STEPHEN Grindlay reckons that promotion with Dumbarton would be even better than when he won the play-offs with Ayr United in 2009.And the omens are there for the keeper to do just that – as he won promotion to the First Division against this week’s opponents, Airdrie United. Stephen made some stunning saves in the 0-0 draw against Arbroath which secured a 2-1 aggregate victory in he semi-final.But he was keen to highlight the contribution of all the Sons players in putting them two games away from First Division football next season.He said: “The boys are absolutely buzzing that we’ve reached the final.“I’m happy with my performance but I said afterwards that it’s a team game and everybody has helped to get us this far. We know what Airdrie United are all about. Both teams have beaten each other this season and we know that they will also be in good spirits.“This is my second time in the play-off final – and the first one was also against Airdrie, with the second leg also away from home.“I obviously have really good memories of winning that game – but it would be even better to do it with Dumbarton, with them being my local team.”Stephen admitted that the current situation is one that he couldn’t have envisaged in the early part of the season.He added: “We started pretty poorly but I knew we had a good squad, even in pre-season. It’s a credit to the players and manager that we have ended up where we are. It’s hard to say what we could expect if we reach the First Division but we know it will be a step up. I’d love to be involved for my local team at that level and play in some great stadiums.”Read
