The Final Countdown - Three games to go...


Back from injury

By Sonny Rock
April 10 2002

Three games to go in the 3rd Division promotion race and Sons still hold on to the all important second place. It's going to come down to the wire and CSN takes another look at Sons and our rivals run-in. Ourselves and Albion Rovers are the favourites while Peterhead and Montrose need slip-ups. Cruyff Says No - Match Report

The Final Countdown

Three games to go

Latest Promotion News

Report by Sonny Rock
Three games to go in the Third Division promotion race and Sons still hold on to the all important second place.  It's going to come down to the wire and CSN takes another look at Sons and our rivals final run-in.  Ourselves and Albion Rovers are the favourites for promotion while Peterhead and Montrose need slip-ups to make the jump up.

Dumbarton

Dumbarton currently sit in second place and have moved two clear of Albion Rovers after Peterhead's defeat at East Stirlingshire.  We got back on track with our recent victory over East Fife and our fate is still in our own hands - if we win the last three we go up - simple as that. 

Date  Opponent Venue Current Position
13-04-2002  Brechin City Glebe Park 1st 
20-04-2002  Peterhead The Rock 4th 
27-04-2002  Queen's Park The Rock 10th 

Sons run-in is not the easiest by a long shot coming face-to-face with Peterhead in two weeks.  A visit to Brechin on Saturday may not be as daunting as it could have been now that the title has been won, however Dick Campbell has insisted he'll play his full strength side against Dumbarton.  The second last match at home to Peterhead will be a promotion six-pointer.

Current Points 

54
Goal Difference

+7
Promotion Decider Win all three and their up
Games Since Win

0
Games Since Loss

1
Games Since Draw

5
Form

DWWLLW

Albion Rovers

Rovers have come from nowhere to force their way in to the promotion battle.  The Coatbridge side are the form team - unbeaten in their last seven outings.

Date  Opponent Venue Current Position
13-04-2002  East Fife Cliftonhill 9th 
20-04-2002  Stirling A. Forthbank 8th
27-04-2002  Elgin City Cliftonhill 6th

Albion Rovers have on paper a far easier run in than both Dumbarton and Peterhead.  After defeating the Highlanders Rovers now face three teams in the league with nothing to play for however their home record is not the best.

Current Points 

52
Goal Difference

+5
Promotion Decider Need Dumbarton to lose or draw (depending on goal difference)
Games Since Win

0
Games Since Loss

7
Games Since Draw

1
Form

WDWDDW

 

Peterhead

Peterhead blew the chance to keep their fate in their own hands with a mid-week defeat at Firs Park.  The Blue Toon will have a hard time getting their campaign back on track.

Date  Opponent Venue Current Position
13-04-2002  Stirling A. Balmoor 8th 
20-04-2002  Dumbarton The Rock 2nd 
27-04-2002  Montrose Balmoor 5th 

Arguably the Blue Toon have the hardest run-in as they have to face two of their promotion rivals.  They have to come to The Rock on the penultimate day of the season.  At present this is a must win match for them - but you never know after this weeks results.

Current Points 

50
Goal Difference

+8
Promotion Decider Need to beat Dumbarton and both Sons and Rovers to at least draw a match
Games Since Win

4
Games Since Loss

0
Games Since Draw

2
Form

WWLDLL

Montrose

Montrose looked a good bet throughout the season to take the second promotion slot but appear to have hit a sticky patch at the wrong time. They kept in touch with their win last weekend.  However with the other sides none too convincing Montrose fans will still hold out hope.

Date  Opponent Venue Current Position
13-04-2002  Queen's Park Hampden 10th 
20-04-2002  East Stirling Links Park 7th
27-04-2002  Peterhead Balmoor 4th

Montrose will be looking to make up ground as they face the Queens Park and the new super team East Stirling before travelling to Peterhead on the last day.  If they are still in touch for that they could still snatch it although they require others to slip up.

Current Points 

49
Goal Difference

+3
Promotion Decider Need others to lose
Games Since Win

0
Games Since Loss

2
Games Since Draw

1
Form

DLWLDW

Odds

This promotion race looks like it will go to the final day - if Sons can get their act together then they will be there for the showdown - going by form none of the contenders are realistically going to win all three of their remaining matches so two wins and a draw might be enough for Sons. 

Report by Sonny Rock

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