Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Dundee Go Top.....

Morton 1, Dundee 2, Cappielow, SPFL Championship, 07-December-2013

Dundee beat Morton 2-1 in a well deserved win at Cappielow it moved the Dark Blues top of the league on goal difference. Craig Beattie opened the scoring on 15 minutes when he rounded the keeper to finish a fine move. Declan Gallagher doubled Dundee's lead when he headed home from a corner right on half-time. Although Morton pulled a goal back in the second half Dundee still had enough chances to settled the game , but they held out to win the game and claim all three points.

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

More Photos From Raith Game.....






Poor Show From The Dark Blues......

Dundee 0 Raith Rovers 1, Scottish Cup, Dens Park, 30-Nov-13

After the high from last Saturday's performance at Hamilton, Dundee were brought back down to earth when they were beaten 1-0 by Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup.

The Rovers started the better side and after a surging run by Thomson he was tackled in the box as the fans waited to see if it was a free kick or Penalty. The Referee played on Dundee's Gary Irvine passed the ball back to keeper Kyle Letheren who was out of position and the ball ended up in the net for a bizarre own goal. This was on Eight minutes gone in the tie but sadly Dundee struggled to get going the midfield were really poor and it must have hard for the strikers to create anything. Rovers were not much better as the first half closed the Dundee Fans were hoping for a better second half.

Manager John Brown put on Martin Boyle in place of Craig Wighton to try and boost the strike force, but sadly we still struggled to make a impact. Only for a ten minute spell you would have thought it was a Scottish Cup Tie with Dens Park being very quiet this afternoon.

Dundee put on Beattie and Monti during the second half to no avail and although the Rovers were not great they deserved to go through to the next round.

Dundee: Letheren, Irvine, Gallagher, Davidson Lockwood (Monti 82), Riley, McAlister, Rae, Conroy(Beattie 61), MacDonald, Wighton (Boyle 45). Subs Not Used: Twardzik, McBride, Doris, and Thomson.

Referee: S McLean

Att: 3,184

MoM: Peter MacDonald

Monday, November 25, 2013

Dundee Pass The Six Point Tester

Hamilton Academicals 0, Dundee 3, SPFL Championship, New Douglas Park, 23-November-13

Dundee opened up the title race with a superb 3-0 win at leaders Hamilton Academicals, it might prove to be a massive turning point in this current season. A first half goal on 16 minutes from Iain Davidson settled Dundee when he turned and shot home high into a net, it looked poor defending in the lead up play from the Accies. That was the half time score with both teams having chances. Then on 57 minutes Declan Gallagher doubled Dundee's lead with a fine header. By reports that shattered Hamilton's confidence and Dundee finished the game with ease and to rubs salts Peter McDonald headed home after sub Martin Boyle's  chip had come back off the bar in the last minute. A massive three points for the Dark Blues which would have send the Dundee fans home happy.

Dundee: Letheren, Irvine, Lockwood, Davidson, Riley (McBride (90), MacDonald (Beattie(90), Rae, Conroy, Gallagher, McAlister, Wighton (Boyle 81). Subs Not Used: Gibson, Monti, Doris, and Thomson.

Ref: B Madden

Att: 2,077

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Late Goal Deny The Dark Blues

Dundee 1 Falkirk 1, Dens Park, SPFL Championship, 16-August-13

Dundee came close to claiming three points on Saturday, but were denied when a late Falkirk goal two minutes into injury time. The final score was 1-1 and it now makes the trip to Hamilton next week more important.

Dundee were slightly the better side with Nicky Riley causing the home defence some problems, but soon after Dundee took the lead when the referee pointed to the spot after a needless handball from the bairns defender. Ryan Conroy scored with ease sending the keeper the wrong way. A couple of minutes later Falkirk thought they had scored but thankfully the linesman had his flag for offside. Then Iain Davidson had to be alert after Garry Irvine had nearly headed home a own goal when their was no danger. Falkirk had a great chance just before half-time when they broke clear but Letheren pulled off two great save to deny the Falkirk striker who looked certain to score.

