Dundee 0, Dundee United 2, Dens Park, William Hill Premiership, 31-August-25

Dundee made one change when Ethan Hamilton replaced Fin Robertson in central midfield to make his debut. 

The game got off to poor start with both teams keeping it tight, too busy in keeping the ball. Most times the final ball being poor. 

United scored in 14 minutes which looked a poor goal for Dundee to lose, giving Und too much space. 

Simon Murray got away from Bert Esselink onto a long pass from Yan Dhanda, but Yevheni Kucherenko stretched to turn away his lob. Referee Steven McLean awarded a free kick against Murray, however. That this incident is worth a mention illustrates how the Dee never got their game going in the first half and failed to give the United defence any real problems. 

Dundee continued to struggle and did this for most of the first half. 

At half time Dundee made two changes. Tony Yogane and Cam Congreve came on for Yan Dhanda and Joe Westley. The Dark Blues started with greater intent and energy, but this didn’t lead to any sustained impetus.

Ethan Hamilton had a run and shot but it was too straight and the keeper saved was too easy. After this the game went back to being poor to watch. United were happy to deep defend and Dundee shwed very little between midfield and attack.

With Simon Murray playing upfront he needed more help to cause Und any problem. United scored late on to seal the win which they deseved.

Fin Robertson, Billy Koumetio and Emile Acquah came on for Callum Jones, Drey Wright and Imari Samuels. It sadly did not change the flow of the game.

But for Dundee today they were very poor in linking play with any pace and it was a poor game for a big crowd to watch. United did not need to be good today, but it was too easy for them as the space they got.

Next up is Motherwell at home and we need to be 100% much better than today.

Dundee: McCracken, Astley, Robertson , Graham, Wright (Acquah 78), Jones (Fin Robertson 78), Hamilton, Samuels (Koumetio 78). Westley (Congreve at half time), Dhanda (Yogane at half time), Murray (c). Unused Subs: Carson (gk), Hay, Garza, Galabov.

Referee: Steven McLean. 

Att: 10,750

Dundee Sign Ethan Hamilton

Dundee have signed midfielder Ethan Hamilton on a three-year deal from Lincoln City for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

The 26 year old has spend his time in English football from the age of 15. Includes Manchester United from a young age. He had loan spells at Rochdale, Southend United and Bolton Wanderers. In 2020, Hamilton left Manchester United and signed for English League One side Peterborough United and was part of the squad that finished second and were promoted to the Championship, playing 34 league matches that season. He would then go on to spend two seasons with League One side Accrington Stanley, where he played 87 times, scoring 13 goals. In 2023, he continued his stay in League One, joining Lincoln City. During his time at the Imps, he played 82 times and scored three times.

Ethan will be a good signing for the club, also important we build a squad mainly full of club signings. It will cut down the loan signings.

Kilmarnock Photos

 

Kilmarnock 0, Dundee 0, Rugby Park, William Hill Premiership, 23-August-25

Dundee's Simon Murray returned from injury and Yan Dhanda came in for his debut. They replaced Ash Hay, who was on the bench, and the injured Paul Digby. The formation looked 3-5-2 on paper, but in practice it was more like 3-4-2-1, with Callum Jones and Fin Robertson the central midfielders while Joe Westley and Yan Dhanda played in front of them, behind and either side of Simon Murray.  

They started well and played some neat football, but Killie had the first real shot at goal which Jon McCracken saved well. Kilmarnock looked more dangerous on set pieces but the dundee defence done well to keep them out.

Ryan Astley had to go off for treament for a head knock, but he returned and at least the score was 0-0. 

A rare Dee attack produced a lovely probing, passing move on the right which ended with Dhanda whipping over a cross to the near post that was flicked on by Murray. Westley forced the ball past the keeper from a tight angle and into the net off defender Ethan Brown. The goal was awarded at first but a VAR review ruled it out for offside against Murray.

It was offside but a bit tight it could had changed the game, but least Dundee kept at until half-time which ended 0-0.

Second half and Dundee were much the same keeping it tight and Killie were putting Dundee under more pressure and Jon McCracken puled off a few good saves to deny them.

