Aberdeen 2, Dundee 3, Pittodrie, William Hill Premiership, 21st February 26

Dundee  made one change to his starting eleven as Imari Samuels replaced the injured Brad Halliday at left-back, while Aberdeen made three changes from their 2-0 cup victory against Motherwell.

Dundee started the game poorly, and Aberdeen could have scored twice in the first 10 minutes. However they scored after 16 minutes when Nisbet got in quickly to get his shot but the ball somehow when through Jon McCraken's gloves and ended up in the net.

A poor goal to lose but Dundee came back into the game as they attacked Aberdeen. A long ball from deep caused confusion for Dons defender Liam Morrison, who caught Tony Yogane in the box while trying to chase down Simon Murray, with the referee pointing to the spot.

Simon Murray took the penalty after Morrison had been sent off, and the striker scored with ease with a well taken kick. 

As half time drew near, it was Dundee again. A low cross from Imari Samuels met Murray close to goal, with the skipper attempting to turn and volley the ball into the net. His mishit shot found Cameron Congreve, whose quick feet powered a shot under Dons keeper Bråtveit’s legs, and bundled home by Joel Cotterill  for his first Dundee goal.

Dundee started the second half and took control of the game forcing the Aberdeen keeper into make 3 or 4 saves. As Dundee looked to kill the game off with a third goal. But as it often happens Nisbet scored again for the Dons with a well taken free-kick.

Back came Dundee and they got their rewards near the end, a good fast break away Yogane found Ethan Hamilton and he cut across the edge of the box beating a couple of Aberdeen players. To then unleash a left foot thunderbolt into the top corner to win the game for the dark blues.

A goal fit to win any game and it great to see the Dundee fans celebrate in style. 

Dundee: McCracken, Wright, Astley, Graham, Samuels, Hamilton, Congreve (Finlay Robertson 91), Dhanda (Jones 46), Cotterill, Yogane (Reilly 86), Murray (c) (Valenzuela 86). Unused substitutes:  O’Hara (gk), Digby, Donnelly, Montsma, Bevan.

Referee: Steven McLean. 

Att: 17,327

Oldham Photos

Oldham Athletic 2, Bristol Rovers 0, Boundary Park, League Two, 17th February 26

Oldham Athetic got off to a flying start  when Kane Drummond scored one of the quickest goals of the English Football League season for Oldham in their 2-0 home win against struggling Bristol Rovers

Only 35 seconds had been played when Drummond latched on to a Mike Fondop head down and found the top corner of the net with a spectacular shot on the run from outside the box.

The goal, Drummond's third of the season, set Oldham on the road to victory which ended a four-match winless run to cement their mid-table position.

The victory was sealed with a 59th-minute goal from Fondop whose penalty, awarded for handball by Joel Senior, was brilliantly saved by keeper Bradley Young only for the striker to lash the rebound into the roof of the net for his second goal of the campaign.

It was a third straight loss for Rovers who remain perilously close to the bottom two relegation places.

They would not have left Boundary Park empty-handed had they had a cutting edge, while home keeper Matt Hudson made a fine flying save to keep out Alfie Kilgour's header.

Although Bristol Rovers has a lot of the ball, they found Matt Hudson in fine form. It was good to see Latics win. 

My first win I've seen in 10 games going back to 1991 when they beat Torquay 7-1 in a cup-tie. My son Alexander was also on the trip and it was good for him to see more of Oldham which we did on our two night stay.

Oldham Athletic: Hudson, Robson, Monthé, Daniels, Caprice, Payne, Pett(c),Stevens, (Hannant 79'), Kavanagh (Woods 60) Drummond, Fondop-Talon (Garner 85). Subs Not Used:  Donaghy, Taylor,  Hammond, Simeu

Referee: Scott Oldham

Att:  6,256

Dundee 2, Livingston 2, Dens Park, William Hill Premiership, 14th February 26

 Dundee 

Falkirk 1, Dundee 0, The Falkirk Stadium, William Hill Premiership, 11th February 26

 Dundee 

Celtic 2, Dundee 1, Parkhead, Scottish Cup 5th Rd, 08-February-26

Dundee started with the same team which played St Mirren last week. On bench only Scott Wright made the bench from the new signings.

Dundee started well and attacked from the off, Celtic did step up a gear but Dundee handled that and it soon to fizz out. Jon McCracken made a couple of saves but all routine stuff. 

