Dundee 2 Clyde 0, Dens Park, 30/March/08

DUNDEE increased the pressure on Division One leaders Hamilton with an effective performance to defeat Clyde. Alex Rae's players comfortably saw off the Bully Wee, whose relegation concerns still linger, with goals from David O'Brien and Kevin McDonald but events at New Douglas Park, where leaders Hamilton were held by Partick Thistle, were of equal significance. Dundee play the Jags on Tuesday, their game in hand, and should they win the points gap at the head of the table – which was once as large as nine – will be reduced to a paltry one.The Bully Wee, who recorded a shock against St Johnstone in midweek, could last only until eight minutes before the home side streaked into the lead. David Hutton, their goalkeeper, looked to have done enough by pushing Derek Lyle's free-kick away from his top corner but none of his defenders checked the run of David O'Brien, who stole a few yards on them and stroked the rebound into the empty net. Jorg Albertz had his first chance to shoot on 32 minutes but his low free-kick cannoned back off the wall. However, another chance presented itself within a minute and, this time, the German showed he retains his old prowess by cracking a shot into Samson's back post which only the crossbar prevented from going in. Dundee ended the match as a contest on 72 minutes when Kevin McDonald raced through on goal to slot a low shot beyond the woefully exposed Hutton. A great result, but we must keep it going and really put pressure 0n leaders Hamilton..
Dundee: Samson, Cowan, MacKenzie, Malone, Dixon, Daquin, McDonald, Noubissie, O’Brien, Davidson (Swankie 62), Lyle (Clark 83).
Subs Not Used: Roy, Worrell, Rae.
Booked: Lyle, Dixon.
Goals: O’Brien 8, McDonald 73.
Att: 4,037

Kev Hits Winner...........

KEVIN McDonald's stunning strike eight minutes from time breathed new life into Scotland's Uefa Under-21 Championship qualifying hopes as Finland were handed their first defeat in Group Six.Scotland took the lead in the 29th minute when captain Steven Naismith struck following a well-worked free-kick, but just before half-time Kasper Hamalainen equalised courtesy of a beautiful curled effort.Finland were the better side for much of the second period, only for McDonald to thump a superb half-volley high into the net and push Scotland to within five points of table-topping Finland, while still holding a game in hand.When the contest began at a sparsely populated Pittodrie, goalscoring chances were at a premium. Scotland were at least able to take confidence from Tomi Maanoja's poor handling in the 19th minute, when the Finland goalkeeper spilled a cross from Ross McCormack while under pressure from Ross Campbell.Given the close nature of the match, it was no surprise it took a set-piece to break the deadlock and when the first goal came, it was thanks to a smart free-kick from Scotland.The opportunity arose after Ville Jalasto crudely scythed down Scott Arfield. Initially, it looked as if the ball was going to be laid off to McCormack, but clever play from Jamie Hamill and Arfield instead saw Naismith presented with the chance to shoot.The Rangers player smashed a powerful low 30-yard drive towards goal and a deflection helped the ball carry past Maanoja.Scotland grew in stature following the breakthrough, which was just the fourth goal their opponents had conceded in six qualifying games.McCormack gathered the ball on the edge of the Finland 18-yard box and lashed a shot wide.But from a similar range, Hamalainen showed Scotland how to finish in style. The midfielder received a pass from Pyry Karkkainen, shifted the ball on to his stronger right foot, and clipped a sumptuous shot past Jamie MacDonald.It was an impressive goal from Hamalainen, although Scotland Under-21 manager Billy Stark must have been disappointed about the amount of space afforded to the Finn by central defenders Garry Kenneth and Mark Reynolds.Kenneth suffered an injury just before half-time when he landed awkwardly, but the Dundee United defender recovered and began the second period in assured fashion.In the 51st minute, Ilari Aijala must have thought he was going to race onto the ball inside the Scotland penalty area, only for Kenneth to use his tall frame to produce a crucial interception.Finland's most threatening player continued to be Hamalainen and the TPS man once again reminded Scotland of his shooting prowess when he fired a drive past MacDonald's near post.Hamalainen then connected with a cross from Aijala and launched a volley straight at MacDonald, who demonstrated good handling skills.Finland remained on top, with Berat Sadik the next to try his luck, sweeping a right-footed shot over the crossbar from an acute angle.In the 78th minute, Naismith squandered a fantastic opportunity when he headed wide from close range having been found by McCormack's cross.But Naismith was to have his blushes saved by McDonald, who netted the winning goal courtesy of an outstanding strike.McCormack was again the architect, sweeping a superb left-to-right cross-field pass from a free-kick right into the path of Kev McDonald. The Dundee midfielder showed good control before powering a precision right-footed effort high into the roof of the net.A late blunder from goalkeeper MacDonald almost gifted an equaliser to Finland, but Jalasto was unable to reach the ball as Scotland survived an injury-time scare.

