Kevin Signs Until 2009

Great news that Kevin McDonald has signed until the end of next season. I'ts wonderful news and a massive boost..I thought he might sign pre deal with one of the hosts of clubs watching him..Kevin's got 8 Goals so far this season..great from a midfielder..

Dundee 1 Partick Th 0, Dens Park, 28/Dec/07

A last-gasp Kevin McDonald goal was enough to keep Dundee's title hopes on track against 10-man Partick Thistle. With the game in stoppage time, McDonald twisted and turned inside the box before firing low past goalkeeper Craig Hinchcliffe at his near post. The visitors had Wille Kinniburgh sent off for a clash with Jani Sturm five minutes before the break. Dundee's luck seemed out as they had goals by McDonald and Sturm ruled out for offside in each half. A massive 3 points for Dundee, and sets up Wednesdays game at Perth v St.Johnstone.

Latest From Dens Park...

Dundee are without the suspended Derek Lyle with a ban that will render him ineligible for league fixtures running into February. After Wednesday's red card, Lyle misses out on Saturday and will be banned for three further matches from 19 January. Manager Alex Rae says he will look at bringing in a loan striker to fill the gap...

Q.O.S 2 Dundee1, Palmerston Park, 26/12/07

Queen of the South came from behind to secure victory over 10-man Dundee as the visitors lost ground at the top of the First Division. An off-the-ball clash with Jim Thomson saw Dundee's Derek Lyle sent off in the seventh minute. But Dundee went ahead when a corner from Eddie Malone was headed on for Milan Palenik to stab the ball home. Paul Burns lashed in the equalier on the stroke of half-time and later David Worrell slid the ball into his own net. A poor result for Dundee, the sending off of Derek Lyle was a big blow, and he will miss a few games now..

Morton 0 Dundee 2, Cappielow, 14/12/07

Dundee kept pace with leaders Hamilton at the top of Division One with a goal in each half away to Morton. Kevin McDonald skipped past a couple of challenges before picking his spot with a fine right-footed shot for a fine solo goal after 13 minutes. Morton pressed after the break and Ian Russell slid the ball just wide, while Scott Robertson cleared a header from sub Chris Templeman off the goal-line. But Derek Lyle nipped in to slide the ball home a minute from time. A massive win for Dundee and puts us level with Hamilton....

Dundee 3 Stirling Albion 1, Dens Park, 08/Dec/07

In what was a poor first half for Dundee-when they failed to penetrate the Stirling defence, with the long ball not working. Alex Rae made changes when he took off Jan Zemlik and put on Derek Lyle, and it paid off ........Dundee burst into life with three second-half goals to go level on points with First Division leaders Hamilton. The home side were first to strike when Gavin Swankie lined up Scott Robertson neatly for the opening goal. Midfielder Kevin McDonald fired in a glorious 25-yard effort to double the lead and Derek Lyle added a third after a quick free-kick by Paul McHale. Stirling Albion battled bravely but Steven Bell's angled 20-yard strike proved mere consolation. A massive result for Dundee and with the news that Hamilton had lost 2-0 at Livi, made it even better...

Alex Rae..Manager of the Month for November...

Dundee's Alex Rae is the First Division's Irn-Bru Phenomenal manager of the month for November. Rae picked up the award after closing in to just three points behind league leaders Hamilton Accies. The Dens Park club pipped Tayside rivals St Johnstone with a last-minute winner, lost to Clyde and beat the Accies last month. And Rae's side carried on their good form with a 1-0 success at Dunfermline last weekend. Meanwhile, Rae will serve a two-match touchline suspension as a result of misconduct during the match against Hamilton. And he is facing the prospect of a further four-match ban after being reported for using "offensive, insulting an abusive language" to an assistant referee at Dunfermline. Rae has until 12 December to launch an appeal with the Scottish Football Association against the charge.

Dunfermline Ath 0 Dundee 1, East End Park, 01/Dec/07

Kevin McDonald's goal compounded Dunfermline's misery and kept Dundee in touch with league leaders Hamilton. Derek Lyle almost gave Dundee the lead in the opening minute when he was inches away from Bob Davidson's cross. Dunfermline came close to breaking the deadlock through Mark Burchill but his goalbound effort was cleared by Dundee's Eddie Malone. McDonald struck 18 minutes from time when he collected Jani Sturm's pass and fired home from four yards. A massive 3 points for the Dark Blues, we play Stirling Albion at Dens next Saturday.

Dundee 1 Hamilton Accies 0, Dens Park, 24/Nov/07

Dundee beat Hamilton to narrow the gap on battling Division One leaders Hamilton Accies to three points with a hard-fought victory thanks to a Scott Robertson winner. Robertson stabbed the ball past the goalkeeper after 12 minutes following Milan Palenik through ball after the Dees dominated early play. It was a good goal and we started really well. Hamilton had chances as well but their strikers were having a day off. Into the second half and Hamilton had a great chance to level, when Richard Offiong blasted over a 52nd-minute penalty after MacKenzie's hand ball. The rest of the game was from end to end to the end, but good defending from both defences kept the score the same. So a massive result for Dundee, and I thought Milan Palenik had a great game, but everyone worked hard on a day the result was the most important thing. I also thought that the Ref and Standside linesman were very poor today, with Alex Rae getting send to the stand.....next up is Dunfermline (away) this Saturday.

Dundee 0 Clyde 1, Dens Park, 12/November/07

The Dark Blues made four changes—two enforced—to the side that started against St Johnstone eight days ago. With key midfielder McDonald and in-form striker Davidson falling ill, in came Paul McHale and Jani Sturm.Freddie Daquin dropped to the bench, with Gavin Swankie promoted, while David Worrell took the place of Martyn Corrigan who has gone back to Motherwell following his loan spell. Dundee squandered a decent chance on six minutes when Swankie fired past from inside the box, but other than that the early exchanges were bereft of excitement. Clyde’s first foray forward came on 26 minutes when the impressive Dougie Imrie’s cutback from inside the box had no takers.Scott Robertson shot wide for Dundee a minute later, then the Dark Blues came within inches of the opener when Bully Wee defender Steven Masterton sent a looping header on to his own bar with half-an-hour on the clock. The visitors thought they had taken the lead three minutes before the break when an Imrie corner from the right went past Robertson at the near post and appeared to cross the goal-line before being cleared by Worrell—neither referee Kenny Clark nor assistant David Watt thought so, however, and Dundee breathed a sigh of relief. After the interval, McHale had a shot deflected for a corner then— following a handball by Neil McGregor—Eddie Malone hit a freekick that was comfortably held by Clyde goalie David Hutton. The visitors produced the best move on 55 minutes when a crossfield pass from sub Christian Smith was superbly controlled by Imrie, who cut inside then shot just wide from the edge of the area.Lyle headed past three minutes later following good work from Swankie, who was beginning to make progress down the left, before Dundee’s Gary McKenzie had a header cleared.The Dark Blues were cranking things up now, and when the ball fell to Malone inside the box only desperate defending from Clyde kept their goal intact.Malone then went down inside the box under the challenge of Craig McEwan, but referee Clark pulled play back for a handball against the midfielder, with McHale getting booked for protesting the decision.Sturm beat the offside trap on 67 minutes but could not control the ball inside the six-yard box, then McHale worked his way into the area, but could only fire into the arms of Hutton. Dundee brought on Daquin on 72 minutes to an encouraging round of applause as he swapped places with Sturm. Clyde midfielder Raurie McLennan tested Craig Samson with an effort from 25 yards, which the Dens keeper punched away, before David O’Brien came on for Robertson. The roof then caved in on the home side with just four minutes to go. Man-of-the-match Imrie tormented Dundee out on the left again before delivering a cross into the box, which was deflected past Samson by full-back Dixon. Clyde sub Kevin Bradley was running in at the back post and would probably have scored anyway, but that was no consolation to Dixon. It could have been worse just after the restart when Samson, under pressure from Bradley, made a hash of things—and when the ball fell to Gary Arbuckle he could only blast over with the goal gaping. Dundee’s Milan Palenik had a snap-shot saved in injury-time, but it was Clyde’s day as they climbed off the bottom of the table. A poor result for Dundee, but at least we play Hamilton at Home next.......make or break game for us..........

