Sunday, September 05, 2010

Dundee 2 Falkirk 0, Dens Park, First Division, 28/August/10


Dundee beat Falkirk 2-0 at Dens this afternoon, in what was as good as I seen them play for ages. For the full 90 minutes they played well, even though the second half was tough with the loss of Rab Douglas. As expected David Witteveen made his debut, and straight away you could see he was up for it, his link up play was a joy to watch. It gave Griffiths and Harkins the room needed to play. Dundee really attacked in the first half and misses a few chances, but close to half-time the vital break through came when Harkins put a decent ball into the box towards Stephen O'Donnell who done really well to follow up and finish off with a shot across the keeper. Who earlier had denied him with a good save from a clever lob. The second was good as well just on the stroke of half time this time Nicky Riley with a clever header which looped over the keeper to send the Dundee fans wild, after Griffiths had found him with a chipped cross.

Into the second half and Dundee came out in much the same manner, playing some good stuff. Falkirk were trying to get back into the game and forced Rab Douglas into a couple of saves. The game changed on 54 mins when Falkirk sub Finnigan raced clear, Douglas came out and fouled him outside the box. The result big Rab was sent off, manager Gordan Chisholm sent keeper Fox for Griffiths, then later Harkins for McMenamin. Falkirk started to push forward and the defence and hard working midfield had to really work hard. But they stem the flow and could have added a third when a great shot from O'Donnell hit the underside of the bar. Dundee did hold out to claim a very good 3 points. Everyone played well today, with Stephen O'Donnell having his best game for the club. Was very impressed with Witteveen, his link up play was great, and it helped Leigh Griffiths. Now we have set the standard now, long may this continue.

Dundee: Douglas, Paton, McKeown, Weston, Lochwood, Riley, Adams, O'Donnell, Harkins (McMenamin 55), Witteveen (Higgins 74), Griffiths (Fox 55) Subs not used: Irvine, Kerr.

Att: 4,345

Ref: W Collum.