Dunfermline Ath 0 Dundee 1, East End Park, 22/March/08

THE quintessential game of two halves, the first on the bland side of nondescript, the second more entertaining and Dundee marginally deserved all three points with an ugly win to keep pace with league leaders Hamilton Accies. Early on, the lack of quality on show was plain for everyone including a large travelling contingent from Tayside. Entertainment it most certainly was not until first-half stoppage time when Mark Burchill's 20-yard drive forced Craig Samson into an excellent save. Dundee emerged from the interval with a sense of purpose and it paid dividends when Freddie Daquin, languidly disinterested in the first half, collected a loose ball on the edge of the six-yard box and hit his shot under Paul Gallacher and in off the far post. That stung the Pars into life and they almost equalised straight away – a deft cross by Stephen Glass headed on to the post by Stevie Crawford. Suddenly goalmouth action was back in vogue and Gallacher did well to prevent Colin McMenamin doubling Dundee's lead, tipping over the striker's 12-yard shot. McMenamin then missed the target with a close-range header from a Derek Lyle cross then with 12 minutes remaining Gallacher kept the Pars in the game with a brace of point-blank saves, first from substitute Bob Davidson and then from Kevin McDonald. A massive result for Dundee..next up is CLYDE at Dens next Saturday

Hamilton Accies 1 Dundee 0, New Douglas Park, 15/March/08

HAMILTON struck a major blow in the First Division title race with this narrow but vital 1-0 victory. James McArthur's first-half strike sealed the win to move Accies six points clear of Dundee, who still have a game in hand, though they do still have to visit Dens Park on the last day of the season. This game certainly didn't lack competitive edge, nine bookings and one red card were proof of that, and there was no shortage of action for the 5,078 in attendance. Both sets of players defended doggedly and it was going to need a bit of luck for either side to score. The home side managed it in 18 minutes and it came courtesy of midfielder McArthur. Tony Stevenson is turning into a set piece expert for Accies and it was he who whipped in the ball for yet another assist. David Graham was unlucky to see his flick-on saved by Craig Samson but McArthur was on hand to divert the ball home. Dundee were very active in their attempts to find an equaliser and Colin McMenamin missed the target twice. So, 1-0 to the league leaders at half-time and Dundee now had to find a goal though you have to go back ten years for the last time the Dens Park men won away against Accies in the league. Their plight was not helped by indiscipline, and Frenchman Mickael Antoine-Curier was given his marching orders in 53 minutes for an apparent gesture made to one of the officials.However, Accies failed to capitalise on their extra man advantage and instead defended their lead tremendously to remain top of the table. I missed the game due to work, just hope now that we bounce back, and next game is Dunfermline away..MON THE DEE

