Dundee United 3, Dundee 0, Tannadice, William Hill Premiership, 26th April 2024

Dundee made five changes for the last Derby of the season, with Brad Halliday, Drew Wright, Joel Cotteril, Tony Yogane and Simon Murray all dropping to the bench to make way for Ryan Astley, Imari Samuels, Joe Westley, Scott Wight and Ashley Hay.

Dundee got off to a slow start and United looked better in the midfield going forward. Westley had a wee chance but curled the ball wide of the goal. United took the lead on 14 minutes with a slow motion goal, a shot took two deflections and when in off the post.

Dundee hit back but Luke Graham was unlucky when his shot was cleared off the line. United then came close twice as Dundee lost the ball in midfield. 

There was a period of end-to-end stuff, with Dundee taking their turn. Dhanda made a fine pass to Cameron Congreve, who managed to shrug off a few defenders to make a run into the box. When he went to pull the trigger, the home defence blocked his shot for a corner that came to nothing.

Dundee then got a free kick after Wright had been fouled. The resulting free-kick was swung deep in the box, and Graham got his head onto it, but his shot came off the back of an orange shirt and out for a corner. From the corner, Dundee thought they had levelled the scoring through Westley putting his body on the line to nod the ball into the net, but after a VAR check, the referee decided that the goal shouldn’t stand after a shirt pull from Ryan Astley in the build-up.

Ethan Hamilton had a shot which was blocked and soon after the half time whistle went. At least Dundee were only one goal down.

Second half and in the first 15 minutes both teams battled in midfield with Und being better getting to the second ball. They pushed forward and had a few efforts on goal.

Both clubs made changes in the 68th minute. Simon Murray and Charlie Reilly took the field for Scott Wright and Cameron Congreve, while United put on Ivan Dolcek for Max Watters

But two minutes later it was 2-0 when Ferry shot home, minutes later it was 3-0 and game over, Strain heading home. 

Dundee kept coming forward but struggled to get the ball down and play football as they did a few months ago.

The time went quickly and it was time up with thankfully no more goals for United. 

Big game next week as we face St Mirren at Dens, only bonus the week is Kilmarnock and St Mirren lost at the weekend.

Dundee: McCracken. Samuels, Koumetio, Graham, Astley, Hamilton, S. Wright (Murray 69), Dhanda, Congerve (Reilly 69), Westley, Hay (Yogane 79). Unused Subs: O’Hara, Halliday, Cotterill, Jones, F. Robertson, D. Wright

Referee:  Matthew MacDermid 

Att: 13,207

Kilmarnock 2, Dundee 2, Rugby Park, William Hill Premiership, 11-April-26

Dundee made two changes to the Dee starting eleven. Billy Koumetio replaced the suspended Ryan Astley in central defence, and Joel Cotterill came into the midfield for Fin Robertson, who was on the bench.

Kilmarnock started well and put Dundee under pressure from the start. And they scored in 14 minutes when Hugill shot home after slack defending from Dundee.

Dundee continued to struggle with when they did get forward, the cross balls were very poor. But on 27 minutes a bit of pace from Tony Yogane and his cross was headed home by Simon Murray for a great goal.

Three minutes later and Simon Murray scored again, but it was ruled out for offside, it was a tight decision. 

But Kilmarnock scored again six minutes later when the ball fell to Michael Schjønning-Larsen who shot home. 

At half time Brad Halliday was replaced by Imari Samuels with Drey Wright switching to right back. The switch made sense because Halliday had been booked, and the change gave Dundee a better balance.

Second half was almost the same as the first half with Dundee struggling. McCracken saved well to keep Dundee in the game. 

Just before the hour the Dee made three changes, sending on Joe Westley, Scott Wright, and Ash Hay for Yan Dhanda, Cameron Congreve, and Simon Murray. Westley played on the left, with Wright through the middle behind Hay, and Yogane moving to the right wing.

Dundee did improve and Charlie Reilly came on for Tony Yogane as Dundee fought hard to get back on level terms. The equaliser came in the 81st minute thanks to a beautifully executed goal. Drey Wright sent an accurate diagonal pass across the pitch. Samuels first touch was perfect and that allowed him to advance into space down the left and he played a beautiful pass through the defence for Scott Wright  to slip a low shot past the keeper.

Then in a crazy last few minutes and Dundee were awarded a penalty when Scott Wright was fouled in the box. Var got involved and it took eight minutes to decide it was a penalty.