Dundee's Congreve and Yogane caused Celtic a lot of problems with their crosses and general wing play. 

Dundee came closest to opening the scoring late in the first half when Luke Graham me a Congreve corner with a volley. He didn’t connect cleanly and Ryan Astley’s header was cleared off the goal line.

Second half and Celtic made changes to their team, but it was Dundee took the lead with a magnificent goal after 49 minutes.

The Dark Blues broke forward and Congreve sucked in Celtic players as he drove in from the wing. He was stopped but the ball broke for Ethan Hamilton to surge past Callum McGregor and rocket a blistering 20 yard shot across Sinisalo into the top corner. Fantastic! How the travelling Dees loved that!

Celtic hit back but again Dundee were able to cope. Dundee came close to a decisive second goal in the 76th minute. Substitute Scott Wright had come on for Simon Murray and he cut a low cross back from the byline. The ball was only half cleared and Yogane’s shot took a deflection that beat Sinisalo but Tierney cleared off the line.

Celtic kept the pressure up and Dundee defended well and they made subs to freshen up the legs as the game headed towards injury time. 

But with the last kick of the ball in injury time Celtic broke away amd scored. 96+ minutes had gone. Dundee kicked off and the referee blew for full time. 

In extra time Celtic scored after 2 minutes to lead the cup-tie 2-1. Dundee pushed forward for the rest of extra time, with Celtic time wasting ect to run down the clock.

Must have been tough for the players today they gave everything by reports and l feel for all the DFC fans who made the game. I missed out due to work

Dundee: McCracken, Halliday, Astley, Graham (Ingram 109), Wright (Samuels 93), Hamilton. Congreve, (Reilly 93), Dhanda (Bevan 105), Cotterill (Jones 71), Yogane (Fin Robertson 80), Murray(c) (Wright 71). Subs: O’Hara (gk), Digby.

Referee: Ryan Lee

Att: 

Motherwell Game Off

Dundee's game v Motherwell at Dens Park has been called off after a pitch inspection. It was done at 14:30pm and it too well over a hour to make a final decision by the Referee. 

The amount of rain which has fallen over the last fews it very high, with news also Aberdeen's game is off as well.

For me a waste of a holiday from work. Just hope the rearranged game falls on a better week for my shifts.

Last Day Deals

Dundee were busy last day of the transfer deadline........

First up was the signing of Dutch defender Lewis Montsma on a six-month deal from Lincoln City with an option to extend. The transfer is subject to international clearance.

The 27-year-old has been at the Lincoln club since 2020 and has followed former Imp Ethan Hamilton’s journey to Dens Park. His youth career started at AFC Amsterdam, he then joined Heerenveen’s Academy, then spent a year with the youth set up at Cambuur before moving to FC Dordrect, his last club before joining Lincoln City.

Lewis will wear the number 14 for Dundee. 

Second was the signing of forward Scott Wright on a loan deal for the rest of the season from Birmingham City. The transfer is subject to international clearance.

Scott joins the club for the second time, after a stint on loan in the 2018/19 season, with three goals and four assists in his previous spell in Dark Blue.

And last was the signing of forward Aldahir Valenzuela on a loan deal from C.F. Monterrey till the summer of 2026, subject to international clearance. Aldahir signs as part of our strategic partnership with the Rayados.

The promising young forward spent a short time in Dundee over the summer as a trialist, the coaching staff identified him as an exciting prospect, before heading back to his home country. He has featured three times for the Monterrey first team, and scoring in a friendly against Real Betis in August 2024.

Aldahir will wear the number 38 for Dundee.

St Mirren 0, Dundee 0, SMISA Stadium, William Hill Premiership, 31-January-2025

Dundee made three changes from last week. Imari Samuels and Callum Jones switched to the bench and were replaced by Brad Halliday, for his debut, and Joel Cotterill who started for the first time. The third change was Simon Murray returning in the place of injured Ash Hay.

Dundee started well enough in the first tens minutes and were knocking the ball about well enough. But as the half grew on St Mirren looked more likely to score on the break. 

Dundee's best chance fell to Congreve at the back post , after the saints keeper dropped the ball. Butt Cameron put the ball wide. 

St Mirren should have scored on a break away the ball put to the back post but their no 5 some how missed the goal.

Both team played out the half mainly in a midfield battle, with very few action in the box.

Second half and the action did pick up after the restart, and it was St Mirren who started with more urgency. The first 10 minutes were spent in the Dee half. The Buddies created pressure, but no chances with the Dark Blue defence holding firm.

