Later

Have a Happy New Year when it comes to all my fellow Dundee  Supporters and All the Best for 2012

Dundee 0 Morton 1, Dens Park, First Division, 26/December/11

Dundee's home form continued in what was a poor result for the club. With Falkirk playing Ross County it was a chance to gain some ground on them at the top of the league. Team wise Chisholm came into replace O'Donnell and Riley came back into the side. 


Dundee started okay but had no clear cut chances Hyde had a lob from 25 yards saved on the line but it was the visitors who scored on 20 minutes good fast wing play from Campbell and his cross was met by Jackson who just beat Douglas to score from six yards.  Dundee tried to come back but the ball would not fall and conditions were difficult with a swirling wind. 


Second half and just two minutes in Dundee got the chance to level when Irvine was chopped down in the box, but Lockwood had his penalty saved by the Ton keeper it was a good height for Cervi. Dundee kept at it and were unlucky a few time with Hyde coming close. Manager Barry Smith send  Calum Elliot on to boost the strikers with Milne going off. 


But the vital goal would not come with Hyde and Chisholm unlucky with good efforts. Morton have won twice at Dens this season they played well enough today to merit it, but we need to pick up our home form if we have any chance of winning the league.


Dundee; Douglas, Irvine, McGregor, Weston (McKeown 83), Lockwood, Riley, Chisholm (Bayne 86), Rae, Conroy, Hyde, Milne (Elliot 59). Unused Subs; Gibson, McCluskey.


Att; 5,862


Ref; J. Beaton.

Ross County 1 Dundee 1, Victoria Park, First Division, 17/December/11

Dundee came back from Dingwall with a well earned point playing a long time with 10 men after Stephen O'Donnell got sent off in the first half. That was just after Dundee had scored and had taken control of the game. The goal coming after good play from Jamie McCluskey whose cross fell nicely for Savo Milne to score. 


Second half and County came back into it and pushed Dundee back a bit, but they looked dangerous on the break. But with just nine minutes remaining ex-dee Colin McMenamin scored with shot from 10 yards. They pushed for a winner and Rab Douglas had a great save using his leg to block a certain goal. 


Overall a draw seems to be the fair result, pity Dundee had been down to ten men as they would have likely won the game. 


Dundee: Douglas,Irvine, McGregor, Weston, Lockwood, McCluskey (Chisholm 38), Rae, O'Donnell, Conroy, Hyde (Bayne 76), Milne (Elliot 63). Unused subs; Gibson (gk), McKeown

Att: 3,046


Ref: G Salmond

Dundee 2 Queen of the South 1, Dens Park, First Division, 10/December/11

Dundee secured three very vital points against Queen of the South at Dens in what turned into a nail biting finish. Dundee started very brightly and took the lead after Riley set up Irvine to cross which found Milne who's shot was touched past the keeper by Jake Hyde to open the scoring to the delight of the home fans. Dundee continued to play neat one touch football and it was no surprise when Dundee got their second goal. A great deep cross from Conroy found Nicky Riley at the back post to volley home. Nicky was forced off the pitch and decided to celebrate with the fans in Bobby Cox. When he returned he was booked a silly rule It's entertainment after all is it not? 

Second half and Dundee started well and looked to get the third goal to finish the game, but it's was Queen's who scored a good cross found Higgins who glanced a header past the helpless Rab Douglas in the Dundee goal. A poor goal to lose and it will make a game of it now. Not long after and Riley went down after being fouled it look a bit soft but there was contact but the ref seen it differently and sent off Riley for his second yellow card. Now the game could go anyway with both teams down to 10 men. Sub Calum Elliot nearly scored a sensational goal after great footwork got him pass 3 men but he pulled his shot wide.


Dundee had chances after this but so did the Doonhammers and Rab Douglas made a couple of great stops. The game ended 2-1 to the relief of the home support. Dingwall next week and losing Nicky Riley will be a blow. Also I hope Stephen O'Donnell is fit after he failed to come out for the second half.


Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Weston, McGregor, Lockwood, Riley, Rae, O'Donnell(Benedictus 46), Conroy, Hyde (Elliot 73), Milne (McCluskey 82). Subs not used: Gibson, McKeown. 


Att: 5,019 


Ref : C.Richmond.


Photo (C) of  SNS Scotland.

News From Dens Park

Calum Elliot will be at Dens for another month, the striker is getting stronger and will push for a first place soon.