Up stepped Joe Westley but Kelle Roos went the right way and saved. That was the end of the game. And to be fair Kilmarnock were the better side and Dundee were well below par.

Dundee: McCracken, Halliday (Samuels at half time), Koumetio, Graham, Drey Wright, Hamilton,  Cotterill, Congreve (Scott Wright 59), Dhanda (Westley 59), Yogane (Reailly 71), Murray (c) (Hay 59) Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk), Fin Robertson, Montsma, Jones.

Referee: Ross Hardie.

Att: 6,435 

Dundee 1, Celtic 2, Dens Park, William Hill Premiership, Dens Park, 05-April-26

Dundee made two changes to the Dark Blues’ starting eleven. Simon Murray and Yan Dhanda came in for Ash Hay and Joe Westley, who were both on the bench.

Celtic started well and had Dundee under some pressure, it paid off when they scored early after a good move Jon McCracken made a great save but the ball fell to Yang who touched the ball into the net.

That was the story off the first half and finally Dundee had a few moves but failed to create anything clear cut to score. Celtic hit the post but Luke Graham cleared the ball.

At least they got to half-time just 1-0 down.

Second half and Celtic started well and missed a great chance in the first few minutes. But soon after Dundee had a shot which looked like hand ball, the referee missed it, but Var asked to check it on the screen.

Result penalty to Dundee,,,,Up stepped Simon Murray to score with ease. It was game on and Dundee looked much better in their attacks.

Ash Hay and Joel Cotterill came on for Simon Murray and Fin Robertson, then Scott Wright replaced the injured Tony Yogane. The loss of Yogane was particularly disappointing because, yet again, the full back marking him had been replaced after struggling to handle the young winger.

Celtic were desperate to get the win, and it was no surprise that they stepped up the pressure towards the end. Kelechi Iheanacho had replaced the ineffective Cvancara and he was on hand to score when Celtic finally did create a clear chance in the 82nd minute. Marcelo Saracchi crossed from the left and Iheanacho turned quickly to shoot past McCracken.

Soon after Ryan Astley was sent off for a second booking, it looked a bit soft. The game ran away from Dundee as time went quickly.

Dundee: McCracken, Halliday, Astley, Graham, Drey Wright (Koumetio 90+2), Hamilton, Fin Robertson (Cotterill 67), Congreve, Dhanda (Reilly 90+2), Yogane (Scott Wright 73), Murray (c) (Hay 67). Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk), Samuels, Westley, Jones.

Referee: Steven McLean.

Att: 9,007

Hearts 1, Dundee 0, Tynecastle, William Hill Premiership, 21st March 2026

Dundee made the changes expected after the United game last week. With Fin Robertson and Joe Westley came into the midfield in the place of Yan Dhanda, who was unavailable to play against his parent club, and Joel Cotterill, who was on the bench. Brad Halliday was at right back with Drey Wright switching to left back, replacing Imari Samuels, who was a substitute. Simon Murray was also named as a sub with Ash Hay starting in attack.

The game was even in the first half with Dundee doing well with passing movements. Astley had a chance but missed the ball and the chance were gone. Hearts did have a few shots but nothing to worry McCracken. 

Hearts nearly scored but Karbore put the ball wide after beating the off-side trap. At the very end of the half Dundee broke and Tony Yogane was fouled by Frankie Kent a yard outside the Hearts penalty area. Fin Robertson and Joe Westley worked a clever short free kick but Westley’s shot was well saved by Alexander Schwolow.

Second half a Hearts had a wee bit more of the ball, bjut again failed to trouble Jon McCracken. Dundee put subs on to try and change the game. And they looked fine when they hit on the break. 

Hearts took the lead on 77 minutes when headed home by McEntee. For Dundee it was a soft goal to lose, but vital to Hearts title hopes. Dundee stepped up the pace and attacked Hearts. 

They were unlucky a few times when the ball would not fall right in the box. 

In injury time Hearts were down to 10 men when Kent was send off for a foul. It was his second booking of the game.

Hearts held out for the win. A big chance today as Hearts were not much better than the Dee today. Next up for Dundee is Celtic at Dens a week on Sunday. Hopefully the rest will recharge the batteries of the squad.

