The 1896–97 season was the 24th Scottish football season in which Dumbarton competed at national level, entering the Scottish Football League and the Scottish Cup. In addition Dumbarton played in the Dumbartonshire Cup.
Story of the Season
August
The first league game of the new season was played at home to Partick Thistle on 15 August, and after an evenly contested match the spoils were shared in a 2-2 draw.
The following Saturday Dumbarton visited Port Glasgow with a team that showed 3 changes, Juniors Rodger and Watson being given trials together with the addition of returnee Hugh Craig. Dumbarton led through a Malloy goal at half time, and while Port Glasgow equalised, the Sons regained the lead only for the home team to score twice in the last five minutes for a 3-2 win.
On 29 August Dumbarton were at home to play their league fixture against Greenock Morton. The team had a forced change with the departure of McIlhany, his place being taken by Reid. With a gale blowing down the field Dumbarton conceded a goal against the wind before half time. Morton scored another two in the second half, but Dumbarton put up a sterling struggle considering that most of the second 45 minutes were played with only 8 men as both Thomsons and Reid were all lost to injury.
September
On 5 September Dumbarton travelled to Rugby Park to play Kilmarnock. With the previous week’s injuries, a reshuffle was required with Morrice and Weir returning together with Skinner stepping up from the reserves. Unfortunately in a poor performance the home team cruised to victory by 5-1.
It was another away tie the following week but the journey was short as the opponents were local rivals Renton. William Thomson returned to the side but it made little difference as the Sons fell to a disappointing 4-0 defeat.
After a weather disrupted weekend Dumbarton resumed league business at Boghead on 26 September against Leith Athletic. The match was a close affair but in the end Dumbarton succumbed to yet another defeat by 2-1.
October
The first ever league fixture against Airdrie was played at Broomfield Park on 3 October. More departures in the form of Craig, McIlhany and Weir meant further team changes including new boys McGregor and Adamson. The game however finished with the same story of a Dumbarton defeat – this time by 3-2.
For many seasons the relationship between Dumbarton and Queen’s Park had been cold but on 10 October the teams met in a friendly at Hampden Park. Certainly this match – over two 35 minute halves - was between amateur sides but the Queen’s Park had for many years attracted the cream of the crop and it showed in the 6-1 beating that was handed out.
The following Saturday it was a trip to Cappielow Park to play Morton in the return league fixture. There was another new face – Fraser - playing at inside left but while Dumbarton’s play was much improved on previous outings it was yet another defeat – 3-1.
Yet another away fixture – the sixth in nine league matches – was set for 24 October. The venue was Beechwood Park to play Leith Athletic and the team showed three more changes with the introduction of Bowman in goals, McBirnie at left back and Hodge at inside left. The result was a disastrous 7-1 defeat.
There was a free week on 31 October but with nine matches down and nine to go, Dumbarton had a solitary point to show for their efforts and were marooned at the foot of the table.
November
The first game of November saw neighbours Renton visit Boghead on league duty. Docherty was back in goals but despite holding out 1-1 at half time it was Renton who took the points by scoring two more in the second half for a 3-1 win.
The only point gathered so far in the league was against Partick Thistle back in August and it was hoped that fortunes might pick up for the return fixture in Glasgow on 14 November. The first half was evenly contested with the Jags leading by the only goal but in the second half Dumbarton fell away and lost by 6-1.
The following weekend a friendly was arranged with the recently revived Vale of Leven at Millburn Park. In a dull game a 1-1 draw was achieved.
On 28 November Dumbarton visited Govan to play Linthouse in their first league fixture of the season. Dumbarton trialled Mitchell at left back and at half time the team had played well to lead 2-1. Linthouse levelled the scores in the second half but Dumbarton had at last secured their second point.