Dundee 2 Livingston 0, Dens Park, 11/March/08

Mickael Antoine-Curier struck twice in the second half at Dens Park to dump Livingston and set up a top of the table clash between Dundee and Hamilton at New Douglas Park this weekend. The Frenchman, on loan from Hibs, made it eight goals in just five appearances since January for the Dark Blues. The home side had the better of the early stages and in seven minutes David O'Brien saw a deflected effort fly just wide of Colin Stewart's goal, but that was about it for a disappointing first half. The opening four minutes of the second half saw more action than the entire first period.First O'Brien saw a six-yard shot well saved by Stewart, but there was nothing the keeper could do in the 48th minute when the home side took the lead. What looked a poor Craig Samson clearance reached Colin McMenamin who released Antoine-Curier and the Frenchman unleashed a fierce effort high into the back of the net.As Livi tried to hit back just a minute later 20-year-old Murray Davidson dived when challenged by Paul Dixon in the home box. He'd already been booked for a tackle on O'Brien and his second yellow card saw red shown as well.Furious at seeing his side reduced to ten men, Almondvale boss Mark Proctor spoke out of turn to the assistant referee and was sent packing as well.In 61 minutes the points were secure as Dave Mackay was booked for a foul on O'Brien 22-yards out and Antoine-Curier got his second with a low drive from the free-kick. Massive game now on Saturday..will go a long way on who wins the League..

Queen of the South 2 Dundee 0, Palmerston Park, Scottish Cup 1/4 Final,08/03/08

PALMERSTON shook, the Doonhamers' hordes rattled, and Queen of the South rolled into the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup for the first time in 58 years. Back in 1950, Queens faced Rangers, this time it will be Aberdeen or Celtic. When the draw came through, the almighty roar from the home dressing room said it all. The outstanding Stephen Dobbie had brought Queens the lead with a well-taken goal. The decisive goal at the end was incredible.Desperate Dundee had thrown everyone forward for a free-kick, including goalkeeper Craig Samson. When the ball came out, Queens right-back Ryan McCann collected it near the touchline, well within his half. He looked up. Samson started racing back. McCann knew what he was doing and he launched the ball into the air. It flew 70 yards and landed and bounced into the empty net. The home fans behind the goals went nuts. Queen of the South became the first side to reach the last four of this season's competition.Dundee were so short of fit personnel yesterday that player-manager Alex Rae named himself on the bench. Colin McMenamin and Mickael Antoine Curier were both cup-tied, Gary MacKenzie and Kevin McDonald were suspended, striker Derek Lyle was both cup-tied and injured. All in all, six who featured in last weekend's league victory over St Johnstone could not be called on. So it was inevitable that Patrick Noubissie, the young Frenchman on loan from Hibs, should make his Dundee debut. So shorn of players were Dundee that Rae had billed Queen of the South as favourites to reach the semi-finals. Of course it suited Rae to say such a thing too. And those favourites won.The first goal was the turning point. It was poor defending to say the least.Queens had knocked Dundee out of this competition last season, following a penalty shoot-out at Palmerston. In addition to that, they had beaten Dundee twice within the past three months in the First Division. Dundee are involved in their promotion push but Queens have been climbing up the table lately and had gone nine games unbeaten.There was a cracking atmosphere about Palmerston before kick-off. The old ground lends itself easily to such occasions and the Queens fans were in full rattle mode too with their old-fashioned racket-makers.Dougie Doonhamer whirled his rattle as the teams ran out; Queens' dog-eared border collie had a bigger occasion than Crufts this weekend.This was Dundee's third appearance in the last eight in the past six years but Queens applied the early pressure against the retreating visitors. The hosts forced a second minute corner and their fans roared. At the other end, a Noubissie cross found Freddie Daquin whose hanging header dipped over the home crossbar. Then Dundee's Eddie Malone tested the home keeper, Jamie MacDonald, who saved the effort.In the best piece of play so far, Queens striker Dobbie turned Dundee defender Paul Dixon one way and then the other before catching sight of goal and unleashing a low drive to the far corner. It whizzed not far wide of the target.The rain fell heavily. Then stopped. Extreme weather and no breakthrough in this cup tie as it edged towards half-time. Just before the interval Dixon shot over the bar from distance. And shortly after the break, the visitors' Bob Davidson had a go from some way out but that was stopped by MacDonald whose next act was to set up the home side's opening goal, a route one affair with a clever finish.MacDonald pumped a high kick deep into Dundee territory and Dobbie latched on to it, outpacing the Dundee rearguard. Samson tried to narrow the angle and put him off. But the Queens striker kept his calm and expertly angled the ball into the corner of the net. Dobbie then split Dundee with a cross-field pass to Steve Tosh, who forced a save from a busy Samson.Tosh had another later blast and a Davidson header was saved by MacDonald. Queens substitute John Stewart was clean through but could only drive into the arms of Samson. Dundee remained in the game as the home fans clamoured for an end to this contest. Queens had one foot in the next round until McCann ensured that both feet were planted there.

