A big crowd is inside Dens for the opening game against Morton, the game got underway and Dundee nearly got off to the perfect start when striker Colin McMenamin turning swiftly to fire in a snap-shot which keeper Bryn Halliwell did well to smother.It was never going to be easy and they face
d the kind of obdurate opposition some would rather avoid at this stage.Peter Weatherson's flashing header as the first half simmered along proved that, with deputy Dark Blues keeper Tony Bullock relieved to see it flashing wide from Stevie Masterton's whipped corner.Then Jim Lauchlan was yellow-carded for rather crudely pulling back Weatherson before defensive partner Gary MacKenzie joined him in the referee's book for tripping Jim McAllister.McMenamin had another opportunity within minutes of the restart. Richie Hart's cross was near-perfect but despite his best efforts he couldn't connect at the far post.Sean Higgins, another close-season recruit, was denied by the outstretched hand of Halliwell in 55 minutes when you sensed a breakthrough wasn't far away.That arose in 56 minutes. Harkins' precise pass found Paul McHale whose centre picked out Higgins for him to cutely tuck the ball into the far corner of the net.The sense of relief simply spread. Scott's sides have never been known to go for the jugular although they did have openings in which they could have extended their lead, notably substitute Griffith's header from Harkins' angled cross going just a matter of inches wide before the end. Gary Harkins also hit the post after beating 4 men, he looks a great player and the steal of the season on this form.
d the kind of obdurate opposition some would rather avoid at this stage.Peter Weatherson's flashing header as the first half simmered along proved that, with deputy Dark Blues keeper Tony Bullock relieved to see it flashing wide from Stevie Masterton's whipped corner.Then Jim Lauchlan was yellow-carded for rather crudely pulling back Weatherson before defensive partner Gary MacKenzie joined him in the referee's book for tripping Jim McAllister.McMenamin had another opportunity within minutes of the restart. Richie Hart's cross was near-perfect but despite his best efforts he couldn't connect at the far post.Sean Higgins, another close-season recruit, was denied by the outstretched hand of Halliwell in 55 minutes when you sensed a breakthrough wasn't far away.That arose in 56 minutes. Harkins' precise pass found Paul McHale whose centre picked out Higgins for him to cutely tuck the ball into the far corner of the net.The sense of relief simply spread. Scott's sides have never been known to go for the jugular although they did have openings in which they could have extended their lead, notably substitute Griffith's header from Harkins' angled cross going just a matter of inches wide before the end. Gary Harkins also hit the post after beating 4 men, he looks a great player and the steal of the season on this form. Dundee: Bullock, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, Lauchlan, Hart, Cameron (Kerr 75), McMenamin (Griffiths 68), Higgins, Harkins (Forsyth 87). Subs Not Used: A Trialist, Casement.
Att: 5,449
Ref: C Boyle
Att: 5,449
Ref: C Boyle
Good win for Dundee, and sets up the visit to Raith Rovers on Saturday, Gary Harkins was my MOM.
