After playing - and losing - to first division Ayr United on Saturday, this is a step down in level as Dumbarton spent last season battling relegation from the second division. It will still be a decent test - we drew 2-2 with them in last year's summer clash - and a good work out for the players. Win or lose, the result means nothing and most Saints fans seem to realise that these days. Despite Saturday's defeat, concern was rightly about a potential injury to David van Zanten rather than the scoreline.
It seems Vanzy isn't as bad as first feared, but it would be a bit of a risk to play him again so soon tomorrow night. Steven Thompson and Aaron Mooy both missed Saturday's game at Somerset with niggles, but if they've overcome them then they could be in with a chance of playing. David Barron also missed that one so could return, while the likes of Graham Carey, Gary Teale and Graeme Smith - who all started on the bench - are likely to start.
Time is surely running out for our two trialists to win a contract. Jeroen Tesselaar apparently did well at leftback on Saturday, although was rarely tested. Craig Sutherland didn't get much game time after starting on the bench and must be given a start if he is to get a proper shot at earning a deal. It seems he has a bit of pace as well, which is always handy. He could be joined up front by Jon McShane, who had a highly successful loan spell with the Sons last season and finished as their top scorer.
It was probably those goals that kept Dumbarton in the division last season and in the end they didn't even need the play-offs to avoid the dreaded drop. Jim Chap,an was replaced by his assistant Alan Adamson (shame his parents didn't call him Adam) and he's now gearing up for his first full season in management after landing the job on a permanent basis in April. It's quite some time since Dumbarton last graced the first division, but after the last few years - promotion from the third division and fighting relegation from the second - a year of mid-table obscurity will probably do.
Bryan Prunty has the potential to be the main thorn in Saints' side tomorrow night. The former Celtic striker was once a signing target for Saints and often did us plenty of damage while he was playing for Airdrie. He has done reasonably well in the SFL over the last few years and is a decent capture for Adamson. He'll probably partner Graeme Ramage up front, the youngster being snapped up by the Sons following his release by Saints. That should ensure he scores!
Our games at the Rock have been a regular part of pre-season for years and the short journey usually sees a decent turn out of Buddies. It would be nice to think they'll be given something to shout about tomorrow, but if we avoid injuries and suspensions I'll be happy.
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