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.