Dundee 2 St.Johnstone 1, Dens Park, 03/November/07

Dundee won the game with a stunning second half performance. Kevin McDonald scored a last-minute winner to stun St Johnstone after the visitors looked set for a point. If Dundee giving up the first goal came as no great surprise, it was a shock that it took Saints 17 minutes to break the deadlock for they had pummelled the Dark Blues from the opening whistle. Four times in the opening seven minutes Owen Coyle’s side might readily have scored, but Andy Jackson and Willie McLaren fluffed fantastic chances, Craig Samson saved well from Rocco Quinn and Scott Robertson cleared a Steven Anderson header off the line. The goal when it eventually arrived was shrouded in controversy. Milan Palenik inexplicably allowed the ball to bounce over him leaving Anderson free to find Paul Sheerin, whose powerful strike looked netbound until Gary MacKenzie thrust out an arm to block. MacKenzie claimed he’d been struck between the shoulder blade and chest but it certainly appeared a clear cut handling offence, punishable by a red card as well as a penalty kick. However, referee Iain Brines only yellow carded MacKenzie, reasoning, apparently, that goalkeeper Samson was on the line and therefore might have pulled off an unlikely save. Justice was done when Sheerin netted from the spot, for the sixth time this term. Strangely, having taken the lead the visitors fell out of the game. But Dundee still couldn’t get their act together, Daquin’s header from a Derek Lyle cross which Alan Main saved easily was all they could offer as far as forcing an equaliser was concerned. The tactical changes made by Rae very nearly paid dividends within four minutes of the restart when Robertson burst along the by-line and cut-the ball back only for Lyle to stub his shot wide with Main beaten.
The leveller finally arrived on the hour though when Kevin McDonald, back to goal, held off a number of Saints defenders before rolling the ball into the path of Bob Davidson who, having passed up a couple of half chances earlier, slotted it away. The game threatened to take a fresh twist as St Johnstone came back to life late on, Samson doing well to save Anderson’s header from a Quinn corner before being fouled by Kenny Deuchar and Anderson skying his finish as he slid in to meet a deflected Quinn free-kick at the back post. But in stoppage time up popped McDonald to stick the ball past Main and move Dundee seven points clear of their Tayside rivals. A great result for the Dark Blues, plus a big result as Hamilton lost 2-1.

Partick Thistle 1 Dundee 1, Firhill, 27/October/07

DUNDEE had to come back from a goal down once again to grab a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Firhill on Saturday. The home side created several early chances but were denied by bad luck and some good goalkeeping by the Dark Blues’ Craig Samson. John Robertson, Marc Twaddle and Paul Keegan all had opportunities to give the Jags the lead but were kept out until five minutes from the break when Keegan netted from eight yards out. Ian McCall’s side began the second half looking for the killer second goal and almost grabbed it when Scott Chaplain rolled the ball into the path of Robertson who blazed over. Five minutes later Thistle paid the price when the Dens men were awarded a penalty. Twaddle barged into Scott Robertson inside the penalty area and Derek Lyle made no mistake from the spot. A good point for the dark blues, but with Hamilton winning 1-0 the gap is now 6 points.

Dundee 4 Livingstone 1, Dens Park, 20/October/07

In what was a poor performance from Dundee in the 1st half ,to a different story in the 2nd half . Livi took the lead after 14 minutes through Tomas Pesir who swept home Graham Dorrans' clever cut-back. Bob Davidson equalised with a superb 30-yard strike, but three goals in 12 minutes sealed the game, first Jan Zemlik put us ahead for the first time with a simple tap in from 6 yards.Bob Davidson then grabbed his second of the game in the 68th minute with a fine solo effort. Substitute Derek Lyle sealed the points for Dundee. A great result for the dark blues, but we need to stop going 1 nil down before we start playing. With Hamilton winning 5-0 at Dunfermline, it's a very vital 3 points.

Latest News From Dens....................

Dundee defender Milan Palenik has picked up a hamstring injury and will miss the visit of Livingston. Goalkeeper Ludovic Roy and defender David O'Brien are still missing, but right-back David Worrell has recovered from his hamstring injury. It's a must win game for the Dark Blues, just to get back on track after the defeat at Hamilton. Loan signing Martyn Corrigan could play centre half, boss Alex Rae has Danny Griffin available as well.

Hamilton 2 Dundee 0, New Douglas Park, 05/October/07

Mark McLaughlin sparked an Accies late show as the league leaders dumped their nearest rivals to open up a four-point gap at the summit. McLaughlin scored their first with seven minutes left and sub Paul McLeod added the gloss with number two in the last minute. Dundee had clearly arrived at New Douglas Park looking for a point and seemed to have secured it until that collapse in the dying stages. The Dens Park men opted for a cautious approach from the outset with four at the back including on-loan Motherwell defender Martyn Corrigan and five across the midfield. Hamilton tried to grab the early initiative and had a penalty shout turned down by referee Dougie McDonald after Richard Offiong and Gary MacKenzie clashed. Martin McLoughlin headed a Tony Stevenson free-kick wide as they kept up the pressure. A clever piece of defending by Paul Dixon stopped David Winters breaking into the Dundee box as the home side launched another raid. However, the visitors showed how dangerous they are on the break when Freddie Daquin raced down the right and crossed for Jan Zemlik but his header drifted past. Accies claimed a penalty again when Mark Gilhaney went down after robbing MacKenzie of possession but ref McDonald felt Milan Palenik's challenge was fair. The home side were fortunate when Stevenson lost possession to Scott Robertson who found Zemlik in the box but the striker delayed his shot and what looked a promising attack fizzled out. Dundee were given another chance when the referee awarded them a free-kick 25 yards from goal but Gavin Swankie fired wide. Swankie was proving a real threat on the left and his wicked cross appeared to be heading for the giant Zemlik until McLaughlin rose brilliantly to reach the ball first and nod clear. Corrigan was booked after 37 minutes for a rash challenge on Gilhaney near the centre circle. Dixon again did well to foil the threat of Winters when he looked set to get on the end of Gilhaney's cross. Just before the break Dundee had a narrow let off from a Stevenson corner. David Elebert's shot rattled Craig Samson's left hand post and bounced wide off the leg of Offiong. Gilhaney was getting little joy in the wide left position but early in the second period cut inside and drilled a shot that slid just wide of the target. Dundee were forced into a change after 55 minutes when Palenik limped off to be replaced by Danny Griffin. Dixon went close with a long-range shot for Dundee but clear-cut chances continued to be few and far between. It began to look as if the only hope for a goal was from a set piece and McLaughlin went close to providing one from a short corner. Stevenson found Gilhaney but his cross was headed over the bar by the Accies number six. Gilhaney then drifted past Corrigan for one of the few times in the game but was brought down on the edge of the box. The free-kick was in a dangerous position out on the left but Dundee were able to scramble the delivery clear. Hamilton sent on Stuart Taylor for Stevenson as they attempted to alter the pattern after 68minutes. A minute later the injured Offiong hobbled off with Brian Wake heading the other way. Zemlik was replaced by Derek Lyle in the 75th minute and two minutes later Dundee almost grabbed a goal. Kevin McDonald, who was having a quiet game by his standards, burst into the Hamilton box shrugging off three defenders on his way but dragged his effort wide of goal from 10 yards. In 83 minutes the home side at last made a breakthrough. McDonald was booked for pulling back James McCarthy in midfield and from Winters' delicate free-kick McLaughlin pounced to head powerfully past Samson. In the final minute substitute McLeod side footed a second goal for Hamilton after good play by another one of their replacements Wake.

Dundee 2 Morton 1, Dens Park, 29/Sept/07

Jani Sturm scored a second-half winner as Dundee kept up the pressure on league leaders Hamilton. Sturm came off the bench to fire the home side in front for the second time with a scrambled finish. Dundee exploded into action with a second-minute opener, Milan Palenik prodding home from close range. But as the hosts wasted opportunities to extend their lead, Morton grew in confidence and stunned the home side with a clever Brian Graham equaliser. A great three points for the dark blues, they looked tired in the second half, but the spirit is very good at Dens just now. A big game at Hamilton now, we can go top with a win...mon the dee

Latest From Dens.

Dundee right-back David Worrell is a major doubt for Saturday's visit by Morton after being injured in the midweek CIS Cup defeat by Celtic. Goalkeeper Ludovic Roy is sidelined with a calf injury. Hopefully we can keep our good league form going, as this is a vital game...before we face league leaders Hamilton away next Saturday. Manager Alex Rae will decide if Jan Zemlik plays, as he put in a lot of work against Celtic.

