Dumbarton v Saints Preview

Last updated : 22 July 2008 By Stuart Gillespie
Low key opposition seems to be what Saints boss Gus MacPherson prefers to play his team against as they get ready for the new season, and given how we've done over the past few years I suppose it's hard to argue against continuing down that road. It would be nice to play some higher profile opposition - or even a proper home friendly - but, with the exception of next week's game against Blackpool - it's a situation that doesn't appear to be changing any time soon.

As we have another friendly tomorrow night against Stirling, it's likely to be a mixed team over the next few days, with those who don't start tonight playing tomorrow. New signings Jack Ross, Steven Robb, Tom Brighton and Dennis Wyness will hopefully get a run out tonight, while there should be a few trialists on display as MacPherson continues trying to sort out a few problems in the squad. Whether it's the same ones that were with the squad in Italy remains to be seen.

We beat Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup at the start of the year and they suffered a dismal season in the third division. However, the changes manager Jim Chapman has made over the last few months suggests their fans could be in for better things this year. Michael Moore - who will no doubt be booed tonight - and Derek Carcary should do well up front, while David McEwan is a keeper who is easily capable of playing at a higher level.

There's no point predicting this - it's a friendly and it's meaningless. All that matters is working on the fitness.