.[25] A third 1-1 draw followed, with Sons defeating Kilmarnock B 9-8 on penalties in the Scottish Challenge Cup.[26] The Sons won their first league game on August 19, defeating Forfar Athletic 3-1. David Wilson, Finlay Gray and Ross MacLean got the goals.[27] A 4-2 victory against Stenhousemuir ended the month. Goals from Sean Crighton, Ross MacLean and James Hilton had the Sons 4-0 up at half-time before Matty Aitken's second-half brace.
September
[edit]A third straight win followed to start September, with Sean Crighton scoring an 87th minute winner against East Fife. A week later Michael Ruth scored his first goal for the club in a 3-1 Scottish Challenge Cup defeat to Kelty Hearts.[28] Winger Gregg Wylde left the club on September 12 after making 59 appearances, scoring six times.[29] A first league defeat of the season came against Elgin City on September 16, with a second coming a week later against Peterhead. In the Scottish Cup the Sons were given a home tie against Highland Football League side Banks O' Dee.[30] The month ended with a return to winning ways and a 3-1 success against Stranraer - Tony Wallace, Ryan Wallace and Michael Ruth got the goals.
October
[edit]The first game of October ended in a dominant 4-0 away victory against Clyde - Ryan Wallace, Tony Wallace, Michael Ruth and James Hilton got the goals. A 2-0 defeat away to The Spartans followed. In the second round of the Scottish Cup the Sons secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Highland Football League Banks O' Dee. After falling 2-0 behind Tony Wallace's penalty and two injury time Michael Ruth strikes secured victory.[31] The Sons were drawn away to Annan Athletic in the third round, with the tie scheduled for November 25.[32]
November
[edit]Both Ruth and Wallace were on target again a week later, with Matthew Shiels and Finlay Gray also scoring in a 4-0 home win against Bonnyrigg Rose. It was confirmed after the game that defender Greig Young would require surgery for a serious injury sustained against Peterhead in September.[33] A third straight victory followed with Kalvin Orsi's first goal in more than two years securing a 1-0 win away to East Fife.[34] Orsi won a penalty for the only goal of the game a week later, a 1-0 success at home to Elgin City. The month ended with a dramatic 5-4 extra time Scottish Cup victory over League One Annan Athletic. Michael Ruth, Ryan Wallace, Finlay Gray and Jinky Hilton got the goals. The Sons were drawn against Rangers in the fourth round.[35]
December
[edit]December opened with a 1-0 defeat to Stenhousemuir thanks to a deflected 87th minute James Berry strike, that left the Sons eight points off the top of the table.[36] Goalkeeper Brett Long was then ruled out for an extended period, after suffering a broken ankle in training.[37] The Sons returned to winning ways a week later, with James Hilton, Matthew Shiels, Finlay Gray and Tony Wallace all on target in a 4-2 away win at Forfar Athletic. The final home game of the year also saw the Sons score four - with an early Tony Wallace penalty making him the first Sons player since Stephen Dobbie in 2006 to score 10 goals prior to Christmas - an own goal and headers from Ryan Wallace and Aron Lynas only enough for a point against bottom of the table Clyde, who netted twice in injury time.[38]
January
[edit]On January 5, goalkeeper Patrick O'Neil returned to the club on a deal until the end of the season with Brett Long ruled out for the rest of the campaign.[39] The Sons fell to defeat in their first game of the new year, losing 2-1 to East Fife at The Rock. Two new signings arrived prior to the meeting with Peterhead on January 9. Goalkeeper Jay Hogarth on loan from Rangers[40] and defender Cian Newbury on loan from Hamilton Academical.[41] Both players made their debut the same day, as the Sons were defeated 3-1. Another new signing arrived on January 12, with striker Marc Kelly joining from East Kilbride. He made his debut the following day in a 1-1 draw with Bonnyrigg Rose, with Carlo Pignatiello getting Dumbarton's goal.[42] On January 15, winger Ross MacLean left the club on a leave of absence after a change in his working circumstances.