Build up to Dunfries...

Dundee’s First Division promotion bid was handed a boost today when it emerged in-form striker Colin McMenamin will not miss the big clashes with Hamilton and Dunfermline through suspension. The Dark Blues feared his booking for leaving the pitch to celebrate his winner against St Johnstone had pushed him over the penalty points limit and earned a two-game ban, starting with the visit to the division leaders on Saturday week. Word from the SFL, however, has confirmed the man who’s hit five goals since joining up at Dens in January remains a point short of a ban. That means that, even if he picked up a booking against former club Livingston next midweek, the resulting ban would not kick in for another fortnight. Mean while winger Gavin Swankie remains 50-50 of being involved in the cup tie, he is suffering a calf knock. All Dundee tickets are now sold out..some remain on the forum with some fans unable to go.. Taking over in attack won’t be Derek Lyle. He has been ruled out of this tie and Tuesday’s game after falling through a glass table at home. That’s left him with 16 stitches in a gashed stomach, though he could be back running by the middle of next week.

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

Dundee look set to be without Scott Robertson for the remainder of the season.The midfielder had to be stretchered off during Saturday’s 3-2 win over St Johnstone amid worries he had torn a hamstring. And those fears were confirmed today when a scan revealed the 22-year-old had, indeed, suffered a tear. Barring a quicker-than-expected recovery, Robertson’s season is over and, with the club chasing promotion and still in the Scottish Cup, it’s undoubtedly a major blow for the Dark Blues.
Dundee have signed Patrick Noubissie from Hibernian on an emergency loan ahead of the Scottish Cup quarter final at Dumfries on Saturday and the midfielder is eligible to play in the tie. Patrick played against Dundee as a trialist for Livingston on the opening day of the season before signing for Hibs, he was loaned back to Livingston and made a further eight appearances for the West Lothian club, he’s also made four first team appearances for Hibs this season.

Dundee 3 St.Johnstone 2, Dens Park, 01/March/08

Dundee grabbed all three points courtesy of a Colin McMenamin winner deep into injury time to close the gap on Hamilton. Dundee were almost a goal to the good straight from the kick-off, Mickael Antoine-Curier's cross fumbled by Main with Scott Robertson just failing to score. He missed an even better opportunity four minutes later, blazing Freddy Daquin's pull back over the bar.Antoine-Curier thought he had given the home side the lead 10 minutes before the interval but a late off-side flag cut short the celebrations. It simply delayed them as the Frenchman shot on the turn in the 41st minute for a deflected but deserved goal. Midway through the second half ex-Chelsea star Jody Morris was given a less than cordial welcome to Scottish football but stunned the home fans with a bullet header from 12 yards out from an excellent Goran Stanic cross. In quick succession, ex-Gretna striker Colin McMenamin restored Dundee's lead, then Andrew Jackson curled the ball past Samson to level again. An afternoon of high drama was not over before McMenamin's header deep in stoppage time gave Dundee their three most vital points of the season so far. Delighted Dundee coach Alex Rae said: "It was a crucial victory and I was pleased the way we kept going right to the very end." His opposite number Derek McInnes was dejected, saying: "I thought at one stage we were going to win it but good sides like Dundee never give up. It's a hard one to take." What a Tayside derby..plenty action, goals and a brilliant last second winner for The Dee...Hamilton drew 2-2 at Queen of the South..