Dundee 1 Celtic 2, Cis Cup, Dens Park, 26/Sept/07

Dundee were very unlucky to go out to Premier Leaugue outfit Celtic, only their goalkeeper kept them in it with three stunning saves. Everyone in a Dark Blue jersey played well, and the fans were right behind our team. So to the game:The Dark Blues changed things about up front, using Jan Zemlik there on his own backed up by a five-man midfield. Paul McHale got his first start of the season, while both Bob Davidson and Derek Lyle dropped to the bench. Celtic made three changes to the team that lost to Hibs on Sunday, with John Kennedy, Evander Sno and Derek Riordan replacing Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe, Paul Hartley and Aiden McGeady. The Dens men were hoping Celtic would suffer another setback following their defeats to Hibs and Shakhtar Donetsk. The early exchanges were lively enough, with the first serious effort on goal coming in the eighth minute. Riordan got his boot to a Scott Brown cross, but Craig Samson dived down to his right and saved. The roof nearly came off Dens on 20 minutes when Dundee hit the woodwork twice in quick succession. Zemlik was fouled by John Kennedy a couple of yards outside the box and up stepped Swankie to take the set-piece and test Boruc, with the blunders against Hibs still fresh in his mind. The Dens man’s execution was excellent and beat Boruc all ends up, but the ball struck the post and bounced down into the six-yard area, where Kennedy kicked it away for a corner. With the home fans still on their feet, Freddie Daquin ran over to the flag to take the kick and his cross was head-flicked on to the bar by Zemlik. There was a setback for the Dark Blues minutes later when David Worrel hobbled off injured to be replaced by Danny Griffin. Whether or not the change un- settled the hosts, they fell behind on 27 minutes. Riordan switched over to the right flank to take a free-kick and picked out Scott McDonald. The Australian might have been the smallest man on the park, but he was able to nod home from eight yards to make it 1-0 to Celtic. Zemlik picked up a caution for elbowing Lee Naylor. Dundee almost levelled as the game passed the half-hour mark, as a Kevin McDonald delivery found Gary McKenzie lurking just outside the six-yard box. His header was powerful but Boruc did brilliantly to claw the ball away. Vennegoor of Hesselink conceded another foul just outside his area and earned a booking for stopping Scott Robertson’s mazy run in its tracks. The challenge gave Swankie an opportunity to test Boruc again, and he obliged by striking another sweet shot that the Polish goalie had to tip away. Swankie tried to make it third time lucky with another free-kick a minute before the break, but this time hit the wall. However he stayed involved and when he sent a cross over from the left Zemlik jumped too early and sent his header harmlessly over. The second period caught fire on 51 minutes when Celtic were awarded a soft penalty. Dundee defender Griffin was caught on the wrong side of Riordan and as the former Hibs man edged in front of him the pair crashed to the ground. Referee Iain Brines took a second to think then pointed to the spot, but keeper Samson dived to his left and not only stopped Riordan’s kick but held on to the ball, too. The battle between Swankie and Boruc reached new heights on 58 minutes after Zemlik was fouled yet again at the edge of the box. The Dundee wide man blasted the free-kick through the wall and, while Boruc seemed to be taken by surprise, he still reacted instinctively and pushed the ball over the bar. Despite the home side’s exertions and Swankie’s efforts, it was Celtic who found the net for a second time on 60 minutes. A Gary Caldwell reverse pass picked out Scott McDonald and the striker’s cut-back was stroked in by Vennegoor of Hesselink. But Dundee were not out of it and pulled one back on 71 minutes. A Paul Dixon throw-in made its way into the box and, with Boruc not commanding his area, the ball found its way to Kevin McDonald’s feet, the midfielder cool and composed as he netted from 10 yards. That ensured Celtic had not had a shut-out on the road since last October at Falkirk. The Dens men kept pressing and made an attack-minded substitution with eight minutes left when McHale was replaced by Davidson. Sno could have eased Celtic’s nerves twice late on but fired over then had a close-in shot blocked by Samson’s body. Zemlik was sent off in the dying seconds, picking up a yellow card for sarcastically applauding Brines after being penalised for fouling Caldwell, and Celtic saw the game out.

Stirling Albion 2 Dundee 2, Forthbank Stadium, 22/Sept/07

Stirling slipped to the bottom of the First Division after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Dundee.
The home side took a fifth minute lead when captain Chris Aitken's chip was headed back by Colin Cramb and Steven Bell nodded home. Dundee equalised through Bob Davidson before Albion took the lead again through David McKenna. Alex Rae's side made it 2-2 in the 69th minute when Frederic Daquin's corner was bundled in by Milan Palenik. Two points dropped as Hamilton and St.Johnstone drew, and struggling Dunfermline lost 2-1 at Clyde.

Latest News From Dens Park

For the away game at Stirling Dundee goalkeeper Ludovic Roy is not quite fit enough to be considered for a return after his calf problem, so Craig Samson will get another opportunity to continue his impressive form. Changes could come in attack, where Bob Davidson and Jani Sturm started against Dunfermline last week. By the end of the draw with the Pars, though, both Derek Lyle and Jan Zemlik had been introduced and at least one of them looks set to start. Missing out against his old club will be wide man David O’Brien after he had to have a hernia operation that will sideline him for up to six weeks.

McDonald wins Young Player Of The Month

Dundee midfielder Kevin McDonald has been named young player of the month in the Scottish Football League. The 18-year-old's fine August has helped Dundee into second place in the Division One table and that has now been marked with an Irn Bru award. The Dens Park outfit have also progressed through two rounds of the CIS Insurance Cup. McDonald, who has scored two goals this season, has attracted failed transfer bids from Celtic and Everton.

Dundee 1 Dunfermline 1, Dens Park, 15/Sept/07

Injury-ravaged Dunfermline deservedly held on to take a point against Dundee at Dens Park. Jim Hamilton opened the scoring for the Fifers with 14 minutes gone when he side-footed home a Mark Burchill cross. But Kevin McDonald levelled midway through the first half for the home team after his 25-yard strike was deflected into the net. Dundee were awarded a late penalty when Paul Dixon was tripped in the area, but Derek Lyle was unable to convert. We played well in the second half and could have won it at the end.

Dunfermline Next At Dens

Tickets are going well for the Cis Cup game against Celtic at Dens, meanwhile Ludovic Roy will be fit for the visit of Dunfermline this Saturday.
Paul Dixon is back after Internation duty with Scotlands Under 21's

Celtic at Dens

Celtic will travel to First Division Dundee in the next round of the Cis Cup, the full draw is:
CIS Insurance Cup - third round:
Inverness CT v Gretna,East Fife v Rangers,Falkirk v Dundee United,Dundee v Celtic,Hearts v Dunfermline Athletic,Hamilton Accies v Kilmarnock,Hibernian v Motherwell,Partick Thistle v Aberdeen.

Clyde 1 Dundee 2, Broadwood Stadium, 02/September/07

Dundee took the points against 10-man Clyde after coming from behind in a hard-fought encounter at Broadwood. Bully Wee defender Chris Higgins gave the home side the lead after four minutes when he steered a Steven Masterton corner into the net. Jospeh Cardle was sent-off on his Clyde debut after receiving two yellow cards. Alex Rae's side equalised after 52 minutes through Paul McHale, and Dundee fashioned a winner when David O'Brien scrambled home Freddie Daquin's corner.

Dundee 2 Livingston 2, Cis Cup, 28/08/07

Dundee kept their campaign to regain credibility in KO competition alive with a gritty victory over first division strugglers Livingston. The Dark Blue went into this CIS second round tie with just one cup victory under their belts from five attempts under boss Alex Rae. And twice they had to come from behind against a Livi side they’d defeated on the opening day of the SFL season just to force extra-time. But they edged the penalty shoot-out to secure a place in next Monday’s draw for the last 16. Dundee first found themselves in arrears after only eight minutes, despite the best efforts of Craig Samson.The home keeper had pulled off a brilliant one-handed save from Jason Kennedy after he had worked a 1-2 with Tomas Pesir and unleashed a powerful volley from the edge of the area. However, the resulting corner wasn’t cleared and Scott Mitchell dispatched an unstoppable shot past Samson from 20 yards. The most likely source of an equaliser looked to be livewire Bob Davidson who brought a decent stop out of Marius Liberda and twice fired over. Freddie Daquin also found himself with an opportunity to level things but shot straight at the keeper. Parity was restored, seven minutes from the break, courtesy of Scott Robertson who, in the course of a smashing run, left four players trailing in his wake before squeezing the ball high past Liberda for a goal of real quality. Four minutes into the second period the Dark Blues found themselves chasing an equaliser once again as Livi grabbed a sensational goal in bizarre circumstances. With the visitng bench preparing to replace the limping Steven Craig, Kevin McDonald was dispossessed near the half-way line, Liam Fox whipped in a pinpoint cross and Craig rifled the ball past Samson. Dundee threw on Jani Sturm, Derek Lyle and David O’Brien as they sought a way back and on 85 minutes Fox was harshly adjudged to have handled a bouncing ball inside the area and Lyle levelled from the spot. With only a minute left and Samson rooted to the spot, Kennedy saw a header strike the bar and bounce down onto the line from where David Worrell cleared. What little goalmouth action the additional 30 minutes threw up, involved Gary McKenzie. First, McKenzie was woefully short with a headed passback and Samson had to spare his blushes with a fine one-handed save from Leigh Griffiths, then at the other end he headed over with the goal at his mercy.
During the initial round of spot-kicks, Kevin McDonald’s effort was saved by Liberda while Samson turned Griffith’s pen onto a post. Des McCaffrey and O’Brien then slotted away their kicks before Samson saved from Kennedy. Confusion reigned as jubilant Dundee players, led by Lyle, charged towards their goalie, believing they were through, and the Dens Park PA system blasted out celebratory music. Red faces all round, temporarily at least, until Sturm netted to settle the issue. I don't mind how we beat Livingston.
Late News:
Dens Park pair Kevin McDonald and Paul Dixon have been omitted from the Scotland Under 21 squad for the European Championship qualifiers against Finland and Denmark despite both figuring in the win over the Czech Republic

Dundee 3 Partick Thistle 0, Dens Park, 25/August/07

Dundee struck early to brush aside Partick Thistle and clinch a comfortable win at Dens Park.
Gavin Swankie's glorious 25-yard free-kick started things off in the eighth minute. And once Robert Davidson had nodded in a simple second from a Paul Dixon cross, the result was never in doubt. Kevin McDonald capped a splendid performance with a neat finish and Thistle's misery was complete when Alan Archibald picked up a second booking. A great performance from Dundee, and this season they are looking a good outside bet for the league title.