[43] Three days later Gallagher Lennon, son of former Celtic captain Neil Lennon, joined the club on loan until the end of the season.[44] The Sons exited the Scottish Cup on January 20 with a 4-1 defeat to Rangers in front of a sell-out crowd of 2,020 at The Rock. Matthew Shiels got the goal in his final game for the club before joining Cove Rangers.[45][46] He officially left the club on January 23, and was joined by forward Declan Byrne - who had started just three games all season.[47] On January 25 captain Mark Durnan and defender Greig Young, both of whom had spent large spells out of the team with injury, agreed new contracts until the summer of 2025.[48][49] A day later goalkeeper Harry Broun who had made eight appearances joined Johnstone Burgh on loan.[50] A first win of the new year against Elgin City arrived on January 27 courtesy of a Tony Wallace goal.[51] The following week attacker Aaron Healy joined on loan from Queen's Park.[52]
February
[edit]A 1-0 defeat to league leaders Stenhousemuir opened February. That was followed by a 2-2 draw with Forfar Athletic where Sons twice led. Michael Ruth's ninth goal of the season opened the scoring, with Marc Kelly netting his first for the club.[53] A 0-0 draw with The Spartans at home followed on February 13,[54] before a 2-0 defeat to Clyde on February 17.[55] The defeat left the Sons on a run of one win in 10 games, and was only The Bully Wee's third victory of the league season. Later that week striker Ryan Wallace announced his immediate retirement from football, after 58 appearances and 10 goals for the club.[56] The following day top scorer Tony Wallace signed an extended deal until the summer of 2025.[57] He celebrated by scoring the winner in a 2-1 comeback success against Stranraer on February 24. Michael Ruth was also on target, netting his 10th of the season - and helping the club to a first win at home since November.[58]
March
[edit]On March 1 striker James Graham joined on loan from Rangers until the end of the season.[59] He made his debut the following day in a 1-0 victory against Peterhead with Michael Ruth getting the only goal.[60] Back-to-back defeats followed; 5-0 at Stranraer[61] and 3-2 at East Fife.[62] Sons returned to winning ways in style on March 16, moving up to third in the league with a 6-2 away win against The Spartans. Ryan Blair netted twice, both from free-kicks, with Aron Lynas, Michael Ruth also on target and Gallagher Lennon and James Graham netting their first senior goals. A second straight victory followed, 2-0, against Bonnyrigg Rose on March 23, with Tony Wallace and Blair Malcolm getting the goals.[63] The month ended with a 0-0 draw against Stenhousemuir at the Dumbarton Football Stadium.
April
[edit]The first game of April ended in a 2-0 victory against Forfar Athletic at Station Park. Tony Wallace's penalty was added to by a late Carlo Pignatiello strike. A fourth straight clean sheet followed, with Jinky Hilton getting the only goal of the game in a 1-0 success against Clyde. The month ended with back-to-back draws, 0-0 away at Stranraer and 2-2 at home to Elgin City - in a game where Sons came back from 2-0 down, thanks to goals from Michael Ruth and James Graham. Boss Stephen Farrell was named League Two Manager of the Month for April following the unbeaten run.[64]
May
[edit]The regular season ended with a 2-1 defeat to Peterhead on May 4. With David Wilson getting Dumbarton's goal. That resulted in a fourth place finish in League Two, and set up a playoff semi-final meeting with Stirling Albion. All the goals came in the first leg, with Jinky Hilton and Tony Wallace on target in a 2-1 home win[65] - followed by a 0-0 draw at Forthbank Stadium. Sons faced The Spartans in the final. Goals from Tony Wallace and Finlay Gray secured a 2-1 first leg win.[66] With the Sons promoted back to Scottish League One following a 2-2 draw at Ainslie Park on May 17 in front of a crowd of more than 2,200. Michael Ruth netted both goals, taking him to 15 for the season.[67]
First team transfers
[edit]- From end of 2022–23 season, to last match of season 2023–24
In