Second half and things as a game did not get any better has Dundee struggled to pass the ball around, they did have a break away but sloppy passing and the chance was gone. Manager John Brown took off Wighton and put on McBride to try and shut up shop and protect our 1-0 lead. Kyle Letheren again saved the dark Blues with a great save tipping the ball round the post. Dundee continued to struggle and Falkirk looked certain to score again but the striker shot high and over the ball when it looked easier to hit the net. Carlo Monti came on for Riley but deep into injury time and the Bairns drew level with a lucky goal the ball coming off the face of Leahy and spun past Letheren to earn the visitors a draw.
 
No one can deny that Falkirk deserved at least a draw with Dundee struggling all afternoon, they will have to do better next week at Hamilton where they can't afford to lose. It was good to see Stephen O'Donnell on the bench after his fight back to fitness.

Dundee: Letheren, Irvine, Lockwood, Davidson, Riley (Monti (90), Macdonald, Rae, Conroy, Gallagher, McAlister, Wighton (McBride (69).  Subs Not Used: Twardzik, O'Donnell, Doris, Boyle, and Thomson.

Ref: S. Reilly

Att: 4,661

My MoM: Kyle Letheren

Monday, November 11, 2013

Fine Win For The Dark Blues

Dundee 2 Raith Rovers 0, Dens Park, SPFL Championship, 9th November 2013

Dundee beat Raith Rovers on Saturday by two goals to nil at Dens park on Saturday. It was a good performance but they really need to more ruthless in front of goal. It was very pleasing to witness Craig Wighton's first senior goal and he has become the youngest player to score for the Dundee FC first team.

Iain Davidson returned to the team after missing the Livi game two weeks ago. Raith started the better team but I did not like how they went down looking for free kicks all the time, the referee should have acted more quickly than he did. I'm sure Rovers fans will have another view from mine. The game did change on the sending off of Booth just after Ryan Conroy had put Dundee ahead with a superb free kick after the Rovers defender was booked for hand ball, he was send off for a foul on Riley.

Dundee had chance before half time but failed to take them. But four minutes into the second half and young star Craig Wighton scored with a cleverly placed header after good play from Conroy on the wing, this made the game more comfy for the home team. But really it should have been more than 2-0 but some poor finishing let the Dark Blues down. It ended 2-0 at the end but we must be happy to end Rovers run of ten games unbeaten run.
 
The team played well in staged but hopefully the injury to Matt Lockwood is not too bad, l thought that Peter MacDonald had a poor game today but he has been superb all season so won't be too critical of the striker.

Next up is Falkirk at Home then Hamilton away so two very important games for Dark Blues.

Dundee: Letheren, Irvine, Lockwood, Gallagher, Davidson, Riley, Conroy, Rae, McAlister, Wighton, MacDonald.  Subs: Twardzik (GK), McBride, Monti, Doris, Thomson, Boyle, Beattie.

Att: 5,064

Ref: A.Dallas

MoM: Craig Wighton.

News from Dens....

Dundee have had three trialists at the club last week but Manager John Brown said they were not any better than was already at the club, two were from England and the another was from Belgium.

Livingston 2, Dundee 1, Energy Assets Arena, SPFL Championship, 26th October 2013
Dundee were beaten 2-1 at Livingston in what was described as a poor performance, they seemed to miss Iain Davidson at the back who was out injured. Peter McDonald put Dundee ahead with a fine volley after the striker had missed a penalty earlier. Livingston came back and levelled and the home side got a late winner to take all three points. The goal looked pretty a soft one to lose. Dundee will not have a game now for two weeks it has maybe come at the right time for the Dark Blues.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Beattie's Late Winner So Vital For The Dark Blues

Dundee 2 Queen of the South 1, Dens Park, SPFL Championship, 12th October-2013

Dundee left it late but two late goals earn them three very vital points at Dens Park on Saturday. The only change in the team was young Craig Wighton starting in place of Craig Beattie who had picked up a knock last week he was on the bench.

Queens started better in the conditions which were pretty differcult due to the heavy rain which had fallen just before the game. But a good shot from Gavin Rae and a bit later from Ryan Conroy brought out fine saves from the Doonhammer's keeper. Then Peter MacDonald was unlucky with a great dipping shot which the keeper tipped over the bar. Queens nearly scored in a break away but lucky for the dark blues defender Gary Irvine cleared on the line when it looked a certain goal.

