Match Preview
Thistle's pre-season preparation continues apace this evening with a trip to the Strathclyde Homes Stadium for a meeting with last season's Third Division Champions Dumbarton.
There is a strong Thistle connection in the present Dumbarton squad. Former Thistle player Stevie Murray is now entering his second season with Dumbarton and Ryan McStay, who moved to Dumbarton midway through last season, will be starting his first full season with The Sons. They have been joined at Dumbarton by Scott Chaplain who spent the two previous seasons at Firhill scoring 9 goals from 77 appearances.
There is ,of course, some added poignancy surrounding tonight's match. Today's game is Dumbarton's first fixture since the tragic death of their captain last season, and former Thistle player, Gordon Lennon.
Before kick-off this evening there will be a minute's applause in memory of then highly popular Gordon and again when Dumbarton host Morton later this month . Commenting on the official Dumbarton website www.dumbartonfootballclub.com their Chief Executive Gilbert Lawrie had the following comment to make;
"There will be no further minute's applause at the opening second division game against Alloa Athletic as the family want that to be a day of celebration and at which Gordon's Dad, along with his partner Kelly and their son Kai, will perform the raising of the third division championship flag."
There is a memorial match planned for later in the year but Thistle fans will have the opportunity to make a donation to the fund set up for Gordon's dependents this evening via a collection at tonight's game.
We would urge those Thistle fans attending tonight to take advantage of the cheap admission prices and dig deep for the collection.
For those unable to attend tonight donations can be do so by sending a cheque/PO to:
Gordon Lennon Memorial Fund
c/o
Ryans Pet Centre
157 High Street
Dumbarton G82 1NZ
Please cross your cheque/po and make it payable to Gordon Lennon Memorial Fund. If you require a receipt then please either provide an email address where it can be sent to or enclose a self addressed SAE with your donation.
Match Details
Tuesday July 14th 2009
Pre-season Friendly
Dumbarton v Partick Thistle
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Prices
Adults £5
Children/Senior Citizens £3
Match Officials
Referee: Gary Hilland
Assistant Referees: John Gilmour and Jim Burns