Latest News From Dundee:Next up is Livingston at home in the Cis Cup. Alex Rae will have 4 strikers to pick from. Young striker Bryan Deasley has went ot on loan to Cowdenbeath, and he scored the only and winning goal against fife rivals Raith Rovers. Dundee expect to have Paul Dixon in the squad to face Livingston despite the defender being sent to hospital struggling for breath on Saturday. Strikers Derek Lyle and Jan Zemlik return from suspension, but defender Craig Sives is still recovering from a hernia operation and will miss out.

Latest From Dens Park

DUNDEE have taken 6ft 5in former Watford, Gray’s Athletic and MK Dons defender Nathan Koo-Boothe on trial. The 22-year-old Jamaican centre-half will spend the next week seeking to win a deal at Dens. With strike pair Derek Lyle and Jan Zemlik both suspended for tomorrow’s visit of Partick Thistle, Slovenian Jani Sturm is set to start.
DUNDEE have taken Arsenal youth team striker Marc Elston on a week’s trial. Elston (18), who chose a career in football over athletics despite clocking 11.2seconds for 100m at the age of 14, has been made available by the Gunners. Elston netted 11 times in 23 appearances for Arsenal’s youth side last term.

Scotland Call Up For Dens Kids

Scotland Under 21 coach Archie Knox has had to draft in four new players to his squad for Tuesday's international against the Czech Republic, after injuries and illness caused several withdrawals. Hearts pair Lee Wallace and Calum Elliot were both unable to join the squad after picking up knocks at the weekend, and today there were three further withdrawals as Kevin McCann of Hibs and David Robertson of Dundee United failed to respond quickly enough to treatment, and Andrew Considine of Aberdeen was unwell. Into the squad have come Scott Cuthbert of Celtic, Tom Scobbie of Falkirk, and Dundee's Paul Dixon and Kevin McDonald. Scotland Under 21s meet the Czech Republic at Falkirk Stadium on Tuesday night, kick-off 7.30 pm, and admission is just £5 for adults, £2 concessions.

Photo Above: Kevin McDonald and Paul Dixon.

St.Johnstone 1 Dundee 1, McDiarmid Park, 18/August/07

Freddie Daquin's deflected equaliser got Dundee off the hook in a hard-fought derby draw at St Johnstone. Saints had taken the lead seconds after the restart when John Stewart latched onto a perfect cross from Paul Sheerin. But Martin Hardie's straight red card for an elbow on Kevin McDonald turned the tide in Dundee's favour. Daquin's speculative effort beat Alan Main from 25 yards but Dundee also ended the game with 10 men when Jan Zemlik was shown a second yellow card. A good point for Dundee, but we could have had all three points today. A great support for Dundee today , just under 3,000 travelled.

Dundee 1 Ross County 2, Dens Park, Challenge Cup, 14/August/07.

Dundee went out of the cup to Second Division side Ross County losing 2-1 at Dens Park. Andy Barrowman scored the opener from the penalty spot in the 12th-minute after Gary MacKenzie brought down Martin Scott inside the area. County edged further ahead two minutes before half-time when Keddie glanced home a header from Derek Adams' corner. Jani Sturm reduced the deficit, but the home side could not find an equaliser and had David O'Brien sent off late on. Dundee who also hit the woodwork three times in the closing minutes, the only positives to take out of the match is that a few of the young players got a run out, and that will do them no harm. Bring on the Perth Saints on Saturday.

Ross County Next At Dens............

Dundee will make changes for theChallenge Cup clash with holders Ross County, likely to feature is Alex Rae himself, with Derek Lyle, Bryan Deasley, Gary McKenzie, Paul McHale to name just a few. Also Alex might play some of the younger players, just to see how they cope in a cup game. But make no mistake it's a game that Dundee want to win. I will miss the game due to work. The game kicks off at 19:30. A report will follow.

Dundee 2 Queen of the South 1, Dens Park, 11/August/07

BobDavidson's double preserved Dundee's 100% record as they beat a poor Queen of the South side. Davidson scored from the penalty spot after 13 minutes following Andy Aitken's needless shove on Jan Zemlik. Queens goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald twice denied Scott Robertson and had a tremendous save from a Zemlik effort. Sean O'Connor headed the equaliser from an Eric Paton cross - but, after a Paul Dixon attempt struck a post, Davidson steered home from Gavin Swankie's chip. A great week for the dark blues. They were not at their best yesterday, but last season they would have dropped points. So a good start and sets up the trip to Perth next week. St.Johnstone drew 2-2 and Dunfermline and Livingston both lost yesterday.

Livi Next in Cis Cup

Dundee will play Livingston at Home in the next round of the Cis Cup, after the draw was made at Easter Road today:Full draw — Motherwell v. Raith Rovers, Queen’s Park v. Hibs, Dundee v. Livingston, Peterhead v. Kilmarnock, Dundee United v. Ross County, Montrose v. Falkirk, Gretna v. Cowdenbeath, Stirling Albion v. Hearts, St. Mirren v. East Fife, Berwick v. Hamilton, Inverness CT. v. Arbroath, Partick v. St. Johnstone. Ties on August. 28/29.

Milan Plays At Last.....................

Milan Palenik finally made his competitive Dundee debut last night, but the defender’s protracted transfer to Scotland could see the Slovakian FA in hot water with FIFA after allegations of a cash-for-clearance scandal . Palenik was signed on a one-year contract in the middle of last month, but a lack of international clearance meant he missed Saturday’s league visit to Livingston and was only able to play against Morton in the CIS Cup when the necessary paperwork arrived from Eastern Europe with just minutes to spare yesterday. Now the Dark Blues, dismayed at the repeated delays in their dealings with the Slovak football authorities, have raised concerns with the SFA, who had already intervened on their behalf over the last week or so. And what have been described as “irregularities” are to be passed on for the world ruling body to give their opinion. Dens Park chief executive Dave MacKinnon was choosing his words carefully today, but the Evening Telegraph understands that, during contact with the Slovakian FA, the club and Palenik’s agents were given the impression clearance would be forthcoming if money changed hands. It is believed sums ranging from £100 to £3000 for a document that can be faxed from one football association to another in a matter of a few minutes were mentioned. That has left Dundee and their player less than impressed, though it has been stressed his former club completed their paperwork promptly and in a normal fashion. FIFA are to be informed. The lengthy delay had little effect on the big central defender, who helped his new team keep a clean sheet against Morton with an impressive individual display. Palenik took over from Gary MacKenzie, who was suffering from a cold.

Dundee 2 Morton 0, Cis Cup, Dens Park, 07/August/07

TWO GOALS early in the second half maintained the Dark Blues’ 100% start to the new campaign and eased them into round two of the CIS Cup last night. Czech attacker Jan Zemlik set Dundee on their way to a relatively straightforward victory with a deflected opener before Gavin Swankie doubled the winning margin. Dundee started five of their summer signings but it was the home-grown pair of Robertson and Kevin McDonald who caught the eye during a low-key opening period.The Dark Blues had the better of things but a combination of some wayward shooting from distance and an inability to capitalise on a series of several decent crossballs kept the scoresheet blank.Within 72 seconds of the restart however, the home side took the lead, albeit in fortuitous circumstances. Ton keeper Lee Robinson might well have had Robertson’s shot from a Freddie Daquin layoff covered, but the ball took a wicked deflection off the heel of Zemlik leaving Robinson stranded and the Czech celebrating his first goal for the club. Dundee had an anxious moment at the other end when Ludovic Roy spilled a Peter Weatherson free-kick and a fairly frantic scramble ensued. But on 52 minutes they effectively killed the tie. Wide man Swankie raced on to a Robertson through ball and into the box. His attempt to square for Jani Sturm was blocked but clinical Swankie buried the rebound in the far corner. Daquin and substitute Derek Lyle (twice) were denied by decent Robinson saves as the Dark Blues attempted to enhance the scoreline, but late on they’d Roy to thank for denying Morton encouragement when he tipped over a powerful Brian Graham effort. The visitors’ Weatherson was booked along with Dundee’s David Worrell.

Morton Next In The Cis Cup.......

Dundee welcome back three players from suspension for the CIS Insurance Cup first-round clash with Morton. Derek Lyle, back-up keeper Craig Samson and player/manager Alex Rae all come back into contention after missing Saturday's win over Livingston. It should be a good close game tonight.Morton will be without injured players Scott McLaughlin, David McGregor and Bobby Linn.

Eagles New Blog

All Cupar Eagles match reports ect: can now be viewed here:

http://cupareagles.blogspot.com/

Livi Balloons

The draw before yesterdays game went wrong as the Balloons, went off with a gust of wind

Dundee 2 Livingston 0, Almondvale, 04/August/07

Two goals from Scott Robertson got Dundee's season off to a great start against nine-man Livingston. Robertson fired Dundee in front from 20 yards in the 17th minute before adding his second from close range 13 minutes after half-time. Livi lost their discipline in the second half, with Graham Dorrans sent off for a second booking. Joe Hamill was later dismissed for a professional foul on Dundee winger Freddie Daquin. A great start for the dark blues and puts us top of the league. St.Johnstone drew 3-3 at Queen of the South and Dunfermline lost 2-1 at Hamilton. Scott Robertson's first goal was a peach of a strike from the edge of the box.