At the start of the second half Dundee upped the pace but did not create much on chances, then they seemed to lose the midfield battle for a wee while. Craig Beattie came on for Craig Wighton the 16 year old had done well his link up play is excellent.

The breakthrough came in 76 minutes when the Queens keeper made a mistake as he spilled Beattie's shot and from a tight angle Peter MacDonald scored with a delightful chip finish. But two minutes later it was all square again when Lyle shot home from 10 yards.

Dundee pushed for a winner Martin Boyle who had come on for Nicky Riley went a great run to give the Dundee fans hope of a late winner. And it came with minutes remaining. A Gary Irvine long throw was headed on by Peter MacDonald and it fell nice for striker Craig Beattie who smashed the ball home to sent Dens wild with joy. They held on for three vital points.

A big well done to the grounds men who worked so hard to get the game on it could have been easily called off.

Dundee: Letheren, Irvine Lockwood, Gallagher, Davidson, Riley (Boyle(85), McAlister, Rae, Conroy, MacDonald (Doris (88), Wighton (Beattie(65). Subs Not Used: Twardzik, Kerr, Thomson, Thomson.

Att: 4,387

Ref: S.McLean

My MOM: Iain Davidson.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Fine Win On The Road For The Dark Blues.

Dumbarton 1 Dundee 4, Bet Butler Stadium, SPFL Championship, 12-October-13

Dundee produced their best result goal wise at Dumbarton on Saturday, after a goalless first half. Peter MacDonald scored with a free kick after 48 minutes, then Ryan Conroy scored a cracker from 20 yards to double Dundee's lead. The third came when good work from McAlister who was fouled in the box, MacDonald made no mistake from the spot. Dumbarton pulled one back when Fleming scored a fine solo goal. With a couple of minutes from the end Gavin Rae got the fourth goal with a side foot finish after being set up by Wighton

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Cowdenbeath 0 Dundee 2, Central Park, SPFL Championship, 5th October 2013

It was a very nice day out last Saturday a quick train journey through to Cowdenbeath arriving at 12:55. A few pints in Wee Jimmies with Neil and Jim. As usual a few fellow DFC fans came and it was good to see them.

This time getting into Central Park we were send round the long way and we were seated in the old stand where you get a good view. Dundee came out in dark blue with the only change was Lockwood replacing Dyer. I noticed that young Craig Wighton was on the bench.

Dundee started well and pushed the blue brazil back a bit with Nicky Riley coming close with a shot across the goal which just went wide. Cowden did have a half chance but Letheren was not trouble by the shot. Peter MacDonald should have scored but his first touch was not good enough and the chance was gone. McAlister shot just wide as Dundee pushed to get the opening goal. Then with 35 minutes gone a high through pass was controlled by Craig Beattie and striker sent a wonderful lob from 35 yards over the keeper and into the net. The big striker took the very well deserved applause from the Dundee fans.

Into the second half and it was all Dundee who pushed the blue brazil back and they struggled to get close to the Dundee goal. The Cowdenbeath keeper has two or three outstanding saves from Gallagher and MacDonald. Jim McAlister had a good goal ruled offside it looked okay to me. But with 10 minutes to go John Brown sent on Wighton for Beattie who is not 100% fit yet but is getting closer every week. a couple of minutes later and it was 2-0 and game in the bag. A clever ball from Lockwood send MacDonald clear and his clever cross was finished by Ryan Conroy from ten yards out.

No more goals but a very solid performance and a clean sheet as well which is a big bonus. A few teams will trip up at Central Park this season.

Dundee: Letheren, Irvine, Lockwood, Gallagher, Davidson, Riley(McBride (84), McAlister, Rae, Conroy, Beattie(Wighton(80), MacDonald(Doris(88). Subs Not Used: Twardzik, Benedictus, Reid and Boyle.

Att: 1,013

Ref: Greg Aitken.

Wednesday, October 02, 2013

Fine Win For The Dark Blues

Dens Park, Saturday 28th September-2013

Dundee beat Morton 3-1 on Saturday in a game which we needed to win to keep our challenge for the league on track. Morton who had beaten Celtic in the league cup would be no push overs. Morton took the lead after 22 minutes when Pecier headed home. By reports it was against the run of play with Dundee creating lots of chances.