Dundee hope to raise £500,000 more on the back ground of this  Here

Fans can pay just £10 for Saturday's game at Dens v Queen of the South with U16's getting in free. If this proves a success it will be repeated for the Morton game on Boxing Day.

Hamilton A 1 Dundee 6, New Douglas Park, First Division, 03/December/11

Dundee turned in a six star performance at New Douglas Park on Saturday, I missed the game due to work. Now to the goals the first on 20 minutes came when a mistake from the Hamilton keeper who dropped the ball and Savo Milne had a simple tap in. The second on 37 minutes came when a quick long ball found Savo Milne who's first touch was sheer class and the finish even better as he lobbed the keeper from just outside the box. The third came a few minutes later when a quick throw in found Conroy and he laid it off to Stephen O'Donnell who fired in a unstoppable shot which gave Hutton no chance.

Second half now and the Fourth goal came on 47 minutes when good play from Riley and Hyde his cross was simply back-heeled into the net by Savo Milne to complete his hat trick. Dundee got the fifth when good midfield play from Gavin Rae he won the ball and played in Nicky Riley who smashed the ball home to the delight of the Dundee fans. The Sixth goal came when poor defending from the Accies and Gavin Rae smashed the ball high into the net. Hamilton did get one back and it was a cracker too Imrie scoring with a fine finish.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, McGregor, Weston, Lockwood, Riley, O'Donnell, Rae, Conroy, Hyde (Elliot 68), Milne (McCluskey 84). Subs Not Used: Gibson, McKeown, Benedictis.

Att: 1,964

Ref: M.Tumilty

News From Dens Park

Dundee's Scottish Cup tie v Kilmarnock at Dens will be shown live on the BBC. The game kicks off at 12:30 on the 7th of January 2012.

Half time Challenge

  
This photo was on the Fife Dark Blues Website more info at : http://www.fifedarkblues.co.uk/ 

From the left: Paul Scott, Stuart Smith, Billy Todd, Peter Campbell and Callum Campbell.

Photo(C) Fife Dark Blues.

Dundee 4 Falkirk 2. Dens Park, First Division, 26/November/11

Dundee moved to within two points of second-place Falkirk by beating the Bairns at Dens Park. Dundee got off to the perfect start when Gavin Rae headed home a Nicky Riley cross after eight minutes and, three minutes later, Jake Hyde converted a rebound after Steven Milne's header had hit the crossbar. What a start for the Dark Blues. It was end to end stuff with some fine fine attacking football from both sides. An own goal by Rhys Weston reduced Falkirk's deficit in the 35th minute, the defender turning Kallum Higginbotham's cross into his own net. That was the half time score with a exciting second half to look forward to.

The second half started brightly for Dundee and Milne was unlucky to see his shot hit the crossbar, but Dundee got their third goal soon after good link up play set up Nicky Riley to cross and Jake Hyde volleyed home his second on 67 minutes, only for Falkirk's Jay Fulton's drive to bring the visitors back to within a goal again. After this it was pretty tense but the Bairns keeper saved well from Irvine and Rae to keep the Dee out. But with five minutes left again great play from Riley who lobbed the ball high into to the path of Savo Milne who finished well with a fine shot to put the game beyond Falkirk and seal the points.

A great game of football with plenty of goals, that is what the fans want to see. Long may it continue.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, McGregor, Weston, Riley, Rae, O'Donnell, Conroy, Milne, Hyde (Elliot 69). Subs Not Used: Gibson, Chisholm, McKeown, McCluskey.

Ref: S. Conroy

Att: 4,507

Dundee will play Kilmarnock at Dens Park in the 4th round of the William Hill Scottish Cup. The tie will be played on the 8th or 9th of January 2012. The rest of the draw is below:

Scottish Cup fourth-round draw

Airdrie United v Dundee United

Arbroath v Rangers

Cowdenbeath v Hibernian

Culter or Partick Thistle v Queen of the South

Dundee v Kilmarnock

Falkirk v East Fife

Hearts v Auchinleck Talbot

Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Dunfermline Athletic

Livingston v Ayr United or Montrose

Motherwell v Elgin City or Queen's Park

Peterhead v Celtic

Raith Rovers v Morton

Ross County v Stenhousemuir

St Mirren v Hamilton Academical

St Johnstone v Brechin City

Stranraer or Forfar Athletic v Aberdeen

Dundee striker Jake Hyde has been sent to get  a CAT scan after he is still suffering headaches after a clash of heads at Cappielow ten days ago.