Dundee: McCracken, Halliday, Astley, Graham, Wright, Hamilton (c), F Robertson (Jones 76)  Congreve  (Wrigh 71), Westley (Cotterill 63), Yogane (Reilly 63). Ash Hay (Murray 71). Subs Not Used:  O’Hara (gk),  Koumetio, Samuels, Bevan.

Referee: Don Robertson

Att: 18, 827

United Photos

 

Thanks to Ryan for this Photograph 

Dundee 2, Dundee United 2, Dens Park, William Hillm Premiership, 15th March 2026

Dundee were in good form going into this game. For the 4th time in a row Dundee put out the same starting eleven. 

The game got off to a poor start and both teams took awhile to settle down. That was the story of the first half. Bothe teams had chances before half-time with the Und keeper saving well as the ball seemed to head for the net  after a cross from Congreave but he managed to put the ball over the bar.

At the other end McCracken saved well to deny a goal. The Dark Blues responded with some promising attacking. Yogane cut in from the left and his fierce shot was turned wide by Iovu’s head. After that encouraging 10 minute spell United turned the screw on the Dee defence for the last few minutes of the half and could well have opened the scoring before the interval.

McCracken again saved with his feet from Fatah and then pulled off a great save to turn Vicko Sevelj’s fierce shot out for a corner.

At least Dundee got to the break at 0-0, second half and they continued to struggle and United took control of the match. 

Five minutes in and they got a penalty whem Murray wasjudged to handle the ball. Not much he could do but the referee pointed to the spot.

Fatah scored from the spot and it made the game more one way. Worse was to follow when Und scored when Stephenson headed home. Dundee made changes to their team with Ash Hay and Joe Westley come on for Simon Murray and Joel Cotterill. 

There was no immediate reaction and United were still controlling the match. Scott Wright, Fin Robertson and Charlie Reilly came on for Tony Yogane, Cam Congreve and Yan Dhanda as the Dark Blues tried desperately to get a foothold in the match.

As time was running out and a great save by Jon McCracken  denied Russell. But then they pushed forward and looked much better. 

Injuring arrived and on 93 minuted a good header down by Graham and Ash Hay scored from 6 inches. 

United kick off and Dundee attacked and were given a free kick whic Fin Robertson took he put one in the edge of the six box and Graham headed into his own nety to give Dundee a point which a lot of fans would have missed.

It was the last kick off the ball, And Dens was jumping......It will be like a defeat to the Und fans.

Dundee: McCracken, Wright, Astley, Graham, Samuels, Hamilton, Congreve (Reilly 80), Cotterill ( Westley 67), Dhanda (Fin Robertson 80), Yogane (Scott Wright 75), Murray (c)Hay 67). Unused Subs: 

 O’Hara (gk), Koumetio, Halliday, Jones.

Referee: Duncan Nicolson

Att: 11,010

Motherwell Photos

 

Dundee 2, Motherwell 1, Dens Park, William Hill Premiership, 7th March 2026

Dundee fielded an unchanged team to face high flying Moherwell, for the third game in a row. The game got off to a slow start which both teams beimg cagey of each other.

Jon McCracken had the first save when he stopped a shot with his boot. Motherwell had a lot of the ball in the first half but failed to create any cut clear chances to trouble Dundee defence. 

Cam Congreave had a shot from 50 yards which dropped just a foot wide of the goal. Motherwell went close just before half time when it a superb save from Jon McCracken to deny Fadinger. 

The Dark Blues took full advantage of the escape and quickly took the lead. Imari Samuel’s deep cross was retrieved by Drey Wright who crossed to the far post. The Well defence was dragged out of position and Tony Yogane nipped in to poke the ball over the line.

A minute later it could have been 2-0 when Yogane just headed wide from a Congreave cross. The final 10 minutes was Motherwell having the ball but fail to create any chances.

Second half and after Motherwell made two changes to their team, but the same vein as the first half.  Dundee made changes on the hour mark. 

That injected fresh energy into the team and transformed the game. Ash Hay, Joe Westley and Fin Robertson came on for Simon Murray, Tony Yogane and Joel Cotterill. The Dee were now more mobile and dangerous in attack and more solid in midfield.

And Hay had the ball in the net but was ruled offside. Congreve came agonisingly close to the crucial second goal when he cut in from the right and flashed a curling shot across Ward against the underside of the crossbar.

But Motherwell levelled the game on 78 minutes from a free kick by Slattery from 30 yards.

Motherwell sensed the possibility of victory and piled forward looking for the winner. However, the extra space they left was exploited by the Dark Blues who grabbed the winning goal themselves after 84 minutes.