Second half was only two minutes old when MacDonald scored to level things  after good play from Nicky Riley, a few minutes later more good wing play from Nicky and MacDonald got his second goal with a fine finish. Then after 71 minutes Craig Beattie scored his first goal for the club with a fine strike to seal the three points for the dark blues.

What a difference a week makes and with the scores going Dundee's way for a change it was a good day all round. I'm looking forward to going to Cowdenbeath this Saturday.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Latest News and Results From Dens Park

I have missed the last three games and can't comment too much, just hope that the players get it together for the next game against Morton. I'm working again so will just have to wait until likely Cowdenbeath before l see them next.

On Tuesday Inverness Caley Thistle won 1-0 at Dens in the League Cup thanks to a early Billy McKay goal, what l have read and seen Dundee played well enough. It looked a very soft goal to lose and it's always hard to come back unless you can level the game quickly.

Next up was Falkirk away where they were well beaten 3-1 with the home side being 3-0 up, so the gap is now Eight points.

Dundee drew 0-0 with league leaders Hamilton Accies at Dens going by reports they were lucky not to lose.


Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Video From Dens

Hospitality at Dens With The Andy Penman Dark Blues, 7-Sept-13


A good day at Dens on Saturday to honour Pat Liney of honorary membership of the Andy Penman Dark Blues. Every one enjoyed the day. Some photos below:

 






 
 







 


Dundee 1 Stenhousemuir 1, (aet 4-5 0n Pens), Dens Park, Ramsden Cup, 7-Sept-13

Dundee crashed out of the Ramsdens Cup losing the penalty shoot out in sudden death after the game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of missed chances for the Dundee fans to suffer.

The team was the same as played against Livingston in the league, Stenny had the first chance but lucky for us the midfielder shot wide when put in a very good position. Then after six minutes Carlo Monti had to be replaced after a clash of heads left the striker looking a bit groggy, Nicky Riley came on. Dundee settled after this and went on to create and miss a few chances. The home side might have had a penalty when MacDonald was pushed in the box. Then just after the half hour Dickson had a strong header well saved by Letheren who pushed the effort onto the post for a fine save. Near half time and McAlister should have scored when put through on the keeper but he did well to save and Riley's follow up shot was cleared.


Second half and Dundee upped the pace to try and break the Stenhousemuir defence who had done well so far in the cup tie, firstly MacDonald hit the bar when he should have scored but he made amends a few minutes later when he scored from the penalty spot after McAlister was fouled. Soon after Dundee missed two good chances to kill off the game, but back came Stenny when they levelled with a great strike from ex-Dee Sean Higgins when he blasted the ball home after good play from Gemmell to set him up. This seemed to unsettle Dundee and they struggled to get back into the game.

Manager John Brown put on Martin Boyle for Ryan Conroy to try and boost the forward line Dundee did create a couple chances but missed them and the game went to extra time.

Kyle Benedictus replaced Nicky Riley but both teams sruggled to get the break through. It was pretty clear it was going to penalty kicks.

 McBride missed (Over the Bar)

Gemmell missed (Save by Letheren)

McDonald scored 1-0 Dundee

Smith scored 1-1

Lockwood scored 2-1 Dundee

Rowson scored 2-2

Boyle scored 3-2 Dundee

NcNeil missed (Save by Letheren)

Rae missed (save from Smith) Into Sudden Death

Ferguson scored 3-3

Irvine scored 4-3 Dundee

Douglas scored 4-4

Dyer missed (Hit the post)

Lynch scored to put Stenhousemuir into the Semi Finals by 4-5 on Penalties so well done to them, Dundee can look back and rue the missed chances. They had 21 efforts on goal so they can only blame themselves for this Cup exit.

Dundee 3 Livingston 0, Dens Park, 30-August-13

More to follow....

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Latest From Dens Park.....

Dundee 2 Forfar Ath 1, AET, Dens Park, League Cup 3rd Rd, 27-August-13

Dundee beat Forfar 2-1 after extra time in the League Cup tonight, a near repeat from last weeks game. Forfar took the lead from the Penalty spot on 43 minutes. Jim McAlister levelled the tie on 51 minutes. Midfield Kevin McBride was sent off on 71 minutes for a second yellow card. The game went into extra time and with 121 minutes 50 seconds Peter McDonald fired in a free kick to win it for the Dark Blues.