Stirling Albion 1 Dundee 2, Doubletree Dunblane Stadium, Scottish Cup 3rd Rd, 19-November-12

Dundee came back from a goal down to beat Stirling Albion 2-1 to go through to the 4th Round draw. Darren Smith scored after 26 minutes to put the hosts 1 nil up heading past Rab Douglas. The lead lasted until the 31st minute when Ryan Conroy scored with a 25 yard free kick, that 3 goals in his last 3 games.

 It ended 1-1 at halftime but with Dundee just having the edge scored on the hour when Steven Milne scored with a well placed shot after a miss pass from a Albion defender. It was good to see Calum Elliot get on for a spell in the second half.

I missed the game due to work, but happy with the result and look forward to the next round on which I'm off for.

 Dundee: Douglas Irvine, Lockwood, O'Donnell, McGregor, Weston, Riley, McIntosh( Elliot), Milne ( Chisholm 89), Conroy (McCluskey 83) Subs (not used): Benedictus, Gibson(GK).

Ref: G Salmond

Att: 1,473.

Chairman Stuart Murphy Steps Down...

Dundee chairman Stuart Murphy has decided to step down as chairman. He has done a lot of good work to keep the club going in difficult times. A statement was issued which read: ''The past 18 months or so have probably been the most intense of any stage throughout the 118-year history of Dundee Football Club.
''As the club fought courageously back from the brink of extinction, I have been resolute throughout in my determination to support that recovery process and help consolidate the financial health of the club.
''I am extremely proud of the part I played in that recovery, and equally proud to have served the supporters society both as a director, Dundee as a director, and latterly as chairman of the football club itself.
''Without stating the obvious, this was a very demanding and all consuming period for me which thankfully ended on a positive note as the club survived its second period of administration against all odds.
''I believe that the time is now right for me to invest these same levels of energy and commitment to all of the other aspects of my life, and in particular to my immediate family who have been incredibly supportive of my football commitments, but who now, for various reasons, deserve and are entitled to, equal levels of attention.
''As a consequence I informed the board of directors earlier this week of my intention to stand down from the football club board. I can do so with the comfort that there is now a sound platform on which the club can move forward confidently.
''The massive responsibility that exists in ensuring that the club continues its recuperation will rest upon the shoulders of Dundee fans from all walks of life, ordinary supporters and business people alike.
''For me, pulling together for the future will be crucial. For many, it will regularly necessitate making compromises and identifying innovative ways of working together in order to achieve success in an industry currently faced with ever demanding challenges.
''What I am confident of though, is that by adopting the right approach Dundee can not only survive, but prosper and actually become a trail blazer for the rest of Scottish football to follow as it faces these challenges head on.
''Togetherness will be key to achieving this, with no individual or group being more important than the sum of all the parts.''
He added: ''There are many positives to draw from as the club moves forward. Dundee has an ambitious and talented young manager, a squad that in my opinion is still more than capable of gaining promotion to the SPL, and a fervent and loyal fan-base the envy of most Scottish clubs.
''These amazing fans should be very proud of their achievements, especially in recent times when the very existence of the club was threatened.
''Even through those dark days I can honestly say it was, and will continue to be in the future for me, a source of pride and pleasure to be part of the Dundee FC family.
''On a final note I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me as I discharged my duties on behalf of the club.
''I wish the supporters society, Dundee FC, and Dundee fans everywhere every success for the future.''

Morton 1 Dundee 2, Cappielow, First Division, 12/Novemberl/11

Dundee came back from a early goal down to record a fine three points at Cappielow. From reports Morton scored after 5 minutes due to slack defending Jackson heading home. Dundee scored before half time after good play from Conroy found Gavin Rae with a perfect pass and Gav scored his first goal since coming back.

Second half and it was all Morton until Dundee send on Jake Hyde for McIntosh soon after Hyde crossed to the back post was volleyed home by Ryan Conroy to put Dundee ahead.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, McGregor, Weston, Riley, Rae, O'Donnell, Conroy, McIntosh, Milne. Subs: Gibson, McKeown, Hyde, Chisholm, McCluskey.

Latest News From Dens Park

Dundee have ruled out strikers Graham Bayne and Calum Elliot for the trip to Cappielow, also  have doubts on Rhys Weston but have Craig McKeown as cover. 