[edit]| Player | From | League | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blair Malcolm | Albion Rovers | Scottish League Two | Free |
| Callum Wilson | Albion Rovers | Scottish League Two | Free |
| Tony Wallace | Annan Athletic | Scottish League Two | Free |
| Carlo Pignatiello | Greenock Morton | Scottish Championship | Free |
| Mark Durnan | Alloa Athletic | Scottish League One | Free |
| Greig Young | Raith Rovers | Scottish Championship | Free |
| Sean Crighton | Stenhousemuir | Scottish League Two | Free |
| James Hilton | Stranraer | Scottish League Two | Free |
| Michael Ruth | Queen of the South | Scottish League One | Free |
| Matthew Shiels | Hamilton Academical | Scottish Championship | Free |
| Patrick O'Neil | Free Agent | Free | |
| Jay Hogarth | Rangers | Scottish Premiership | Loan |
| Cian Newbury | Hamilton Academical | Scottish League One | Loan |
| Marc Kelly | East Kilbride | Lowland Football League | Free |
| Gallagher Lennon | St Mirren | Scottish Premiership | Loan |
| Aaron Healy | Queen's Park | Scottish Championship | Loan |
| James Graham | Rangers | Scottish Premiership | Loan |
Out
[edit]| Player | To | League | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Carswell | Clyde | Scottish League Two | Free |
| Ally Love | Hurlford United | West of Scotland Football League | Free |
| John Gemmell | Retired | N/A | N/A |
| Martin McNiff | Drumchapel United | West of Scotland Football League | Free |
| Joe McKee | Peterhead | Scottish League Two | Free |
| Edin Lynch | Stenhousemuir | Scottish League Two | Free |
| Russell McLean | Edinburgh City | Scottish League One | Free |
| Gregor Buchanan | Stenhousemuir | Scottish League Two | Free |
| Gregg Wylde | Camelon Juniors | East of Scotland Football League | Free |
| Matthew Shiels | Cove Rangers | Scottish League One | Free |
| Declan Byrne | Bonnyrigg Rose | Scottish League Two | Free |
| Harry Broun | Johnstone Burgh | West of Scotland Football League | Loan |
| Ryan Wallace | Retired | N/A | N/A |
Fixtures and results
[edit]Win Draw Loss Upcoming fixture
Friendlies
[edit]| 1 July 2023 | Dumbarton | 2 - 3 | Hebburn Town | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | James Hilton  15', Ross MacLean 60' |
Dean Briggs 5', Olly Martin 28', Amar Purewal 45+2' |
Attendance: 221 Referee: Sean Murdoch |
| 4 July 2023 | Dumbarton | 0 - 3 | St Mirren | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 19:45 | Report | Greg Kiltie 18' 37', OG 45' |
Referee: Ross Hardie |
| 8 July 2023 | Workington | 0 - 4 | Dumbarton | Borough Park (Workington) |
| 15:00 | Ross MacLean 43', Ryan Blair 45+1', Declan Byrne 82', Luca Vata 89' |
Attendance: 338 Referee: John Mulligan |
Scottish League Two
[edit]| 5 August 2023 League Two | Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic | 1 – 1 | Dumbarton | New Dundas Park |
| 15:00 | Luke Mahady 81' |
Report | Ryan Blair 4' |
Attendance: 682 Referee: Iain Sneddon |
| 12 August 2023 League Two | Dumbarton | 1 – 1 | The Spartans | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Tony Wallace 55' (pen.) |
Report | Jamie Dishington 90' |
Attendance: 465 Referee: Colin Whyte |
| 19 August 2023 League Two | Dumbarton | 3 – 1 | Forfar Athletic | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | David Wilson 59', Finlay Gray 80', Ross MacLean 88' |
Report | Seb Ross 29' |
Attendance: 498 Referee: George Calder |
| 26 August 2023 League Two | Stenhousemuir | 2 – 4 | Dumbarton | Ochilview Park |
| 15:00 | Matty Aitken 55' (pen.) 90+7' |
Report | Sean Crighton 14', Ross MacLean 29' 30', James Hilton 42' Carlo Pignatiello  75'  82' |
Attendance: 463 Referee: Duncan Williams |
| 2 September 2023 League Two | Dumbarton | 1 – 0 | East Fife | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Sean Crighton 87' |
Report | Attendance: 599 Referee: Peter Stuart |
| 16 September 2023 League Two | Elgin City | 2 – 0 | Dumbarton | Borough Briggs |
| 15:00 | Conall Ewan 37', Liam Harvey 64' |
Report | Attendance: 677 Referee: Ryan Lee |
| 23 September 2023 League Two | Dumbarton | 0 – 1 | Peterhead | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Finlay Gray 82' 86' |
Report | Hamish Ritchie 85' |
Attendance: 514 Referee: Greg Soutar |