Dundee Sign Jani Sturm.

Dundee boss Alex Rae added the final piece to his squad for the new season today when he beat off stiff competition to capture Slovenian Jani Sturm. The 25-year-old striker, signed on a one-year deal with the option of an extension, originally arrived in Scotland a month ago for a trial with city neighbours Dundee United, but, after that didn’t work out, he moved on to a number of other clubs, most recently Morton. His time there led to an offer of a contract and it’s also understood SPL new boys Gretna were showing a firm interest in the proven goalscorer.
All that meant extra satisfaction for Alex when Sturm decided to opt for a dark blue jersey in the coming season. “I’m not exactly sure who else was interested, but I know other clubs were speaking to him and it’s nice to know he wants to come here,” said the Dens manager.
“We are trying to build something here and his decision shows he recognises that. I’m pleased to get him because he’s an intelligent striker who can run in behind defences and that gives us another option to what we already have.” Having seen the player turn out as a trialist for Morton, Alex is satisfied that he is fit enough to be considered for a starting place in Saturday’s First Division opener at Livingston. And, with last season’s top scorer Derek Lyle suspended for the first four games of the season, the new man is set to form an international strike force with Czech Jan Zemlik.

Montrose 2 Dundee 2, Links Park, 28/July/07

Dundee missed a great chance to end their pre-season with a win when a fine second half fight back from Montrose saw the third division side snatch a deserved draw.Goals from Jan Zemlik and Alex Rae appeared to have Dundee on easy street as they dominated the first half - but after a fantastic save from Mark Peat to deny Zemlik early in the second half the home side battled hard to level the scores. Their goals coming from substitute John Maitland and striker John Baird.

Dundee PreSeason Games and News..............

Dundee Sign Striker

Dundee have completed the signing of Czech striker Jan Zemlik. The six foot seven inch forward has linked up at Dens Park after convincing manager Alex Rae of his ability during a two week trial at the club. Zemlik scored a hat-trick in a bounce game on Friday for the Dark Blues and now joins new recruit Frederic Daquin.

Dundee beat Millwall 2-1 at Dens on Saturday thanks to two goals from new striker Jan Zemlik, another czech player played centre half and he will likely be offered a deal by Alex Rae.

Dundee’s Czech contingent doubled today when experienced defender Milan Palenik was signed on a one-year deal after impressing boss Alex Rae in the weekend win over Millwall. And today, Alex confirmed the free agent had been snapped up quickly to add experience and depth to his defensive options. “He looked the part on Saturday. He’s strong and knew his position well — he’ll add experience at the back and extra quality,” he said. And while he was remaining cautious about success in a friendly, the gaffer also didn’t hide his delight with the way new striker Jan Zemlik is settling in. “The big man is a handful for defences and is scoring as well. If that continues we will all be happy with him. However, it’s still early and these are not the games that matter. No-one is getting carried away.” Zemlik is likely to be on duty again when Dundee send a strong team to Arbroath tomorrow night. “I’m leaning towards it being mainly first-team men at Arbroath and we have a closed-door game at Hibs on Wednesday, so everyone should get a run over the two games. “That’s important because we need everyone to get games they need, but it’s also important we keep everyone fit.” Portuguese striker Andre Martins has arrived on trial. He’s trained with Bayern Munich and is also wanted by Partick.

Dundee manager Alex Rae has turned down an all-expenses-paid trip to the Olympic Stadium in Athens a week on Saturday, where the Dens men would have played a game against top European opposition. Meanwhile, Dundee’s pre-season build-up continued last night with a 1-0 win over Arbroath at Gayfield, courtesy of a goal by trialist Andre Martins. The success was marred by the early injury to goalkeeper Ludovic Roy and the sending-off of his replacement Craig Samson for handling outside the box. Left-back Paul Dixon ended up between the sticks for the final few minutes of the match.

Dundee 2 Kilmarnock 2, Dens Park, 21/July/07

IF A manager truly does pass on some of his own characteristics to his players, then it seems Alex Rae has transmitted plenty of his tenacity on to this Dundee team. Against Kilmarnock on Saturday they had to come back from a goal down on two occasions, but did so with aplomb and could quite easily have secured victory over their Premier League opposition. Of course, Rae, who was without towering Czech Jan Zemlik due to injury, would prefer if his players did not need to call upon their powers of recovery too often but he must have been refreshed to see their fighting spirit shine through. Milan Palenik, who signed on a one-year deal last week, won his contract on the back of a flawless performance against Millwall last time out but was given a more testing introduction to Scottish football by Paul di Giacomo, whose quick feet left the Czech flailing inside the box and won Kilmarnock a 19th-minute penalty. Di Giacomo scored from the spot but, like so many times last season, that jolted Dundee into life and encouraged them to produce better. Bob Davidson hit the post with a cracking shot from 18 yards before Derek Lyle, whose influence will be sorely missed in the opening month of the season trough suspension, sent a shot high into the top corner to equalise. Man-of-the-moment Steven Naismith then restored Killie’s lead in 62 minutes but new signing David O’Brien, who already looks a shrewd acquisition from Stirling Albion, secured the draw with a shot at the back post a minute later. Goalkeeper Craig Samson, in for injured captain Ludovic Roy, has watched his new team-mates gel over the past few weeks and is upbeat about the season ahead. He said, “We’ve been preparing well, our training has gone brilliantly and we’re all looking forward to the new season. “Although you can’t read too much into pre-season games, we’re unbeaten in two against good opposition so our confidence is growing all the time. “I had a personal interest in doing well against Killie because I grew up with a lot of their guys and there was a lot of banter flying about last week.
“A couple of them were on the phone telling me they were going to score past me and I got a few texts but, thankfully, we got a draw so the bragging rights are even. “When I signed the manager said he was looking to bring in more players and he’s done that.
“The squad is looking strong. He’s happy with the squad so now it’s going to be up to us to prove his faith in us is justified and that we’re good enough to get back into the SPL.

Dundee 1 Motherwell 2, Dens Park, 24/July/07

DUNDEE’S unbeaten pre-season run was ended as SPL Motherwell ran out winners in a largely low-key friendly at Dens Park.Chances were rare until a spell of six second-half minutes that saw three high-quality strikes.The first came in 69 minutes when one-time Dundee United target Chris Porter hit the back of the net from no more than a yard after a Trevor Molloy cross was knocked down by skipper Jim Paterson.As they had done against top-flight Kilmarnock at the weekend, the Dark Blues roared back and impressive sub David O’Brien netted with a fine 14-yard strike just four minutes later.Little over a minute after that, though, the Steelmen earned victory with a goal fit to win any game—Irishman Molloy blasting home from all of 25 yards from a short free-kick.While disappointed, Dundee manager Alex Rae highlighted the quality of the goal that had beaten his team and overall was not unhappy with the effort put in.
“In the end it’s a wonder strike that beat us, but the boys worked hard and that will have done them some good,” he said. We made changes in the second half to make sure the boys who needed a run-out got some action and I think that made the game a bit disjointed.”
After a quiet start, Dundee had come within a whisker of taking the lead in the 10th minute. A Freddie Daquin corner reached Gary McKenzie in the box and the big defender was unlucky to see his hooked shot hit the post. The home side had enjoyed the better of the early exchanges and a Gavin Swankie cross from the left reached Daquin at the back post. He cut the ball back, but there were no takers. The visitors had taken time to get going and when they pushed forward Martyn Corrigan curled a 20-yard effort a yard wide of Ludovic Roy’s goal.
Dundee started the second half with a new central defensive partnership of Danny Griffin and Craig Sives and with Daquin in a central striking role after O’Brien had replaced Bob Davidson.
If the home team had started the first half stronger, it was their SPL opponents who took the initiative in the opening minutes of the second. Molloy, a 53rd-minute replacement for veteran Phil O’Donnell, might have broken the deadlock when he moved the ball on to his left foot 14 yards from goal, but Dixon’s block deflected the ball behind. otherwell’s Porter then made his way to the edge of the box where his floated finish went yards wide. The big Englishman made amends with his goal and then suddenly the game had come to life, though that turned out to be bad news for the home side.
Dundee—Roy, Worrell, McKenzie (Sives 45), Palenik (Griffin 45), Dixon, Daquin (Zemlik 68), McDonald (McHale 58), Robertson (Rae 71), Swankie, Davidson (O’Brien 45), Lyle. Sub not used—Murray.

Cupar Eagles Latest Match Reports..................