Good news striker Calum Elliot will return to Dens on Thursday and looks to be fit for the tricky trip to Cappielow. He had his knee checked on Monday and the results were better than expected.


Chief Executive Harry MacLean has resigned and will leave Dens Park in a month's time. Thanks Harry for the all the hard work you have done for Dundee FC in the troubled times of last season.

Dundee 1 Raith Rovers 0, Dens Park, First Divison, 05/November/11

Dundee got a much needed win at Dens Park on Saturday winning 1-0 against Raith Rovers. Calum Elliot started but sadly he had to go off injured after only 32 seconds after a robust tackle from a Rovers defender Dyer. Jake Hyde came on to replace Calum.

In a very even first half both team attacked and Dundee forced a few corners but their final ball into the box was just not good enough. The pleasing bit was that they played a passing game and sooner or later it would pay off.

Second half and Dundee upped the pressure on the Rovers defence, first a good pass from Irvine send Hyde clear  he went round the keeper but put his shot high and wide. Then Nicky Riley who was having a good game and he should have done better when he intercepted a poor clearance from the rovers defence he pulled his shot wide when McIntosh was in a good position. Rovers did have one great chance but Rab Douglas blocked his shot and Lockwood cleared.

Jamie McCluskey came on for Jake Hyde and good play from him set up the winning goal he fed Riley who's cross fell to Ryan Conroy who's header was blocked but he was quick enough to score from the rebound with the keeper looking a bit suspect. To the delight of Dens Park a win now looked possible. Dundee created more chances and Riley and O'Donnell were unlucky with shots which just missed the target.

Dundee held out to record a very vital win and three points. They have played better but who cares it send the Dundee fans home happy and moved the club up to seventh place in the tight league.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, Weston (McKeown 22), McGregor, Riley, Rae, O'Donnell, Conroy, Elliot (Hyde 4), Mcintosh, Hyde (McCluskey 72). Subs Not Used: Gibson, Chisholm.

Att: 4,258

Ref: Calum Murray

Photo's (C) Dundee FC

Dundee Sign Striker On Loan

Dundee have signed striker Calum Elliot on a month's loan from Premier League team Hearts. He will go  into the squad for tomorrow's game at Dens v Raith Rovers.

Rab Douglas has been cleared to play after his red card was upheld.

Latest News From Dens

Dundee will appeal Rab Douglas's red card given on Saturday. There might be a chance he will play against Raith Rovers this Saturday.

Dundee will play Stirling Albion away in the second round of the Scottish Cup.

Dundee 0 Partick Th 1, Dens Park, First Division, 29/October/10

Dundee's poor home form continued at Dens Park on Saturday when they lost to a highly disputed penalty half way through the first half. It certainly looked a big mistake from the referee and spoiled the game when Rab Douglas was wrongly sent off.

The game got of to a fine end to end affair with the Jags looking dangerous on the break, a fine day for football then came the penalty incident a fine move put striker Erskin through he was trying to round keeper Douglas and went down as suggesting Rab had fouled him. It worked and the visitors were awarded a penalty and Rab was sent off. It looked very soft indeed with very little or none contact on the player. First Dundee sent on keeper John Gibson and take off Leighton McIntosh. Cairney scored with ease with a well taken spot kick. Soon after Gibson made a good save turning a Elliot shot round the post. Dundee push forward and came close to scoring a Irvine shot was blocked then O'Donnell 's effort was also blocked as Dundee forced a few corners. Then after good play set up Gavin Rae but the Thistle keeper pulled off a great save from a tight angle.

Second half now and Dundee kept playing football passing the ball well and creating chances, on which they kept missing the target. The best was when Riley 's shot was parried and Matt Lockwood fired wildly over the bar. Partick had a couple of chances one which produced a fine diving save from stand in keeper John Gibson.

But that was it time ran out, l think the team are playing well enough and just need a wee break, hopefully it will start on Saturday when Raith Rovers comes to Dens Park. Also the ref missed a blatant elbow on Neil McGregor something has to be done as the standant has dropped a lot. I used to moan at Willie Young ect it does make you think that he was not that bad.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood (McKeown 77), McGregor, Weston, Riley, O'Donnell, Rae, Conroy (McCluskey 89), Mcintosh (Gibson 26), Milne. Subs Not Used: Chisholm, Benedictis.

