Weather hits Dumbarton FC and Scottish Amateur Cup ties

Feb 5 2010 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

FREEZING weather played havoc with the football schedule again on Saturday, with a trio of controversial call-offs.

Dumbarton and a busload of fans had to start their journey to Peterhead at 8am – only for the game to be called off half an hour later.

And St Patrick’s FP and Dumbarton Academy FP both had their Scottish Amateur Cup fifth round replays postponed with the players stripped and ready for action.

Sons’ game at Peterhead was clearly in serious jeopardy on Friday after snow and arctic temperatures in Aberdeenshire.

But bizarrely, no inspection was called until Saturday morning – and was then further delayed as the referee was stuck in traffic.

The match was eventually postponed at 8.30am, with the team bus in Glasgow and the supporters’ bus near Balfron.

Sons Supporters Trust secretary Alan Findlay said: “Saturday’s decision to cancel the game at Peterhead was not unexpected, although the timing was very poor indeed.

“It was clear on Friday that travelling to the north east was not going to be easy, with Grampian Police advising against it.

“That fact, added to a miserable forecast for the next day, should have been enough for a postponement.

“As it was, the fans had to set off early on Saturday, as there was still a glimmer of official hope that the game would go ahead.

“We are now severely out of pocket and it was a full day wasted. It all could have been avoided with a little common sense.”

Meanwhile, St Pat’s and Dumbarton Accies were ready to start their Scottish Amateur Cup fifth round replays on Saturday – only for the games to be cancelled at the last minute.

Crowds assembling for both ties were stunned to hear that they had been called off minutes from the start.

Accies boss Iain Howieson, whose team were due to play Gourock Thistle, said: “The referee was doubtful at noon, but was prepared to leave a final decision right up until kick-off.

“Our players were ready to go, but Gourock had a couple of players missing due to family commitments.

“The game was then called off immediately before kick-off. I don’t think frustration is the word for how we felt.”

St Pat’s manager Tam Ferry conceded that the referee was right to call their game with Galston United off, but was frustrated by the timing.

He said: “The referee hummed and hawed about the decision. Personally I would have played the game, but in reality it was probably the right call to postpone it.

“It’s frustrating because we were raring to go after the 2-2 draw in the first tie. I thought we were excellent in the second half of that game after being a bit rusty.

“It also gives us another week without being able to play a league match, but on the positive side it gives us time to work on our fitness.”

Both Scottish Amateur Cup ties will hopefully be replayed this Saturday at 1.30pm.

Lomond Rock‘s replay at home to Redhall Star survived the weather – but the Dumbarton team were beaten 2-1. Full report and pictures on page 39.