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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Kenny Macdonald

Annan Athletic boss wants early goal against League Two leaders Dumbarton

Annan boss Peter Murphy is praying for an early goal from his troops in their battle with table toppers Dumbarton tomorrow.

They take on the Sons at The Rock and Murphy reckons another strike in the opening five or 10 minutes, like last weekend at Bonnyrigg Rose, would be the ideal start and best way to force them into attacking Galabankies.

Annan have scored more League Two goals than the title favourites who are renowned for soaking up pressure and hitting opponents on the break.

The Galabankies have struck 39 times in their League Two campaign while the Sons have amassed 34 strikes, but have a better goals against column with only 19 conceded.

Murphy said: “We lost a few games heavily at the start of the season and that’s why our goal difference is just plus four.

“While Dumbarton are good at catching teams on the counter attack after giving up possession.

“That’s the way they play and it is earning them rewards with the position that they are in at the top.

“They also shorten the pitch at all sides by about three, or four, yards to ensure there is not much room and it allows players with a long throw to force teams back.”

He added of last weekend’s away day win: “We got off to the perfect start with a penalty being given in the first minute before Tommy Goss eventually scored it.

“So, if we can do that again and manage to get the first goal it will bring Dumbarton out.

“It will be a tough game, no doubt about it. They have racked up 11 clean sheets in a row and although they have not scored a lot of goals they have been winning games 1-0 or 2-1 and it has taken them top of the table.”

Annan have a few injury doubts for tomorrow’s game including Tommy Muir who suffered a broken hand in last weekend’s clash when he landed awkwardly and an opposition player accidentally stood on him.

Defender Steven Swinglehurst is battling to shake off a hamstring strain while Scott Hooper has a hip knock.

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