Dumbarton skipper Andy Graham has played against both Hearts and Hibernian in recent weeks and is well placed to cast his eye over Sunday’s Edinburgh derby at Easter Road.
The game is live on BT Sport, kick-off 12.15pm, with Hibs looking for revenge after a 2-1 defeat at Tynecastle back in August.
Graham said: “Against Hearts last weekend we never really got into the game. They are a very, very good side and probably the best we have played this season. They were strong at our Bet Butler Stadium but they were even stronger at Tynecastle where their fans get right behind them.
“A score of 5-1 was a heavy defeat to take but as our manager Ian Murray explained afterwards we had been doing really well in the games leading up to that one so we should keep our heads up.
“We had been on form going through to Edinburgh for the second time, having not been defeated in six games, but we were well beaten. Hearts have a lot of young players and are playing with confidence. The great support they have at home will lift anyone.
“Full-time training makes a difference and some of the Hearts players are volunteering for double and sometimes triple sessions. We were trying to compete with them on our two nights a week training so it was tough.
“It was different in the first game at our place as we matched them well that day. We almost sneaked a win but we could not live with them last week. It was a game that none of us really enjoyed despite the great atmosphere - after they got the opening goal they were flying.
“We are encouraged to try and hit back if teams score against us so if we were attacking and lost the ball they would find gaps in our defence. Hearts really have dangerous players all over the pitch.”
A week earlier Dumbarton had headed back west with a point, as Graham explained: “We played Hibs and we got a goalless draw at Easter Road. We did really well that day and in some ways that was a lot like our game with Hearts down at Dumbarton.
“They had lots of possession but we looked to hit them on the break. We restricted Hibs as we had done with Hearts at our place to only a few chances and most of them were from long distance. They did get a penalty but I am not convinced it was a foul in the first place.”
It looked like Dominique Malonga’s effort had crept in under Dumbarton goalkeeper Danny Rogers and over the line but no goal was given and Graham said: “I have seen the video and it looks to have gone in however I never noticed it at the game and the assistant was in a good place.”
As for this weekend’s game at Easter Road, the former Morton and Stirling Albion centre-half said: “I would have predicted Hearts to beat Hibs if the game had been at Tynecastle. They are flying and, after beating us, they have now got the better of every team in the Championship. However, playing in a derby game makes it very difficult to predict.
“Going to Easter Road will not hold any fears for Hearts. Hibs have injuries in defence but the derby nature means that the game is not straightforward. It will be close and that is as much as I will predict!”
Dumbarton have a huge game of their own this weekend when Rangers make their first ever visit to the Bet Butler Stadium and Graham said: “Playing Rangers at home is a game that we are really looking forward to. It is one of those games that makes you realise why it was so important that we did so well in the Championship last season.
“We are looking to bounce back from a bad result and a bad performance at Hearts and having a full stadium at the Bet Butler will help with that. We just have the one side of the ground in use for fans, which makes us unique in this division, but they will create a good atmosphere.”
Craig Stewart
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