| 30 September 2023 League Two | Dumbarton | 3 – 1 | Stranraer | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Tony Wallace 28', Ryan Wallace 39', Michael Ruth 56' |
Report | Ben Armour 24' |
Attendance: 504 Referee: Calum Scott |
| 6 October 2023 League Two | Clyde | 0 – 4 | Dumbarton | New Douglas Park |
| 15:00 | Report | Ryan Wallace 19', Tony Wallace 42' (pen.), Michael Ruth 67', James Hilton 80' |
Attendance: 542 Referee: Alex Shepherd |
| 21 October 2023 League Two | The Spartans | 2 – 0 | Dumbarton | Ainslie Park |
| 15:00 | Cammy Russell 64', Bradley Whyte 88' |
Report | Attendance: 457 Referee: Daniel Graves |
| 4 November 2023 League Two | Dumbarton | 4 – 0 | Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Tony Wallace 11' (pen.), Finlay Gray 26', Michael Ruth 66', Matthew Shiels 68' |
Report | Attendance: 578 Referee: Duncan Williams |
| 11 November 2023 League Two | East Fife | 0 – 1 | Dumbarton | New Bayview |
| 15:00 | Report | Kalvin Orsi 4' |
Attendance: 626 Referee: Jordan Curran |
| 18 November 2023 League Two | Dumbarton | 1 – 0 | Elgin City | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Tony Wallace 67' (pen.) |
Report | Attendance: 526 Referee: Alastair Grieve |
| 9 December 2023 League Two | Dumbarton | 0 – 1 | Stenhousemuir | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | James Berry 87' |
Attendance: 484 Referee: Duncan Williams |
| 16 December 2023 League Two | Forfar Athletic | 2 – 4 | Dumbarton | Station Park, Forfar |
| 15:00 | Josh Skelly 30' (pen.), Seb Ross 45+1' |
Report | Jinky Hilton 16', Matthew Shiels 45', Finlay Gray 45+3', Tony Wallace 59' |
Attendance: 427 Referee: Ryan Lee |
| 23 December 2023 League Two | Dumbarton | 4 – 4 | Clyde | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Tony Wallace 8' (pen.), OG 37', Ryan Wallace 72', Aron Lynas 86' |
Report | Connor Young 22', Martin Rennie 38' (pen.), Kian Leslie 90', Logan Dunachie 90+3' |
Referee: Dan McFarlane |
| 6 January 2024 League Two | Dumbarton | 1 – 2 | East Fife | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Michael Ruth 66' |
Report | Kieran Millar 31', Brogan Walls 71' |
Attendance: 625 Referee: Duncan Williams |
| 9 January 2024 League Two | Peterhead | 3 – 1 | Dumbarton | Balmoor Stadium |
| 19:45 | Rory McAllister 81' 90+1' (pen.), Jack Brown 90+3' |
Report | Ryan Wallace 2' |
Attendance: 635 Referee: Stewart Luke |
| 13 January 2024 League Two | Bonnyrigg Rose | 1 – 1 | Dumbarton | New Dundas Park |
| 15:00 | Neil Martyniuk 10' |
Report | Carlo Pignatiello 49' |
Attendance: 788 Referee: Lloyd Wilson |
| 27 January 2024 League Two | Elgin City | 0 – 1 | Dumbarton | Borough Briggs |
| 15:00 | Report | Tony Wallace 45+1' |
Attendance: 611 Referee: Duncan Nicolson |
| 3 February 2024 League Two | Stenhousemuir | 1 – 0 | Dumbarton | Ochilview Park |
| 15:00 | Ross Taylor 65' |
Report | Ryan Blair 62' 74' |
Attendance: 657 Referee: Ryan Lee |
| 10 February 2024 League Two | Dumbarton | 2 – 2 | Forfar Athletic | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Michael Ruth 13', Marc Kelly 25' |
Report | Stuart Morrison 15', Rayan Mohammed 77' |
Attendance: 419 Referee: Chris Fordyce |
| 13 February 2024 League Two | Dumbarton | 0 – 0 | The Spartans | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 19:45 | Report | Attendance: 389 Referee: Colin Whyte |
| 17 February 2024 League Two | Clyde | 2 – 0 | Dumbarton | New Douglas Park |
| 15:00 | Martin Rennie 14' 67' (pen.) Jordan Allan 30' 90+3' |
Report | Attendance: 652 Referee: Alistair Grieve |
| 24 February 2024 League Two | Dumbarton | 2 – 1 | Stranraer | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 14:00 | Michael Ruth 8' Tony Wallace 23' |
Report | Craig Ross 5' |
Attendance: 458 Referee: Sean Murdoch |
| 3 March 2024 League Two | Dumbarton | 1 – 0 | Peterhead | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Michael Ruth 73' |
Report | Attendance: 416 Referee: Duncan Nicholson |
| 5 March 2024 League Two | Stranraer | 5 – 0 | Dumbarton | Stair Park |
| 19:45 | OG 2', Matty Grant 30', Dylan Forrest 34', Ben Armour 45+2', Deryn Lang 88' |
Report | Attendance: 331 Referee: George Calder |
| 9 March 2024 League Two | East Fife | 3 – 2 | Dumbarton | New Bayview |