Att: 4,263

Ref: Steven McLean

Ayr United 1 Dundee 3, Somerset Park, Division One, 22-October-11

Dundee got back on track at Somerset Park on Saturday with a fine 3-1 win. Goals from Rhys Weston, Leighton McIntosh and Savo Milne sealed the points. Matt Lockwood missed a first half penalty, but by reports Dundee were well in control of the game.

Next up is Partick Thistle at Dens on saturday lets hope the team can carry on and win their next two games. It will kick start our season again as our away record is good so far.

I missed the game due to work but was happy when the goals went in.

Gavin Rae and Other Subs warm up

Dundee 1 Ross County 2, Dens Park, Division One, 15-October-11

Dundee again failed to win at home in fact that's three defeats at home this season. The team do need the support of the fans to kick start their season. The final product is missing just now and goals are important if you are going to start winning games. To the game......

Team wise Graham Bayne and Ryan Conroy came into the side for Ross Chisholm, out  injured was Jamie McCluskey, with Gavin Rae having to settle for a place on the bench.
Both teams struggled to create any clear cut chances in the first 10 minutes or so, but Dundee started to put pressure on the County defence. On 24 minutes a great run from Nicky Riley and as he went pass a defenders he was fouled in the box to earn Dundee a penalty. Up stepped Matt Lockwood to sent the County keeper the wrong way to open the scoring for the home side. County came back and hit the bar, back up the other end good play from O'Donnell saw a Milne's effort cleared off the line. The staggies di level soon after good wing play from Quinn set up McMenamin who mishit shot ended up in the net from close range. That was it at half time score.

(Photo)Hope you enjoyed your Birthday Mike, I did not realize we were the same age.

Second half and Dundee struggled badly to find any fluent football with mistakes all over the pitch. midway through the half saw Gavin Rae come on for Kyle Benedictus as Dundee tried to change their style, Gavin did have a few shots at goal but both were pretty well off target. Things got worse soon after as County grabbed the winner when Rocco Quinn fired home from just outside the box to give Rab Douglas no chance.

Dundee pushed forward but apart from a late chance for sub Leighton McIntosh that was it with County happy to take the three points.

Next week we face a bottom of the league clash at Somerset Park..I just hope we can get a moral win to give everyone a real boost.

Dundee: Douglas, Benedictis (Rae 57), McGregor, McKeown, Lockwood, Riley, O'Donnell, Irvine, Conroy, Bayne (Mcintosh 65), Milne. Subs Not Used: Gibson, Chisholm, Weston.

Att: 4,030

Ref: S.Finnie

Dundee Sign Gavin Rae

Dundee have signed  ex midfielder Gavin Rae on a deal until the end of the year. He last played for Cardiff City and will be a great signing for the club. Gavin started his career at Dens and I remember seeing Gav play at Love Street the old home of St Mirren early in his career, and who can forget his last minute winner at Ibrox what a day that was. Welcome back to Dens Gavin.

New book out soon

A new book will come out at the end of October looking back on last season's battle for survival. A must for all dark blue fans. You can pre order at Dundee Direct link Here

It's looking a stunning book and will bring back many great memories.

Blast From The Past

I found this while clearing out some stuff...............Dated October 2001

photos from Dunfries

 

Queen of the South 0 Dundee 0, Palmerstone Park, Division One, 01/October/11

Dundee started with the same line up that faced Hamilton last week, so no starting place for young striker Leighton McIntosh. Fellow striker Graham Bayne was also on the bench.

In what was a slow start by both sides in the goal mouth action was restricted to shots from the edge of the box. Dundee's best effort was a Nicky Riley shot which the keeper turned round the post. Most of what Rab Douglas had to deal with was cross balls and the odd long range effort. That was the tale of the first half with at least the chips and curry sauce went down a treat.

Second half and much the same vein with both sides struggling to break each other down and find that clear cut chance. Manager Barry Smith did make changes with Jamie McCluskey and Ross Chisholm being replaced by Graham Bayne and Ryan Conroy. Later on Leighton Mcintosh came on for Savo Milne. They did force a couple of  corners near the end, one on which Conroy was unlucky with a shot what looked like the keeper saved but the Referee disagreed.

So 0-0 it ended with a point enough to move us from the bottom of the table. We need a free scoring striker and a big central midfielder easy saying.... not so easy getting them in.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, McKeown, McGregor, Lockwood, Benedictis, O'Donnell, Chisholm (Conroy 63), Riley, Milne (Mcintosh 86), McCluskey (Bayne 63). Subs Not Used: Gibson, Weston.