Confidence was high in the Eagles camp after last weeks win. Hazbeens provided the opposition with the match played on a glorious sunny evening. Hazbeens came out of the blocks quickest and threatened the Eagles goal on numerous occasions before drawing first blood with a angled drive which gave keeper Mullen no chance to go one up. Malcolm tested the Hazbeens keeper with a right foot shot but the keeper dealt with this comfortably. Hazbeens doubled their advantage with slackness in the Eagles defence allowing their marksman time to pick his spot in the back of the net.
Eagles raised their game in the second half but Halley and Marshall where just off target before Hazbeens scored twice more for an unassailable lead at four nil. Eagles heads went down for a period before Pryde found the back of the net with a clinical finish into the right hand corner. Eagles scored again to put the pressure back on Hazbeens when Halley blitzed past his marker and coolly dispatched the ball past the keeper. With time now the enemy Eagles pushed forward with Clive becoming instrumental in his midfield role but Hazbeens held on and eventually put the match beyond doubt with a fifth when Syme was caught out at the back to allow their pacy winger to rifle a shot past Mullen to complete the scoring. Eagles support are reminded the prestigious annual Ceres 5 a-sides will take place on this Sunday.
Final score: Cupar Eagles 2 Hazbeens 5
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Roy McGregor
4. Mark Malcolm
5. Craig Halley
6. Gary Pryde
Subs:
7. Gregg McLuckie
8. Tommy Marshall
9. Colin Clive
Man of the Match: Halley
Match sponsors: Ali's Discount Store

CERES GAMES
Cupar Eagles Young Guns were first up in the Ceres Games 5 a-sides where they faced Bridge Athletic. Most players were signed from the Youth Academy although a couple of old heads were present. Athletic took the lead halfway through the game but Eagles reply was swift as experienced campaigner Clive burst through the middle and slotted his effort home to the delight of the watching crowd. No further scoring so the game went to penalties and although Clive and Pryde scored Eagles went out as Bauchope and McLuckie missed.
Final Score: Cupar Eagles Young Guns 1 Bridge Athletic 1
Athletic won 3-2 on Penalties
line-up:
1. Mark Malcolm
2. Gregg McLuckie
3. Gary Pryde
4. Andrew Bauchope
5. Colin Clive

Cupar Eagles received a bye to the last sixteen and faced Screen Wash for a place in the Quarter Finals. Mullen made some excellent saves early doors and Marshall made some timely interventions with crucial tackles but the door would finally squeeze open as wave after wave of attack on the Eagles goal at long last brought a dividend as two goals were conceded. Eagles battled well but last seasons winners proved just too strong and eventually recorded a two nil victory.
Final Score: Cupar Eagles 0 Screen Wash 2
Line up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Shaun Mullen
4. Lewis McLuckie
5. Tommy Marshall

LEAGUE ACTION
Cupar Eagles were next up in action the following evening against league leaders Steau Needarest this time on league business. Steau made the early running and soon the goals rained in through the Eagles net. Mullen did his best to keep the scoreline respectful with some wonder saves but Steau and in particular Lindsay Sharp were not to be denied and Eagles found themselves six goals down at half-time.
Clive had a half chance but fluffed his shot with the goal beckoning and Marshall slipped at a crucial point as the danger on the Steau goal was cleared.
Young Academy starlet Lewis McLuckie rescued some much needed pride as the Eagles finally scored but Steau raised their game near the finish and ran out comfortable winners by ten goals to one.
Line up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Gary Pryde
4. Craig Halley
5. Colin Clive
6. Andrew Bauchope
Subs:
7. Lewis McLuckie
8. Tommy Marshall
9. Gregg McLuckie

EAGLES LOSE
Eagles were back in action in a league encounter versus Elevado. With a full strength team Eagles were confident of a tangible result. This was no more evident when Malcolm swivelled just outside the Elevado box before unleashing a thunderbolt into the left hand corner for a superb opener. Unfortunately this was as good as it got as Elevado recovered and took a 3-1 lead at the interval.
Despite manager Marshall's words of wisdom during the changever about defending as a unit Eagles proceeded to kick themselves in the foot as a barrowload of goals were conceded materialising from basic defensive deficiencies. As a result eight goals were lost and to compound matters none were scored as the Eagles slumped to another heavy defeat with the final score being 11-1.
Final score: Cupar Eagles 1 Elevado 11
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Andrew Beachope
4. Gregg McLuckie
5. Craig Halley
6. Mark Malcolm
Subs:
7. Gary Pryde
8. Tommy Marshall
9. Colin Clive
10. Lewis McLuckie
Man of the Match: Clive

Dundee Sign Striker...................

CZECH STRIKER Jan Zemlik’s hat-trick in a bounce game against a team of French trialists finally persuaded DUNDEE boss Alex Rae to sign him. The 6ft 7in frontman had spent two weeks at Dens Park trying to convince Rae to give him a contract. The deal was done on Saturday.

Freddie Signs For The Dee............

FREDDIE DAQUIN wants to show Dunfermline boss Stephen Kenny he was wrong to wreck his Hampden dream by helping Dundee pip the Pars to promotion next season. Daquin, who has joined the Dark Blues on a two-year deal, did not even make the bench when the Fifers faced Celtic in the Scottish Cup final at the national stadium in May. That was despite starting the final SPL match of the season at home to Falkirk just a week earlier. “It was so disappointing not to play in the final as it was such a big occasion,” said the Frenchman. “I had been in the team the week before against Falkirk, so I thought I had a chance. “The thing I didn’t like was the fact it was like do-or-die, with you having to impress. “The last six months were very frustrating because when the new manager came in at Dunfermline he didn’t play me. “Of course, that’s football and it is his choice but it can still be difficult. “Players like Jim O’Brien and Adam Hammill came in and did well and that made it much harder for me to get my place back in the team. “Also, I was injured during the January transfer window when they arrived, which didn’t help. “I always had a good relationship with the fans at Dunfermline and I think they liked me.
“But now I want Dundee to do well and win promotion next season. “I know my level and what I am capable of doing, so now I just want to get playing football regularly.
“Already, I am looking forward to facing Dunfermline on September 15, when it should be a very interesting day.” The 28-year-old met his new teammates at training yesterday and is convinced he has made the right move. “I was very impressed from the first time I spoke to the Dundee gaffer Alex Rae,” said Daquin. “They have been in the SPL before which is where we want to get back to after next season. “The manager seems to be very ambitious and that is what I like about him. “The first division will be very tough next season but I am looking forward to the challenge.” Rae was delighted to have finally snapped up Daquin as he seeks to further bolster his squad. “It has been a bit of a chase but I am just glad we have managed to get Freddie in the end. “He has good attributes such as pace and strength which we have been looking for. “I would still like to get in another four players to take the squad up to 20 and we are working constantly to try to reach that number.” Meanwhile, fans will be able to meet the new recruit at the club’s open day tomorrow, with various events taking place between 11am and 2pm.

New Dundee Signings?

DUNDEE ARE expected to make flying Frenchman Freddie Daquin their latest signing today.
The 28-year-old former Dunfermline winger has agreed terms and the Dark Blues hope to parade him at Dens Park.Daquin, who played with Cannes, Paris St Germain and Rouen in his homeland before moving to the SPL with Hibs, was told by Pars boss Stephen Kenny that he wasn’t in his plans despite having a year left on his contract.But Dundee manager Alex Rae has managed to persuade him to remain in this country and try to help the Dark Blues escape division one next term. Meanwhile, Dundee have appointed United legend Dave Bowman as the club’s new youth coach. The former Tannadice midfielder has been out of work since losing his job at Living-ston, where he was assistant to John Robertson last season, and will assist Gordon Wallace in his role as youth co-ordinator.

Vital Win For Cupar Eagles

Eagles welcomed back inspirational midfielder Malcolm against league newcomers Seven Sisters. Marshall gave an indepth motivational speech prior to kick-off as confidence had reached an all time low with five defeats out of five league games played. Eagles went on the offensive straight away and Halley opened the scoring with a sweet finish into the bottom left hand corner. Eagles were playing free flowing football at this point and the second goal arrived when Malcolm finished of a great move by drilling the ball into the right hand corner after McGregor played him in. Seven Sisters threatened a couple of times but Mullen in goal was equal to the task. Eagles went three up when Syme sent Halley away and the prolific marksman buried his shot into the roof of the net as the ecstatic Eagles support behind the goal started to celebrate. Seven Sisters pulled a goal back before half-time to give themselves a lifeline.
Seven Sisters pushed forward in the second half and scored their second goal to make the match really tight with only one goal in it. Eagles were a bit jittery at this point as a great collaspe looked to be on the cards but after soaking up a lot of pressure Halley scored the crucial fourth after fine work from Marshall and Syme. Seven Sisters reduced the deficit once more but the Eagles held on for their first win of the season amidst jubilant scenes as the final whistle sounded.
Final score: Cupar Eagles 4 Seven Sisters 3
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Roy McGregor
4. Mark Malcolm
5. Craig Halley
6. Andrew Bauchope
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
Man of the match: Halley
Match sponsors: Ali Discount Store

Dundee After Paul Ritchie

Dundee will know in the next few days whether or not they are to add another former Dundee United man to their squad for next season. Former Tangerines Danny Griffin, David Worrell and Craig Samson are already on the books and could be joined by experienced defender Paul Ritchie before the week is out. The 31-year-old, whose other clubs have included Hearts, Rangers and Manchester City, has been in discussions with boss Alex Rae about a player-coaching role with the Dark Blues. He is also considering other offers from this country and abroad, but Dundee hope the lure of getting his first formal coaching position could persuade him to head for Dens.
Gary Smith Leaves
A Ritchie arrival would fill the gap left by the departure of veteran centre-half Gary Smith, who last night secured his release from the Dark Blues. The 36-year-old has been linked with a player-coaching role under former Scotland star Colin Hendry at Clyde, though, even if he moves to Broadwood, there is a chance he will hang up his boots

Pre-Season For Dundee Starts Now.....................