| 15:00 | Nathan Austin 3' 90+3' Brian Easton 56' |
Report | Finlay Gray 51', Jinky Hilton 54' |
Referee: Scott Lambie |
| 16 March 2024 League Two | The Spartans | 2 – 6 | Dumbarton | Ainslie Park |
| 15:00 | Cammy Russell 28', Bradley Whyte 45' |
Report | Ryan Blair 5' 55', Aron Lynas 32', Gallagher Lennon 43', Michael Ruth 64', James Graham 89' |
Referee: Steven Kirkland |
| 23 March 2024 League Two | Dumbarton | 2 – 0 | Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Tony Wallace 25' (pen.), Blair Malcolm 84' |
Report | Attendance: 599 Referee: Jordan Curran |
| 30 March 2024 League Two | Dumbarton | 0 – 0 | Stenhousemuir | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Report | Attendance: 668 Referee: Andy Gamble |
| 6 April 2024 League Two | Forfar Athletic | 0 – 2 | Dumbarton | Station Park, Forfar |
| 15:00 | Report | Tony Wallace 52' (pen.), Carlo Pignatiello 83' |
Attendance: 616 Referee: Joel Kennedy |
| 13 April 2024 League Two | Dumbarton | 1 – 0 | Clyde | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Jinky Hilton 73' |
Report | Attendance: 723 Referee: Ross Hardie |
| 20 April 2024 League Two | Stranraer | 0 – 0 | Dumbarton | Stair Park |
| 15:00 | Report | Attendance: 405 Referee: Steven Kirkland |
| 27 April 2024 League Two | Dumbarton | 2 – 2 | Elgin City | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Michael Ruth 34', James Graham 89' |
Report | Russell Dingwall 20', Ross Draper 27' |
Attendance: 576 Referee: Colin Whyte |
| 4 May 2024 League Two | Peterhead | 2 – 1 | Dumbarton | Balmoor Stadium |
| 15:00 | Kieran Shanks 7' Jordon Brown 34' 68' 72' |
Report | David Wilson 49' |
Attendance: 811 Referee: Chris Fordyce |
Scottish League One Playoffs
[edit]| 7 May 2024 Semi-final | Dumbarton | 2 – 1 | Stirling Albion | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 19:45 | Jinky Hilton 12', Tony Wallace 85' (pen.) |
Report | Dale Hilson 27' |
Attendance: 900 Referee: Ross Hardie |
| 11 May 2024 Semi-final | Stirling Albion | 0 - 0 (1 – 2 agg.) | Dumbarton | Forthbank Stadium |
| 15:00 | Report | Referee: Lloyd Wilson |
| 14 May 2024 Final | Dumbarton | 2 – 1 | The Spartans | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 19:30 | Tony Wallace 21', Finlay Gray 29' |
Report | Ayrton Sonkur 48' |
Attendance: 850 Referee: Steven Kirkland |
| 17 May 2024 Final | The Spartans | 2 - 2 (3 – 4 agg.) | Dumbarton | Ainslie Park |
| 15:00 | Cammy Russell 2', Blair Henderson 90+3' (pen.) |
Report | Michael Ruth 4' 54' |
Attendance: 2281 Referee: Grant Irvine |
Scottish Cup
[edit]| 28 October 2023 Second round | Dumbarton | 3 - 2 | Banks o'Dee | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Tony Wallace 71' (pen.), Michael Ruth 90+7' 90+12' |
Report | Hamish Macleod 5', Garry Wood 52' |
Attendance: 385 Referee: Ross Clark |
| 25 November 2023 Third round | Annan Athletic | 4 - 5 | Dumbarton | Galabank Stadium |
| 15:00 | Kai Nugent 48', Dominic Docherty 55', Aidan Smith 73' 100' |
Report | OG 5', Ryan Wallace 43', Finlay Gray 88', Michael Ruth 113', James Hilton 118' |
Attendance: 387 Referee: Ryan Lee |
| 20 January 2024 Fourth round | Dumbarton | 1 - 4 | Rangers | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 17:30 | Matthew Shiels 88' |
Report | John Lundstram 35', Cyriel Dessers 41', James Tavernier 78' (pen.), Scott Wright 89' |
Attendance: 2,020 Referee: Alan Muir |
Scottish League Cup
[edit]Matches
[edit]| 15 July 2023 Group stage | Airdrieonians | 2 - 0 | Dumbarton | Excelsior Stadium |
| 15:00 | Nikolay Todorov 86', Lewis McGregor 89' |
Report | Attendance: 830 Referee: Graham Grainger |
| 18 July 2023 Group stage | Dumbarton | 2 - 1 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 19:45 | Ryan Wallace 27', Tony Wallace 50' |
Report | Billy McKay 76' |
Attendance: 505 Referee: Chris Fordyce |
| 22 July 2023 Group stage | Dumbarton | 0 - 0 (4–3 p) | Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Report |
| 26 July 2023 Group stage | Dundee | 3 - 1 | Dumbarton | Dens Park |
| 19:45 | Zach Robinson 38', 77' (pen.), Diego Pineda 44' |
Report | Tony Wallace 41', Mark Durnan 76' |
Attendance: 1940 Referee: Willie Collum |
Table