Att: 1,649

Ref: Mike Tumilty

Latest News From Dens

Rumour has it Craig Dargo is training with the club, time will tell if it is true or not.

Sadly it looks like Neil McCann's career could be over after suffering a injury while training with Partick Thistle.

Young striker Leighton McIntosh will return to the squad this week after being away with Scotland. He scored against Wales last Friday with a well taken headed goal.

Photos from Hamilton game..

Dundee 0 Hamilton Accies 1, Dens Park, Division One, 24-September-11

Dundee lost their second home league game of the season to Hamilton Accies who scored the only goal midway through the second half. Dundee had Stephen O'Donnell back after suspension with Jamie McCluskey and Nicky Riley playing out wide on the flanks. Also trialist midfielder Steve Masterton was on the bench.

Dundee started brightly with Hamilton happy to hit on the break, most of our chances fell to Savo Milne but he only trouble the Hamilton keeper once when he pushed the strikers shot round the post.

Second half and Manager Barry Smith made changes with Milne going out wide with Nicky Riley going down the middle. early on and after a good run from Riley he set up O'Donnell who hit the post with a fine shot a bit of luck and it would have went in. Then Benedictus headed over when in a good position, as Dundee pushed for the opening goal. Dundee also had chances when McCluskey and Riley both failed to hit the target when a goal looked likely.

Against the run of play Hamilton grabbed the lead when a poor corner landed at the edge of the box the ball was put back in and the defence was sleeping to allow McLaughlin to head home. Dundee did try to step it up and put on trialist Masterton along with Weston and Conroy, but Hamilton kept it tight to run down the clock. 

Dundee will play much worse and win games, we badly need our strikers to be fit and for someone to take our chances we are creating.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, O'Donnell, McKeown, McGregor (Weston 81), Riley, Benedictis (Masterton 78), Milne, Chisholm (Conroy 84), McCluskey. Subs Not Used: Gibson, Webster.

Att: 4,186

Ref: B.Madden

Photos From Falkirk

 

Falkirk 2 Dundee 1, New Falkirk Stadium, Division One, 17-September-11

Dundee had Stephen O'Donnell out suspended from last week's game at Raith Rovers. With Kyle Benedictus and Neil McGregor keeping their places.

Dundee started slowly with Falkirk being the better side but they did not trouble Rab Douglas much. As the first half went on Dundee took control of the midfield. But with a minute to go Dundee took the lead a fine ball put Nicky Riley clear and his shot was pushed out by the bairns keeper to fall kindly to Savo Milne to sweep the ball home from 12 yards.

Second half and on Dundee's first attack it should have been 2-0 when Graham Bayne some how hit the woodwork from close in. Now Dundee were playing some fine passing football and they pushed Falkirk back. A neat move put Nicky Riley through but the keeper made a fine save. Then a Neil McGregor header was cleared off the line.

 

Then out of nothing a long hopeful ball fell to Weatherstone who shot past Douglas via a post, worse was to follow and the bairns grapped what proved to be the winner El Allagui scored with a header, in the build up it did look like Rab Douglas was fouled. Dundee did have a late chance but the Falkirk keeper saved well from McGregor's shot.

A good game but 3 points dropped as Dundee had enough chances to finish the hosts off long before the end.

Dundee: Douglas, Benedictis, McKeown, McGregor (Weston 85), Lockwood, Riley, Irvine, Chisholm (McCluskey 88), Conroy, Bayne, Milne. Subs Not Used: Gibson, Hyde, McIntosh.

Att: 3,576

Ref: S McLean

Raith Rovers 0 Dundee 1 , Starks Park, Division One, 10/September/11

Team news Rhys Weston misses out due to a hamstring injury, Neil McGregor comes along withKyle Benedictus with Gary Irvine moving into midfield. Stephen O'Donnell is captain today.

 

Dundee started well and created a few chances and could have had a penalty when Milne looked to be fouled. Stephen O'Donnell picked up a yellow card for a wild kind of tackle. But worse was to follow when he got sent off for leading with his elbow, it did look a bit harsh as the Raith defender got up as soon as the yellow card came out of the ref's pocket. Manager Barry Smith took Conroy off  with Ross Chisholm coming on. Savo Milne was pushed wide on the left.