Dundee: Letheren, Irvine, Lockwood, Dyer, McBride, Macdonald, Rae, Conroy, Monti, Gallagher, McAlister. Subs: Twardzik, Thomson, Reid, Boyle, Carberry.
 
Ref: B. Cook

Att: 2,027

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Photos From Raith Game









Raith Rovers 0 Dundee 0, Starks Park, SPFL Championship, 24-August-13

Dundee started well and looked a lot more comfy with the 4-4-2 formation with Matt Lockwood and Willie Dyer in the defence for the injured Iain Davidson and Kyle Benedictus. early on McBride and MacDonald had good shots blocked but Dundee only looked like scoring from set pieces and corners.

They were really unlucky twice when first Peter MacDonald broke into the box and was fouled and then Declan Gallagher headed home from a McAlister corner but the he was punished for a push, both times the Referee got it wrong. After that both Irvine and MacDonald wasted headers by putting them wide and over the bar.

Second half was more even with Rovers doing better, but it took a great saved from McGurn to deny Gallagher a goal from a header and his follow up was cleared off the line. Manager John Brown put on Steven Doris and Martin Boyle to try and grab the points and Steven Doris might have scored but his shot was just wide when he got into a good position in the box.

Jamie Reid came on as well but it ended 0-0 which maybe left Dundee thinking it should have been three points. The Rovers will feel they deserved a point due to their better second half performance.

Dundee: Letheren, Irvine, Gallagher, Lockwood, Dyer, McAlister, McBride, Rae, Conroy(Reid (87), Monti (Doris (60), MacDonald (Boyle (67). Subs Not Used: Twardzik, Kerr, Thomson, Carberry.

Ref: J. Beaton

Att:2,603


Thursday, August 22, 2013

News From Dens Park.....

Dundee beat Forfar Ath 3-1 after extra time in the Ramsden Cup at Dens on Tuesday night. Going  by reports it was a big struggle. Forfar took the lead when Malcolm headed home early in the second half. Dundee drew level with tens minutes to go with a shot from Kevin McBride was fumbled by Rab Douglas and it just crossed the line. Extra time and Sub Peter MacDonald scored with a stunning free kick and in the final minute he made it 3-1 with a well placed shot to seal the game. Forfar gave a good account of themselves and it will be another tough game next week when the team meet in the League Cup at Dens.

Dundee have signed goal keeper Dan Twardzik who was at Aberdeen last season, he will provide cover because of the injury to back up keeper John Gibson.

Dundee 1 Alloa Ath 0, Dens Park, SPFL Championship, 17-August-13

Dundee entertain Alloa Ath in their first home league game of the season. Nicky Riley is out injured but Gary Irvine returns to the squad.

Manager John Brown made one change Gary Irvine coming in for Matt Lockwood. Luckily the rain had stopped and it a very nice day now for some football. Dundee started brightly with Jim McAlister making good runs and Conroy was unlucky when his effort was blocked. But as Alloa got organised by picking up McAlister Dundee struggled to break down the wasps defence who were now dangerous on the break. In fact Letheren had to look smart a couple of times to keep it at 0-0. Dundee's best chance before half-time was went Gary Irvine force their keeper to tip over from his overhead effort.

Second half and things did not get much better as the home side struggled with a lack of play down the wings. Only at corner did Dundee look like scoring. Brown made changes with Boyle and Doris coming on for Conroy and Monti. Boyle did come close to scoring but his shot was well saved by the Alloa keeper and the follow up was blocked. Jamie Reid came on for McDonald as Dundee went for the three points. Dundee did look better with this formation and as Alloa looked to run down the clock the Referee pointed to the spot after Doris was fouled. Up stepped  Kevin McBride blasted the kick home to give Dundee all three points. 

Very hard on a hard working Alloa team who fully deserved a point.

Dundee: letheren, Irvine, Davidson, McBride, MacDonald, Rae, Conroy, Monti, Benedictus, Gallagher, McAlister. Subs: Lockwood, Dyer, Doris, Reid, Boyle, Wighton.