Congreve did well twice and put low crosses into the box but both were put out for corners. St Mirren were reduced to 10 men after Jake Young got sent off which looked a bad foul. 

Dundee had afew attacks after this but failed to make the saints keeper with any saves to make. 

Charlie Reilly and Joe Bevan came on for Tony Yogane and Cameron Congreve with 20 minutes to play and then Callum Jones replaced Joel Cotterill.

St Mirren had a couple of attacks near the end but Jon McCracken was not tested and made a couple of easy saves. 

The game came to an end and a draw was fair due to both teams unable to score. At least the gag between the sides stays the same. Livingston got beat by Motherwell, who visit Dens Park on Wednesday,

Dundee: McCracken, Halliday, Astley, Graham, Wright, Hamilton, Congreve (Bevan 73), Dhanda,  Cotterill (Jones 82), Yogane (Reilly 73), Murray (c). Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk), Ingram, Donnelly,  Digby, Fin Robertson, Samuels.

Referee: Nick Walsh.

Att: 6,461

Photos from St Mirren

 

Rangers 3, Dundee 0, Ibrox, William Hill Premiership, 25th January-26

Dundee made one change due to Billy Koumetio being injured as was Clark Robertson, his substitute replacement against Kilmarnock, so Imari Samuels came into the starting 11. Ryan Astley moved from right back to centre back with Drey Wright switching sides from left back to the right.

Dundee started well enough and kept the home side at bay. They did score on 12 minutes but was ruled offside which looked right. 

Dundee did have a few attacks but Congreave's two crosses into the box failed to find anyone. Dundee also had two efforts but were saved by Jon McCracken, the first a diving save, and then blocked one with his legs.

Dundee got to half-time with ease as they defended fine and were under no real pressure.

Second half and after just one minutes the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty. 

Nicolas Raskin scooped a shot over the bar but was caught late by Ryan Astley’s challenge. The VAR review was never likely to change the referee’s mind, and Tavernier converted the penalty.

Dundee did well to fight back and for 20 minutes were the better side, but failed to create anything to test the Rangerrs keeper. 

Dundee used all five substitutions sending on Fin Robertson and Joe Bevan, and then Charlie Reilly, Joel Cotterill, and Simon Murray.

Dundee still pushed forward but lost two injury time goals to make it 3-0 to Rangers. A big tough on the dark blues today, but the failed to create anything of note in front of goal.

Dundee: McCracken, Wright, Astley, Graham, Samuels, Hamilton (c), Congreve (Bevan 72), Yan Dhanda (Cotterill 81), Jones (Fin Robertson 72), Yogane (Reilly 81), Hay (Murray 81). Unused Subs:  O’Hara (gk), Digby, Halliday, Ingram.

Referee: Kevin Clancy

Att: 50,165

Kilmanock Photos

 

News From Dens Park

Dundee will play Celtic (Away) in the next round of the cup after the draw was made on Sunday.

Plamen Galabov has departed the club by mutual consent.Plamen joined in June 2025, making his debut in the League Cup against Alloa, and a further appearance against Montrose.

He has been unlucky with form of Luke Graham this season and we wish him well for his future career.

Kilmarnock 1, Dundee 2, Rugby Park, Scottish Cup 4th Rd, 17th January 2025

Dundee started with only one change when Yan Dhanda returning in the place of Fin Robertson, who was on the bench. 

Dundee started the game well and could have scored in the first few minutes. One shot saved then another from Yogane which was cleared off the line. From the corner Hay hit the bar with a header.

It set the tone for the game with Dundee pushing forward all the time, and it looked just a matter of time and they would score.

But on 10 minutes Kilmarnock scored from a corner a good shot from Thompson hit both posts and went into the net. It was a blow but Dundee kept playing fast flowing football.

Minutes later and Billy Koumetio went down injured and after lengthy treatment he was replaced by Clark Robertson.

Dundee had shots blocked and saved as the ball would not break in front of goal. Kilmarnock battled away but caused Dundee very little problems.

Second half and again it was all Dundee, again Hay hit the bar with a header, then Congreve put a shot just wide of the far post after a great run.

Kilmarnock had a shot at goal in one rare break, but McCracken saved well. Again Dundee pushed forward. 