This did help the home team and they pushed Dundee back and Rab Douglas had to cracking saves to deny the fife men. It ended 0-0 at half time so it will give Dundee time to sort things out.

Second half and Matt Lockwood did not appear replaced by Jamie McCluskey, with Irvine moving back to full back. The defence looked solid and Neil McGregor had a fine game making some great blocks. Rovers kind of ran out of ideas with just long hopeful punts into the box. Dundee didn't create much either and Riley did get clear to set up Bayne but the striker was too slow to react.

But with 4 minutes to go good wing play from Riley who won a corner taken by McCluskey the ball fell on the edge of the box for Nicky Riley who beat his man to score with a powerful drive to leave the Rovers keeper helpless to spark wild celebrating on the pitch and in the away stand. Dundee held on with ease to collect the three very vital points.
Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, O'Donnell, McKeown, McGregor, Riley, Benedictus, Bayne, Milne, Conroy. Subs: Chisholm, McCluskey, Hyde, McIntosh, Gibson.

Att: 2, 459

Ref: C. Allan

Latest News From Dens

Dundee beat Brechin City 2-1 at Glebe Park in a friendly last Thursday, it gave fringe players a much needed game. Goals from Neil McGregor and Craig McKeown sealed the win.

Dundee 1 Morton 1, Dens Park, Division One, 27/August/11

Dundee lost their long unbeaten record to Morton who won 1-0 at sunny Dens Park. Manager Barry Smith kept faith with the same team which started at Pittodrie on Tuesday night.

Dundee started well and forced three corners which came to nothing. Then Morton scored with their first attack Andy Jackson turned Weston inside out and his shot was saved well by Douglas but MacDonald was first to react to score from close range. A very poor goal to lose with the defence looking a bit slow at times. Dundee had a lot of the ball but it was the Greenock side who looked more dangerous on the break. Ryan Conroy should have scored but his touch let him down and the keeper managed to save at his feet.

Second half and Dundee pushed forward in search of the equaliser but they lacked the penetration to get the ball into the Morton box quickly. McKeown forced a good save from Stewart, but now Morton were happy to sit back and protect their lead. Dundee did have some late chances with Irvine unlucky with a run into the box with the Ton keeper saving the defenders two shot. Hyde and McIntosh were on by this time and Leighton had a great chance late on but his mishit shot came off the keepers leg.

Another poor performance with the whole team struggling a wee bit. I hope the fans keep backing them as they will work hard to get their season going again.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, McKeown, Weston, Lockwood, Riley (McCluskey 73), O'Donnell, Chisholm (Mcintosh 81), Conroy, Bayne (Hyde 61), Milne. Subs Not Used: Gibson, McGregor.

Att: 4,096

Ref: Frank McDermott

Two Game Update...

Aberdeen 1 Dundee 0, Pittordrie, League Cup, 23/August/11

Dundee lost 1-0 at Pittodrie when a Darren Mackie goals on 16 minutes won it for the Dons. By match reports Dundee struggled in the first 30 minutes, but after that they create chances the best falling to Stephen O'Donnell but his side foot effort was saved. Second half they pushed the Dons back but could not find the vital goal.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, McKeown, Weston, Riley, Chisholm, O'Donnell, Bayne (Hyde 70), Milne, Conroy. Unused Subs: Gibson, McGregor, McCluskey, McIntosh.

Ref: McKendrick

Att: 5,722

Livingston 4 Dundee 2, Almondvale, First Division, 20/August/11

Dundee lost 4-2 at newly promoted Livingston they were 2-0 up inside 13 mins thanks to goals from Russell and Deuchar. On 59 minutes Deucher got his second to make it 3-0. Dundee pulled one back when Irvine headed home Riley's cross, then 4 minutes later Livi keeper McNeil fumbled into his own net to make it 3-2. But Jacobs scored in the last minute to seal the points.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, McKeown, Weston (Hyde 85), Lockwood, Riley, Chisholm (Conroy 62), O'Donnell, McCluskey, Bayne, Milne. Subs Not Used: Gibson, McGregor, McIntosh.

Att: 1,966

Ref: Gary Hilland

I missed the last two games due to work and a weekend trip to Ireland for the Etape Hibernia. I hope the team can find goals soon as the new signing's take time to  gel as a team.

Some Photo's From Ayr Game

Photo's taken by Carmie Todd