There were plenty of fresh faces on view as Dundee kicked off pre-season training today with a tough double session. Goalkeeper Craig Samson was with the squad as he signed the one-year deal agreed with boss Alex Rae at the end of last week, and also meeting their team-mates for the first time were summer signings David Worrell and David O’Brien.
And, as expected, a midfielder and a centre forward from the Czech Republic began trial spells with the Dark Blues. That, and the fact his entire squad were free of injury as they reported back after the summer break, made the manager a happy man.

Dundee Sign Craig Samson.

Dundee are set to complete the signing of goalkeeper Craig Samson in time for him to report for pre-season training with the rest of the squad at Dens Park on Monday. The former Kilmarnock, Dundee United and Ross County man has agreed a one-year deal and should put pen to paper over the weekend. Boss Alex Rae had several options to consider and has opted for the 23-year-old because, he believes, he will provide a strong challenge to Ludovic Roy for the No. 1 jersey next term. “As I’ve said all along, Ludo had a great first year with us and he will start pre-season as No. 1, but I want competition for as many places as possible and Samson should provide that,” said Rae. “He’s still young, but he has good experience and is ambitious. He won’t be coming here thinking he’ll be sitting on the bench, he’ll be fighting for his place and that’s what I want.” Samson joins full-back David Worrell and wide man David O’Brien as new summer arrivals and they are likely to be joined by at least another two signings in the next few weeks.

Not So Bonny Banks!

Eagles welcomed Bonny Banks on league business minus inspirational midfieder Malcolm who missed out due to work commitments. Bonny Banks settled better in the early stages and took a deserved lead before Beachope equalised for the Eagles. Syme was having a excellent game with some precise tackling to keep Eagles level in the match. Bonny Banks took the lead once again despite the heroic efforts from Mullen in goal. Halley spurned a great chance to draw level but made up for it when he wheeled away from his marker for the equaliser. Bonny Banks got their noses in front just before the break.
Marshall played a 1-2 with Beauchope and the all time record goalscorer finished off a great move reminiscent of Dutch total football from the seventies to level the match for the third time. However tiredness seemed to creep in to the Eagles play and Bonny Banks exploited poor defensive marking to score another five goals without reply to leave the management team scratching their heads once again. Eagles supporters are reminded that the new date for the annual Ceres five a-sides have been rescheduled to July 15 as Sunday past was cancelled due to the waterlogged pitch.
Final score: Cupar Eagles 3 Bonny Banks 8
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Roy McGregor
3. Ally Syme
4. Gregg McLuckie
5. Craig Halley
6. Andrew Beauchope
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
9. Gary Pryde

Ceres Next For Cupar Eagles..................

Eagles played host to Elevado in a bottom of the league clash minus inspirational playmaker Beauchope. McGregor returned from injury to take a position at right back. Eagles made a crisp start and went on the offensive straight away and only some great saves from the opposing keeper kept the scoreline blank. Mullen in goal made his first mistake of the night when he allowed the ball to beat him at his front post. Malcolm restored parity when he beat three players before unleashing a thunderbolt into the bottom right hand corner. Chances were then missed by both teams as the interval arrived.
Syme was caught out of position to allow a Elevado marksman to drill home early in the second half and worse was to follow as the Eagles rearguard went to sleep and another two were conceded. Syme wasted a good opportunity when he screwed the ball well wide in a promising position. Mullen uncharacteristically allowed the ball to dribble through his hands for a fifth goal and a sixth was soon lost as Elevado cruised to victory. McGregor played a lofted ball to put Marshall through on goal with seconds remaining but the midfield powerhouse blasted the ball well over the top to complete another miserable night for the Eagles. Eagles will be playing in the Ceres fives on Sunday but will need to improve dramatically on this performance to win the tournament.
Final score: Cupar Eagles 1 Elevado 6
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Roy McGregor
4. Mark Malcolm
5. Greg McLuckie
6. Craig Halley
subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
Man of the match: Mullen
Match sponsors: Ali's Discount Store

Eagles Go Down Fighting...............

Sorry For The Delay Busy With Work And A Weekend Away: Eagles hosted Petrol Heads in a league fixure hoping to gain revenge for a Quarter-final Cup exit when the teams last met. Eagles made a whirlwind start opening the scoring in the first thirty seconds when Halley latched onto a ball played in by Mcluckie to slot home. Mullen was playing a blinder in goals to maintain the Eagles lead but was eventually beaten when a defensive error by Syme let their attacker clear through on goal to equalise. Eagles pressed forward and took the game to the Petrol Heads and only some inspired saves and woeful finishing from the Eagles front line kept the game level. Petrol Heads punished the Eagles with two goals before half-time.
Marshall was unlucky not to reduce the deficit when a fierce shot looked goalbound only for a Petrol Head defender to block the effort. Pryde also went close as Eagles upped the tempo but Petrol Heads scored their fourth to create a bit of daylight between the teams. Malcolm scored a beauty with a screamer into the bottom left corner after being set up by Beauchope. Clive entered the arena to a rousing reception from the Eagles faithfull late in the game and nearly made an instant impact with a dazzling run down the wing but his cross was blocked and the danger cleared. Petrol Heads wrapped up victory with a sweet finish as their striker rounded Syme before despatching the ball past the despairing Mullen to seal the three points.
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Craig Halley
4. Greg McLuckie
5. Mark Malcolm
6. Andrew Beachope
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
9. Gary Pryde
Final score: Cupar Eagles 2 Petrol Heads 5
Man of the match: Mark Malcolm
Match sponsors: Ali's Discount Store

Norwich Bid For Dixon Turned Down...........

Dundee have rejected an offer from Norwich City for Paul Dixon — but the Dark Blues face a battle to keep their highly-rated full-back this summer. The 20-year-old is well known to Carrow Road assistant boss Jim Duffy, who handed him his debut during his second spell as manager at Dens Park. He and Canaries gaffer Peter Grant are among those who have been monitoring Dixon’s progress and that has led to a bid to take him to the Championship.
That move was confirmed by Dundee chief executive Dave MacKinnon and, while he was quick to stress it had been dismissed, there is no question the club face a struggle to hang on to the defender. For their part, Norwich admitted it was unlikely there would be an immediate upping of the bid, believed to be in the region of £100,000 — less than half his employers’ valuation.
A string of other English clubs are also interested and there have even been suggestions that, here in Scotland, Rangers are also admirers. More attempts to lure him away from the City of Discovery are set to follow. Dixon has only a year of his current Dens deal to run and has stalled on signing an extension. Which might push Dundee towards selling him if offers come in now, rather than face losing him a reduced fee near to or at the end of his contract.

Bad Start For Cupar Eagles..........................

Eagles kicked of their new season against old foes Drunken Masters without the services of number one goalkeeper McGregor. Captain Mullen took his place in goal as a torn achilles ruled him out for an outside position.
Both teams had chances in the early exchanges and Malcolm was unlucky when his shot hit the crossbar. Mullen made some good saves but Masters slowly began to gain a stranglehold on the game and eventually opened the scoring when the ball was put through Mullen's legs. Number two followed and Eagles lost their way for a bit as five were conceded before half time with no response.
Eagles re-grouped for the second period and after a defence splitting pass by Halley which found Clive in space up front, saw his delicate chip over the advancing keeper going narrowly wide. Masters scored again soon after when the ball took a wicked deflection of Marshall which gave Mullen no chance and another two were lost before Halley went on a mazy run past four defenders to slot home. Masters scored again as the Eagles defence went A.W.O.L before Beauchope finished a fine sweeping move off in the dying seconds involving Marshall and Clive to restore a modicum of pride to an otherwise disappointing start to the Eagles league campaign.
Final Score: Cupar Eagles 2 Drunken Masters 9
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Gregg McLuckie
4. Andrew Beachope
5. Mark Malcolm
6. Craig Halley
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
Match Sponsors: Ali's Discount Store
Man of the Match: Clive

Dundee Sign Two and Plan For Next Season.........

Dundee have completed the signings of former Rotherham United full-back David Worrell and David O'Brien, the winger having left Stirling Albion. Worrell and O'Brien were out of contract and are the first of six summer signings planned by Dundee. O'Brien, 23, leaves after helping Stirling win promotion to Division One. First Division Dundee have also confirmed that manager Alex Rae will receive an increased budget for next season. But chairman Bob Brannan has stressed to the Tayside business community that further cash will have to be raised to balance the budget. Chief executive Dave MacKinnon pointed out that the club is considering developing land for housing. Dundee are looking at developing the Dens Park side of their stadium "with a new South Stand as part of the development". MacKinnon has held initial discussions with a building developer.