Dundee then made two substitutions, sending on Imari Samuels and Charlie Reilly for Ryan Astley and Callum Jones. Samuels went to left back, with Drey Wright moving to the right. Reilly, rather than playing on the wing, took up an attacking midfield role just behind Hay.

But on 69 minutes Dundee finally scored good run by Luke Graham he found Charlie Reilly, and his pass put Ash Hay in the box he composed himself and smashed the ball home to level the cup-tie. 

Dundee were now pushing for a winner and Reilly had had two shots at goal. Dundee sent on Simon Murray for Cameron Congreave for the fianal push.

Kilmarnock were happy just to try and get the game into extra time. Three minutes of injury time was on the board on 90 minutes. 

But a minute later Dundee scored when a high ball into the box was totally messed up from the defender and keeper. The was headed out it fell to Drey Wright who smashed the ball home to put Dundee 2-1 up. 

During the last ten minutes Kilmarnock got two players sent off for silly fouls, the second one was was near enought the last action of the game.

Dundee were superb and may it continute as the season gets better football wise. It's also Dundee's first win at Rugby Park in the Scottish Cup at the 7th attempt.

Dundee: McCracken, Astley (Samuels 67), Koumetio (Clark Robertson 17), Graham, Wright, Hamilton (c), Jones (Reilly 67), Congreve (Murray 84), Dhanda, Yogane, Hay. Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk),  Digby, Fin Robertson, Halliday, Bevan.

Referee: Colin Steven

Att: 4,501

Transfer News

Striker Emile Acquah has joined Harrogate Town AFC on loan until the end of the season. He needs game time and hopefully he gets it. 

Dundee sign experienced defender Brad Halliday on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Bradford City after both clubs agreed terms. The transfer is subject to international clearance. 

The 30-year-old right back joins the Dee after three-and-a-half years at the Bantams. He has played for a few clubs in England, playing 450 games.

Brad will wear the number 16 for Dundee.

Dundee have also signed midfielder Joel Cotterill on a loan deal from Swansea City until the end of the season. The transfer is subject to international clearance.

The 21-year-old was on loan at Bristol Rovers for the first part of the season, but the Welsh club recalled Joel and has been brought up to Dens Park for the rest of the 2025/26 campaign.

Joel has been at Swansea City his entire career joined the academy at seven years old, where he has known fellow Swans loanee Cam Congreve for the same amount of time. He has enjoyed loan spells at Stockport County, Swindon Town and more recently Bristol Rovers.

Joel will wear No 24 for Dundee.

Dundee 0, Hearts 1, Dens Park, William Hill Premiership, 11th January 2025

Dundee made one change to the team when Fin Robertson replaced Yan Dhanda, who was not allowed to play against his parent club.

Dundee had the better of the first fiveteen minutes when they attacked the Hearts goal. After just 2 minutes Koumetio was unlucky with a header which was well saved from a Yogane cross. 

The midfield was looking good with Hamilton picking up a lot of loose balls. But it was Hearts who scored first when a soft looking free kick was taken quickly and Braga fired the ball home from 20 yards. 

Yogane showed lovely skill to get away from Tomas Magnusson who wrestled him to the ground to stop him running into the penalty area. Surprisingly the referee declined to book him.

Any suspicion that the officials might be charitable towards Hearts was dispelled in first half added time. Ash Hay headed on a long ball to send Yogane clear. Schwolow brought down the Dee winger a yard outside the penalty area as Yogane tried to go round him only for the assistant referee to flag for offside. 

However, a VAR review established that Yogane was onside and Scholow was therefore red carded for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.

Craig Gordon came on for Braga which was no surprise, soon after it was half-time with Dundee playing well down both wings.

Both teams make changes with Dundee putting on Murray and Samuels for Fin Robertson and Astley, Dundee kept at it and were unlucky with a couple of crosses which did not find the strikers.

Charlie Reilly replaced Callum Jones for the last few minutes, and the Dee’s last throw of the dice was sending Emile Acquah on for Drey Wright in added time.

And Acquah was so unlucky with a powerful header which was somehow saved by Gordon it's looked a certain goal. It's what Dundee would deserved today they played well as a team and played some great football. 

Dundee: McCracken, Astley (Samuels 64), Koumetio, Graham, (Acquah 90+2),Hamilton (c), Congreve, Jones (Reilly 85), Fin Robertson (Murray 64), Yogane, Hay. Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk), Digby, Ingram, Clark Robertson, Bevan.

Referee: Ryan Lee

Att: 8,525