[edit]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | AIR | DND | DUM | ICT | BON | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airdrieonians | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | +5 | 12 | Qualification for the second round | — | 1–0 | 2–0 | — | — | |
| 2 | Dundee | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 9 | — | — | 3–1 | 1–0 | — | ||
| 3 | Dumbarton | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | −3 | 5 | — | — | — | 2–1 | p0–0 | ||
| 4 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 7 | −2 | 3 | 2–3 | — | — | — | 2–1 | ||
| 5 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 1 | 0–1 | 0–1 | — | — | — |
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[69]
Scottish Challenge Cup
[edit]| 17 August 2022 Second round | Kilmarnock B | 1 – 1 (8–9 p) | Dumbarton | Rugby Park |
| 19:45 | Bobby Wales 65' |
Report | Carlo Pignatiello 41' |
Attendance: 300 Referee: Daniel Graves |
| 9 September 2022 Third round | Dumbarton | 1 – 3 | Kelty Hearts | Dumbarton Football Stadium |
| 15:00 | Michael Ruth 34' Ryan Wallace 73' 90+2' |
Report | Reece Lyon 11' Botti Biabi 16' 76', Jamie Walker 29' 78' |
Attendance: 427 Referee: Duncan Williams |
Player statistics
[edit]- As of 08:18, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
All competitions
[edit]| # | Position | Player | Starts | Subs | Unused subs | Goals |
Red cards  |
Yellow cards
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | MF |  Ryan Blair |
23 | 13 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 8 |
| 16 | GK | Harry Broun |
8 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | FW | Declan Byrne |
3 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 26 | DF | Sean Crighton |
45 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| 5 | DF | Mark Durnan |
29 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| 9 | FW | James Graham |
0 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 18 | MF | Finlay Gray |
32 | 10 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 8 |
| 10 | MF | Aaron Healy |
3 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 17 | MF | James Hilton |
25 | 16 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 5 |
| 31 | GK | Jay Hogarth |
22 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 27 | FW | Marc Kelly |
4 | 7 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 28 | DF |  Gallagher Lennon |
21 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 1 | GK | Brett Long |
18 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2 | DF | Aron Lynas |
27 | 6 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| 11 | MF | Ross MacLean |
10 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| 4 | DF | Blair Malcolm |
26 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| 21 | DF | Cian Newbury |
23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 19 | GK | Paddy O'Neil |
1 | 0 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | MF | Kalvin Orsi |
25 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 12 | DF | Carlo Pignatiello |
40 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| 23 | FW | Michael Ruth |
39 | 5 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 4 |
| 22 | DF | Matthew Shiels |
21 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| 15 | MF | Luca Vata |
0 | 3 | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | FW | Ryan Wallace |
16 | 10 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 8 |
| 14 | MF | Tony Wallace |
38 | 10 | 1 | 16 | 0 | 6 |
| 8 | MF | David Wilson |
23 | 15 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| 20 | MF | Callum Wilson |
4 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | DF | Gregg Wylde |
4 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 29 | DF | Greig Young |
10 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Captains
[edit]| No. | P | Name | Country | No. games | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | DF | Mark Durnan |
|
29 | Club captain |
| 26 | DF | Sean Crighton |
|
20 | Vice-captain |
Last updated: As of match played 17:57, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
Source: Competitive match reports.