Cupar Hearts Just Miss Out................

Cupar Hearts were really unlucky on Sunday, and the whole of Cupar should be proud of them. We must remember that they faced a very solid team who got the break on the day. The people of Cupar and surrounding area's also turned out in big numbers. I travelled on the bus from the Springfield Tavern it was a very good day out and one which I enjoyed.
This report below was in Monday's Courier (copyright)
AROUND 2000 Cupar Hearts fans saw their team robbed of glory again in the final of the Scottish Amateur Cup at Hampden yesterday. The Fife footballers were defeated 1-0 by Drumchapel United in a nail-biting final. Cupar Hearts had reached the final in 1950 and 1957, losing out to Queen’s Park and then Giffnock North. The Fife Amateur Cup winners hoped it would be third-time lucky, but were unable to find the net during the 90 minutes.
The manager, Austin MacPhee—at 27 the youngster ever manager to lead his team out at Hampden—said they played well and were unfortunate to go a goal down through a set-piece in the first half. He said, “The players are gutted... In the second half the boys worked incredibly hard and dominated the game. We created a number of chances but we just couldn’t score.
“Drumchapel defended quite deep and it was difficult to get in behind them.” The team was hampered by Czech midfielder Ondra Matusik being pulled off after the first half due to a knee injury. MacPhee said, “He has been brilliant for us all season and sometimes we look to him to do that special something to get us back in the game.” The club won 10 games and scored 33 goals to secure their place in the final. MacPhee said, “It’s been a great experience for everyone, but we are just disappointed we couldn’t go that bit further.” He added, “It was phenomenal seeing so many people from Cupar there.” Just reaching the final is an achievement for the 117-year-old club, and created a buzz in Cupar. At the start of the season matches attracted only a handful of die-hard supporters, but around 600 scarves and 500 shirts were sold in the run-up to yesterday’s fixture. Bus and car-loads of maroon-clad fans left Cupar yesterday morning.
Although the team returned without the cup, a crowd of supporters gathered in the town centre to welcome them home last night. Fan Barbara Maclean, who had painted hearts on her face for the occasion, said, “It didn’t matter whether they won or not, just to be at Hampden was fantastic.” Alan Makein said, “The team has done brilliantly. Everyone is very proud of them and the atmosphere was great.”

Match Report From The Fife Herald(copyright)

Cupar Hearts 0 Drumchapel United 1, Hampden Park, 27/May/07.

HEARTS were broken at Hampden, but the town of Cupar has every right to be proud of its team after a gutsy performance that fell just short of glory on Sunday.
A first half goal conceded from a corner kick was all that separated the brave Fifers from the victorious Drumchapel United as, for the second Scottish Cup final in 24 hours, the trophy remained in Glasgow.A remarkable turn-out of over 1000 Cupar fans brought tremendous backing for the team, and ensured the national stadium, although mainly empty, wasn't short on atmosphere.And few could grudge Hearts such a stage, after all they and Drumchapel were just two teams among 610 entrants when the Scottish Amateur Cup kicked off back in September.Many reckon that the intense level of competition makes it the hardest trophy to win in the country, and even those who leave with runners-up medals can claim to be winners in their own right.There was very little to chose between the two teams but while defeat was cruel on Cupar, they can take a crumb of comfort in that it took a very good Drumchapel side to stop them.Hearts showed they can play football, and had the chances to win, but there was little more the players could have offered, except perhaps more clinical finishing.

Latest From Dens.

Dundee will parade two unnamed signings on Wednesday and promise four other new faces this summer. The First Division club also confirmed that manager Alex Rae would receive an increased budget for next season. But chairman Bob Brannan has stressed to the Tayside business community that further cash will have to be raised to balance the budget. Chief executive Dave MacKinnon pointed out that the club is considering developing land for housing.
Dundee are looking at developing the Dens Park side of their stadium "with a new South Stand as part of the development". MacKinnon has held initial discussions with a building developer.

Cupar Hearts To Make History?

All roads lead to Hampden Park in Glasgow on Sunday for hundreds of Cupar Hearts fans. A fleet of at least 20 buses, plus dozens of cars, will leave Cupar on Sunday morning, carrying supporters to the Soccer World Scottish Amateur Cup final. Our bus leaves from Springfield at 11:00, it will be a good day out. Hearts take on Drumchapel United as they bid to lift the trophy for the first time in their history, and expect to have the backing of around 1000 fans from Fife. The squad expect to return to Cupar around 8.30 p.m. on Sunday, and hope to be able to parade the trophy at The Cross.

Cupar Hearts have been to the final twice before but lost both.

Latest News From Dens Park.

Dundee have announced details of a further three pre-season friendlies. After welcoming Millwall to Dens Park on Saturday, July 14, the Dark Blues travel to Montrose on Tuesday 17th, host Motherwell on Tuesday 24th and are at Stenhousemuir on the 25th. They are still attempting to fix up home matches on the 21st and 28th against English opposition. And Dundee will either be heading for the Highlands or north-east England for a short training camp early on in the process of building towards next term. Player-manager Alex Rae hopes to unveil an addition to his squad later this week.

Cupar Eagles Cup Dreams Are Over.

Eagles lined up in confident mood on the back of a great victory in the last round hoping to create history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time v Petrol Heads in the St Andrews Community Cup Q/F. The stakes were high and the tension reached fever pitch as the management team tried to calm the players down prior to kick-off.
With a torrential downpour as the match got underway Petrol Heads seemed to adapt better and punished a hesitant Syme in defence to go one up and with a uncharateristic fumble by Beauchope in goal it was soon 2 nil. Eagles were right back into it when a Marshall exquisite pass released McLuckie and he buried his shot into the bottom left hand corner to make it 2-1. Eagles through everything bar the kitchen sink in search of the elusive equaliser with tremendous stops by the Petrol Heads goalie but were left disappointed as the halt-time whistle went.
Eagles made a couple of tactical changes for the second half with a very bold attacking formation in order to chase the game but with gaps now appearing in defence Petrol Heads counter attacking football was to prove more efficient as the Eagles lost another 3 goals. Clive was introduced into the fray and the veteran play-maker rolled back the years with a vintage display running at the Petrol Heads defence but with luck seemingly against the Eagles as chances came and went it was Petrol Heads who wrapped up this Cup match scoring twice more for a convincing 7-1 win to reach the last 4 as the Eagles trudged off the park despondent but were given a warm reception by the Eagles support who had braved the elements to follow the team.
Final Score: Cupar Eagles 1 Petrol Heads 7
Eagles line-up:
1. Andrew Beauchope
2. Ally Syme
3. Gregg McLuckie
4. Gary Pryde
5. Mark Malcolm
6. Craig Halley
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
Match Sponsors: Ali's Discount Store

Cupar Eagles Are Up For The Cup....................

Cupar Eagles freed from the pressures of the league campaign made theirfirst appearance in the St Andrews Community Cup against the highlyfanciedBlazing Squad in front of a large highly vocal crowd. Manager Marshallhad to rejig his resources right from the start with Beauchope having toreplace the injured McGregor in goals. The Eagles were psyched up for this oneand went on the offensive straight away and it was no surprise when Malcolm opened the scoring placing the ball wide of the advancing keeper afterbeen released by Halley. Beauchope was producing a fine performance in goals with some truly remarkable reflex saves preserving the Eagles lead. The second goal duly arrived for the Eagles with Pryde finishing off a fine move to leave the keeper with no chance from 10 yards out with a neat shot into the corner. It was going well for the Eagles, too well as they suffered a blow towards the end of the first half with the loss of their inspirtational captain Mullen with a torn achilles, he was to be replacedby McCluckie. Marshall now had to reorganise again in the second half, with Malcolm joining Syme at the back and the two of them seemed to break the hearts of the Blazing Squad mopping up every attack with ease. Blazing Squad gave themselves a lifeline after an error from Marshall allowed the unmarked striker his first clear shot at goal and the ball looped over Beauchop into the net. Eagles pressed for the decisive third goal and it duly arrived with McCluckie sending the keeper the wrong way with a well taken snap shot. Blazing Squad knew it was not to be their night whenHalley added a fourth and final goal after a mazy run leaving three players inhis wake and played a quick one two with Marshall to leave himself in on the keeper from where he made no mistake. The Eagles support burst into life five minutes from time with the introduction of Clive back from anenforced lay-off. Final Score: Cupar Eagles 4 v Blazing Squad 1 The Eagles are through now to the Quarter-Finals where the Petrol Headslie in wait. All players, officials and supporters are reminded thattransport will leave from the usual place for the next round. In an Eagles side without any failuresMan of the Match was awared to the whole team for a truly remarkable performance. Match Sponsors: Alis Discount Store Cupar.
Eagles Team: 1. Andrew Beauchope 2. John Mullen 3. Ally Syme 4. Mark Malcolm 5. Gary Pryde 6. Craig Halley Subs: 7. Tommy Marshall 8. Greg McCluckie 9. Colin Clive