After that tricky spell Dundee held strong and stopped Kilmarnock creating much in the last 20 minutes.

Yan Dhanda was replaced by Tony Yogane just after the hour, and then Cesar Garza, Billy Koumetio, Ash Hay and Cam Congreve came on for Fin Robertson, Luke Graham, Simon Murray and Joe Westley. The fresh legs allowed Dundee to get into the final third more in the closing stages. There were a few promising moments, but only in injury time did Dundee manage to get a serious shot on target, when Congreve’s 20 yarder was turned away for a corner by Stryjek.

Time ran out for both teams and the draw was a fine point for the dark blues. Another bonus was the clean sheet, which will boost confidence within the squad.

Dundee: McCracken, Astley, C Robertson (c), Graham ( Koumetio 72), Wright, Jones, Dhanda (Yogane 62), F Robertson (Garza 72), Samuels, Westley (Congreve 77), Murray (c) (Hay 77). Unused Subs: Carson (gk), Ingram, Donnelly, Acquah. 

Referee: Ryan Lee

Att: 5,620

Dundee Sign Cameron Congreve

Dundee have signed midfielder  Cameron Congreve on a season-long loan deal from Swansea City. The 21 year old  has been with Swansea since he was nine,

Congreve made his first-team debut for Swansea at the age of 18 in the English Championship against Blackpool in 2022. He has gone on to make 19 appearances for the Swans.

Last season he was on loan at Bromley, where he played 47 times, scored 6 goals and had 7 assists in all competitions. One of his goals came in the FA Cup at St James’ Park against Newcastle United.

He has also played for Wales U15s, 16s, 18s, 19s and 21s. He has 6 caps for the Under 21’s with his debut coming against Denmark in June 2023..

Cameron will wear No 20 for the dark blues this season.

Oldham Trip Photos

 

A trip down to see Oldham Athletic, and Yes I would have got off the Waggon!

After Dundee's League Cup exit l decided to go down and see Oldham Athletic play Swindon Town. It was a 12:30 kick-off so we had to leave home on the Airport bus to Edinburgh at 03:30 in the morning. We arrived on time and got another bus in to the centre to catch the 06:13 train to Manchester Piccadilly.

It was a quick journey down and my good friend Malc and Sue got on at Lancaster as they live in Morecambe now.

We got the 182 bus to Oldham and the bus stops 5 minutes from Boundary Park, we had a couple of refreshments in the bar under the Joe Royle stand.

Oldham Athletic 1, Swindon Town 2, League Two, Boundary Park, 16-August-25

Latics got off to a poor start and lost a goal in 5 minutes, It looked bad and not being tight enough in defence. This gave Swindon a big lift and latics struggle under the pressure. Swindon scored again after 20 minutes with a well work goal , but terrible from Oldham's point of view. 

On 34 minutes Latics responded to the second goal well and began to create chances. From Ryan Woods’ freekick from the right side, Joe Quigley rose but couldn’t keep his header down. 

Then ten minutes before the break, Latics pulled one back. Tom Conlon’s freekick was met by Joe Quigley, whose header was too much for a stretching Connor Ripley. 

The goal rallied Latics, with the hosts pressing for a leveller. Moments later, Conlon’s ball over the top set Jame Robson through and the wing-back was shoved to the floor, but referee Greg Rollason waved play on. 

Mike Fondop then came close, connecting with a header, but the former Latics ‘keeper Ripley got down to hold. 

With five minutes before the break, Princewill Ehibhatiomhan threatened for the Robins, flicking the ball over Donervon Daniels and finding space, but his effort was straight into the arms of Hudson. 

Second half and latics were much better and had a few attacks which was better to watch. The introduction of Kieron Morris on the hour-mark saw Mellon’s side switch back to a back four, as Latics went about equalising. 

Last week’s goalscorer Josh Hawkes came on to try and make an impact as the hosts tried to force a leveller. The Oldham number 21 whipped a cross into the area on the 72nd minute mark, which Ripley couldn’t keep hold of. However, nobody in Latics blue was there to pounce. 