Competitive matches only
Matches started as captain only
Country: FIFA nationality; No.: Squad number; P: Position; Name: Player name; No. Games: Number of games started as captain.
League table
[edit]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion, qualification or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Peterhead | 36 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 58 | 39 | +19 | 60 | Qualification for the League One play-offs |
| 3 | The Spartans | 36 | 15 | 13 | 8 | 53 | 43 | +10 | 58 | |
| 4 | Dumbarton (O, P) | 36 | 16 | 9 | 11 | 56 | 44 | +12 | 57 | |
| 5 | East Fife | 36 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 46 | 47 | −1 | 44 | |
| 6 | Forfar Athletic | 36 | 9 | 15 | 12 | 38 | 45 | −7 | 42 |
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Head-to-to head points; 5) Head-to-head goal difference; 6) Play-off (only for deciding promotion, play-off participation and relegation).[71]
(O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted
References
[edit]- ^ Crawford, Jack (16 May 2023). "SQUAD UPDATE". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (16 May 2023). "NEW CHIEF SCOUT APPOINTED". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (26 May 2023). "GREGOR SET FOR NEW CHALLENGE". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (27 May 2023). "BLAIR MALCOLM CHECKS IN". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (29 May 2023). "CALLUM WILSON IS SECOND SUMMER ARRIVAL". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (29 May 2023). "TONY WALLACE RETURNS TO DUMBARTON". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (29 May 2023). "CARLO IS BACK AT THE ROCK". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (29 May 2023). "DURNAN CHECKS IN". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (29 May 2023). "Busy bank holiday weekend of signings as five join Dumbarton for new campaign". Daily Record. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (31 May 2023). "PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE REVEALED". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (7 June 2023). "SEAN CRIGHTON SIGNS UP". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (7 June 2023). "GREIG YOUNG CHECKS IN". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (7 June 2023). "JINKY HILTON IS A DUMBARTON PLAYER". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (7 June 2023). "ORSI REMAINS AT THE ROCK". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ "St Mirren to face Dumbarton in pre-season friendly". www.stmirren.com. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (9 June 2023). "VIAPLAY CUP FIXTURES REVEALED". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (15 June 2023). "MICHAEL RUTH SIGNS FOR DUMBARTON". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (17 June 2023). "HARRY BROUN PENS NEW DEAL". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (30 June 2023). "Four things to watch as Dumbarton kick off pre-season with Hebburn Town clash". Daily Record. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "Dumbarton 2-3 Hebburn Town". www.hebburntownfc.com. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (12 July 2023). "Dumbarton's Luca Vata thanks senior players for support after netting first goal". Daily Record. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
- ^ McGilvray, Andy (15 July 2023). "Airdrie 2, Dumbarton 0: Airdrie get Viaplay Cup off to a flier but leave it late". Daily Record. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (18 July 2023). "SONS WIN OVER CALEY". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (4 August 2023). "MATTHEW SHIELS SIGNS FOR DUMBARTON". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
- ^ "SPFL: Deja vu for Dishington as Spartans share the spoils against Sons | The Spartans FC Official Website – Live together. Play together. Win together". Retrieved 18 August 2023.