Hay and Congreve played Westley into space on the right and he sent a low ball across goal for Finlay Robertson to tap home at the far post.

Motherwell pushed forward for the rest of the game but Dundee's defence done their job.

Massive three points today and it was well deserved by a hard working Dundee team, with every player putting in a shift. 

Dundee: McCracken, Wright, Astley, Graham, Samuels, Hamilton, Congreve, Dhanda (Halliday 90+1),  Cotterill (Fin Robertson 63), Yogane (Westley 63), Murray (c) (Hay 63). Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk),  Digby, Montsma, Reilly, Wright.

Referee: Dan McFarlane. 

Att: 6,304

Dundee 3, Hibernian 3, Dens Park, William Hill Premiership, 28th February-26

Dundee fielded the same starting lineup for the home game against flying Hibermian at Dens Park.Both teams started the game okay. But it was Dundee who looked more likely to score the opening goal. 

But it was Hibs who took the lead with a well worked goal headed home by Elding on 11 minutes. But Dundee scored with their next move. 

A quick ball over the hibs defence and Simon Murray raced into the box his deflected effort beat the Hibs keeper and went into the net near the post. 

After that bothe teams played neat attacking football which was good to see. 

Second half and Dundee were unlucky a few time with just missing the target to score the vital second goal. But on 72 minutes they made it 2-1 Drey Wright played a good ball into the box, and Luke Graham made a great run into the six yard box to volley home for a superb goal.

But Hibernian made a few changes and scored twice to take the lead with time running out. Goals were scored by Ante Suto, and McGrath. 

At least Dundee kept at it put on Ash Hay and Joe Westly to boost the final few minutes. They went close a couple of times before Cameron Congreave on the edge of the box and he curled in an absolute beauty to tie things up once again. Another stunning goal from Dundee. 

That was the last kick of the game, Dundee fully deserved their point with another good performance. With other results going for us it was a good dasy for the club.

Dundee: McCracken, Wright, Astley, Graham, Samuels, Cotterill ( F Robertson (67). Hamilton,   Congreve, Dhanda ( Reilly (91), Yogane ( Westley (91), Murray (Hay ( 91),  Unused Subs: O;Hara. Montsma, Bevan, Digby, Halliday

Referee: Ross Hardie

Att: 7,512

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 started the game well and scored in two minutes. A coner by Yan Dhanda was knocked on by Tony Yogane and fell to the feet of Simon Murray who poked the ball home to score his second goal of the season.

Then in six minutes it was 2-0 Dundee, a quick throw in from Brad Halliday’s let Cameron Congreave to get a well placed cross for Simon Murray to head home.

Although it was a good start from Dundee Livingston came into the game and tested the Dundee defence a few times. It paid off for them in 15 minutes when a quick play and the fell to Smith who's shot was deflected past Jon McCracken. 

Livingston then went close again when a shot from Smith just went wide of the goal. Just 5 minutes after the Livingson's goal it was 2-2. 

McCracken received a pass back from Halliday. Dundee’s number one lost the ball after pressure from Muirhead, leaving Scott Pittman to slot the ball into an empty net.

A few minutes later Brad Halliday went down injured and had to be replaced by  Imari Samuels, with Drey Wright moving to right back.

As the first half drew to a close, Dundee saw a couple efforts almost put them ahead at the break. A brilliant threaded ball by Ryan Astley found Congreve in the box, whose low shot was saved by Livingston keeper Jérôme Prior.

Second half and both teams struggled to match the drama of the first half. Dundee had a couple of chance one fell to when Scott Wright, who had replaced Tony Yogane at the break, received the ball from Cam Congreve on the edge of the box. His quick feet found Hamilton, who was unable to recreate his Celtic Park heroics as his shot narrowly deflected wide.

As time was running out Dundee just  about scored the keeper let Congreave's shot go under his body and he just just recovered to stop the ball from crossing the line.

A draw was fair on the day and next up is a trip to Aberdeen in the league.

Dundee: McCracken, Halliday (Samuels 32), Astley, Graham, Wright, Hamilton, Congreve, Dhanda (Jones 46), Cotterill (Reilly 69), Yogane (Wright 46), Murray(c). Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk), Digby, Valenzuela, Samuels, Montsma, Bevan

Referee: Nick Walsh. 

Att: 6,032

Livingston Photos

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

 Dundee