With five minutes to go, Swindon had the chance to put the game to bed. Billy Bodin went down the right and put a cross into the area with Smith sliding in to connect with. From yards out, the Swindon frontman’s shot blazed over the bar. 

Latics thought they had the equaliser with one minute remaining. Ripley struggled to get something on Wood’s cross form the left and the ball dropped to Quigley inside the box. His effort was blocked on the line by a defender, with the referee waving away protests for a penalty. 

But time ran out and likely Swindon were just the better side, they played ok in the second half. But will need to get that first win the league to really start the season.

Oldham Athletic: Hudson; Sutton (Morris 61’), Daniels, Monthe; Ogle, Conlon ©, Woods, Robson; Hannant (Hawkes 69’); Fondop (Harratt 84’), Quigley. Unused Subs: Donaghy (GK), Drummond, Olson, Hammond.

Referee: Greg Rollason

Attendance: 6,955 

After the game we went back to Bar 1895 before our bus back to Piccadilly for our train to Lancaster. Things went quick and were back to Morecambe at 18:30 for a meal and a few drinks. Walked about done the Eric Morcambe statue.

After this Andrew and myself headed back to Malc's house on where we were staying the night. We got relaxed and had a few beers as we shared memories on when we first met in 1987 when Dundee and Oldham played in the Isle of Man Football Tourament. 

Next day we went to Lancaster where we had a walk about and had a beer in the Merchants 1688 which has a long history. Then after this we had a look at Lancaster Castle and Malc told us about the Pendle Witches which go back to 1612 when the trial happened. 

After being found guilty they would go on a waggon where they were taken down to The Golden Lion for their last drink before being hung in the gallows. 

Another famous local legend is that of the teetotal man who, after being condemned to death for his crimes, had refused his final drink at the Golden Lion. The story goes that had he stopped and taken his right to a last drink, he would have been in the Golden Lion when his pardon arrived by courier. As it was he had already been hanged by the time his pardon arrived…………Who says drinking is bad for you?

After that we had a quick pint and sat outside waiting on our train home. It was a fine way to end our trip, and thanks to Malc and Sue for looking after us so well.

Rangers 1, Dundee 1, Ibrox, William Hill Premiership, 9th August 2025

Dundee started with two changes from the Hibernian game. Drey Wright came in at right wing back and new signing Joe Westley made his debut in attack. Ethan Ingram and Emile Acquah moved to the bench.

Dundee started well and the defence looked to have a good shape. it took the home side until the 16th minute to get close to the Dundee goal, They never got a shot at goal to trouble Jon McCracken.

Dundee were working hard and gave Rangers very little space to  stop them getting behind the defence. Dundee themselves came close and after a Fin Robertson shot was blocked a great cross from Luke Graham was headed by Clark Robertson saw his header hit the inside of the post.

Four minutes later Clark Robertson hit the post again, but he had just been offside and the play was stopped. These few minutes were distinctly uncomfortable for the home support, and the game never got much easier for Rangers. Even when they were dominating possession and pushing Dundee back they were never truly in control. Dundee were defending superbly and frustrating Rangers at every turn.

Second half and McCracken had a comfy looking save early on, But on 51 minutes Dundee took the lead after a foul. Callum Jones floated the ball beyond the far post. Clark Robertson headed back and Ryan Astley scored with a precise header looping over Butland and dropping into the top corner.

Rangers hit back, but again Dundee done their job in superb fashion. Eight minutes later they dug themselves into an even deeper hole when they went down to 10 men. Dundee broke out of defence and with Rangers expecting Joe Westley to lay the ball back to a midfielder the Dee striker used strength and skill to take two Rangers players out of the game and send Fin Robertson clear. Nasser Djiga brought him down and showed no surprise when referee Don Robertson pulled out the red card.

Rangers did come into the game and Dundee managed to clear the ball well, and Jon McCracken made a couple of good saves to deny them.

As time was running late Tony Yogane came on for Joe Westley, then Emile Acquah replaced Ash Hay. Many of the home fans had vanished when Rangers finally got the break they hardly deserved as the clock was ticking past the 90 minute mark.