- ^ Fitzsimmons, Andrew (16 August 2023). "Matchzone: Dumbarton (H)". Kilmarnock FC. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
- ^ Coutts, Christopher. "Dumbarton 3 Forfar Athletic 1". forfarathletic.co.uk. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (11 September 2023). "Dumbarton 1-3 Kelty Hearts - Farrell can't fault Sons despite cup exit". Daily Record. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (12 September 2023). "GREGG WYLDE LEAVES DFC". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (25 September 2023). "SCOTTISH CUP DRAW: HOME TIE FOR SONS". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (30 October 2023). "Dumbarton 3-2 Banks o'Dee - Ruth at the double in dramatic comeback victory". Daily Record. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
- ^ "Scott Brown makes Third Round Draw for Scottish Gas Men's Scottish Cup". www.scottishfa.co.uk. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (6 November 2023). "GREIG YOUNG UPDATE". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (11 November 2023). "SONS WIN AT EAST FIFE". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
- ^ "Holders Celtic draw non-league Buckie in Scottish Cup". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (11 December 2023). "Dumbarton 0-1 Stenhousemuir - "My players didn't deserve that" says boss Farrell". Daily Record. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (13 December 2023). "BRETT LONG RULED OUT FOR INDEFINITE PERIOD". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (27 December 2023). "Dumbarton 4-4 Clyde - Sons held after injury time Bully Wee brace". Daily Record. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (5 January 2024). "'KEEPER SIGNS ON". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (9 January 2024). "SONS SECURE LOAN DEAL". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (9 January 2024). "YOUNG ACCIES DEFENDER CHECKS IN". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
- ^ "Match Overview: Bonnyrigg Rose FC 1 - 1 Dumbarton : Bonnyrigg Rose". www.bonnyriggrosefc.co.uk. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (15 January 2024). "SQUAD UPDATE: ROSS MACLEAN". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
- ^ "Gallagher Lennon, son of Celtic legend Neil, could make Dumbarton debut against Rangers after securing loan move". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 18 January 2024. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (22 January 2024). "Dumbarton's Matty Shiels set for Cove Rangers switch after Scottish Cup goal". Daily Record. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
- ^ Gordon, Richard (23 January 2024). "Shiels Signs On At Balmoral". Cove Rangers FC. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (23 January 2024). "Duo depart Dumbarton". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (25 January 2024). "SKIPPER EXTENDS STAY". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (26 January 2024). "GREIG YOUNG SIGNS NEW DEAL". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (26 January 2024). "'KEEPER GOES OUT ON LOAN". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (29 January 2024). "Elgin City 0-1 Dumbarton - Tony strikes to earn Sons first win of 2024". Daily Record. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
- ^ Cairns, Ian (30 January 2024). "Aaron Healy - on loan to Dumbarton". Queen's Park Football Club. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (12 February 2024). "Dumbarton 2-2 Forfar Athletic - Farrell frustrated as Loons earn point". Daily Record. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
- ^ "Dumbarton 0 - 0 Spartans | Football". the Guardian. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (19 February 2024). "Clyde 2-0 Dumbarton: Boss admits Sons side got what they deserved in loss". Daily Record. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (21 February 2024). "RYAN WALLACE RETIRES FROM FOOTBALL". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (23 February 2024). "NEW DEAL FOR TONY WALLACE". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
- ^ "Dumbarton v Stranraer". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (1 March 2024). "'GERS STRIKER JOINS ON LOAN". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (4 March 2024). "Dumbarton 1-0 Peterhead - Ruth nets superb winner in impressive victory for Sons". Daily Record. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
- ^ "Stranraer 5-0 Dumbarton - Stranraer FC". 5 March 2024. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ^ Crawford, Jack (9 March 2024). "LATE DEFEAT AT BAYVIEW". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (25 March 2024). "Dumbarton 2-0 Bonnyrigg Rose - Malcolm nets first Sons goal in commanding win". Daily Record. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
- ^ "April award for Farrell | SPFL". spfl.co.uk. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (8 May 2024). "Dumbarton 2-1 Stirling Albion - Advantage Sons in tense playoff clash". Daily Record. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (15 May 2024). "Dumbarton 2-1 The Spartans - Local heroes give Sons final first leg advantage". Daily Record. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
- ^ Clarke, Fraser (20 May 2024). "Spartans 2-2 Dumbarton - Sons win promotion on Friday night to remember". Daily Record. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
- ^ "Summary - League Cup Group E". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
- ^ "Format". SPFL. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ "cinch League Two Table". Scottish Professional Football League. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
- ^ "The Rules of the Scottish Professional Football League" (PDF). SPFL. pp. 38–39. Retrieved 20 October 2019.