But on the 92nd minute Rangers were awarded a debatable spot kick when Gassama got half passed Drey Wright, grabbed the Dee’s shirt, and went sprawling. It looked a plausible penalty claim in real time, but far less so on closer video inspection.

They scored from the spot to level the game, 6 minutes later they scored again but rightly so Dressers was offside which the lineman missed, 

The final whistle blew soon after and Dundee left Ibrox with a well deserved point. Really it should have been three points as my view it was never a penalty after the Var check.

The Dundee players went over to the Dundee support who cheered them off the park on which they fully deserved,

Next up is Kilmarnock away in two weeks which l have holidays for and will be able to go. 

Dundee: McCracken, Astley, Clark Robertson (c), Graham, Wright, Jones (Koumetio 90+3), Digby, Fin Robertson, Samuels (Donnelly 90+3), Westley (Yogane 66),Hay (Acquah 82). Unused Subs: Carson (gk), Ingram, Galabov, Allan, Crombie.

Referee: Don Robertson.

Att: 48,958.

Dundee Sign Yan Dhanda

Dundee have signed midfielder Yan Dhanda on a season-long loan from Heart of Midlothian. There were a few clubs interested but Yan chose Dundee after talking to ex team mate Simon Murray and Manager Steven Pressley.

Dhanda started at the youth academy at West Bromwich Albion before moving to the academy at Liverpool. In 2018, he moved to Swansea City and scored on his debut with his first touch in a 2-1 win against Sheffield United.

After 63 appearances and 5 goals for the Swans, Dhanda made the move to Scotland in 2022, signing for Ross County. During his two seasons with the Staggies, he made a name for himself in Scottish football with his impressive creative play. In Dingwall, he played 79 times, scored 12 goals and had 18 assists. Last season, he played 33 times for Hearts in all competitions, scoring twice.

He will wear No 21 for the Dark Blues.

Dundee Sign Striker Joe Westley

Dundee FC have signed striker Joe Westley on a three-year deal from Burnley after both clubs agreed terms. The transfer is subject to international clearance.

The 20-year-old joins the Dee after spending the second part of last season on loan at Swindon Town, where he played 17 times and scored 3 goals in League Two. There was much interest from a number of English teams in Westley, but he has opted to move north of the border and sign for Dundee.

Westley has come through the youth academy at Burnley and signed his first professional contract in January 2023, and played for the Under 18’s and 21’s. His first loan move was to AFC Fylde in the National League in January 2024, where he played 13 times, scoring 3 times. He then had a short loan spell at Rochdale before his move to Swindon.

Dundee 1, Hibernian 2, Dens Park, William Hill Premiership, 03-August-25

Dundee started with news that Simon Murray was out today, and replaced by Ash Hay. Ryan Astley, Ethan Ingram, Paul Digby, and Fin Robertson, who came on as substitutes against last week, retained their places with Plamen Galabov, Drey Wright, Cesar Garza, and Tony Yogane switching to the bench.

The visitors were Hibernian who finished the season well, so it will be a tough game for the dark blues.

Both teams struggled in the first 30 minutes, with Hibs having a lot of the ball. But not causing a solid looking dee defence any bother.

But that changed in a three minute spell when Hibs scored twice to take control of the game, The second one was poor from Dundee.

But at least Dundee hit back to score when Finlay Robertson scored with a fine finish after good play and pass from Ash Hay to give Dundee fans some much needed hope for the second half.

Second half and both teams struggled to get going. It was the story of the game, Hibs were not great but better than Dundee who struggled in Midfield and upfront.

Next up is a trip to Ibrox so all the pressure are on the home team.

Dundee: McCracken, Astley, Robertson (c), Graham, Ingram (Donnelly 80), Jones (Wright 80), Digby, Fin Robertson,  Samuels (Garza 85), Acquah (Yogane 80), Hay. Unused Subs: Carson (gk), Koumetio,  Galabpv,  Lopez,  Allan.

Referee: David Dickinson

Att: 7,825