Dundee 2 Queen of the South 1, Dens Park, SPFL Championship, 12th October-2013
Dundee left it late but two late goals earn them three very vital points at Dens Park on Saturday. The only change in the team was young Craig Wighton starting in place of Craig Beattie who had picked up a knock last week he was on the bench.
Queens started better in the conditions which were pretty differcult due to the heavy rain which had fallen just before the game. But a good shot from Gavin Rae and a bit later from Ryan Conroy brought out fine saves from the Doonhammer's keeper. Then Peter MacDonald was unlucky with a great dipping shot which the keeper tipped over the bar. Queens nearly scored in a break away but lucky for the dark blues defender Gary Irvine cleared on the line when it looked a certain goal.
At the start of the second half Dundee upped the pace but did not create much on chances, then they seemed to lose the midfield battle for a wee while. Craig Beattie came on for Craig Wighton the 16 year old had done well his link up play is excellent.
The breakthrough came in 76 minutes when the Queens keeper made a mistake as he spilled Beattie's shot and from a tight angle Peter MacDonald scored with a delightful chip finish. But two minutes later it was all square again when Lyle shot home from 10 yards.
Dundee pushed for a winner Martin Boyle who had come on for Nicky Riley went a great run to give the Dundee fans hope of a late winner. And it came with minutes remaining. A Gary Irvine long throw was headed on by Peter MacDonald and it fell nice for striker Craig Beattie who smashed the ball home to sent Dens wild with joy. They held on for three vital points.
A big well done to the grounds men who worked so hard to get the game on it could have been easily called off.
Dundee: Letheren, Irvine Lockwood, Gallagher, Davidson, Riley (Boyle(85), McAlister, Rae, Conroy, MacDonald (Doris (88), Wighton (Beattie(65). Subs Not Used: Twardzik, Kerr, Thomson, Thomson.
Att: 4,387
Ref: S.McLean
My MOM: Iain Davidson.
Dumbarton 1 Dundee 4, Bet Butler Stadium, SPFL Championship, 12-October-13
Dundee produced their best result goal wise at Dumbarton on Saturday, after a goalless first half. Peter MacDonald scored with a free kick after 48 minutes, then Ryan Conroy scored a cracker from 20 yards to double Dundee's lead. The third came when good work from McAlister who was fouled in the box, MacDonald made no mistake from the spot. Dumbarton pulled one back when Fleming scored a fine solo goal. With a couple of minutes from the end Gavin Rae got the fourth goal with a side foot finish after being set up by Wighton
It was a very nice day out last Saturday a quick train journey through to Cowdenbeath arriving at 12:55. A few pints in Wee Jimmies with Neil and Jim. As usual a few fellow DFC fans came and it was good to see them.
This time getting into Central Park we were send round the long way and we were seated in the old stand where you get a good view. Dundee came out in dark blue with the only change was Lockwood replacing Dyer. I noticed that young Craig Wighton was on the bench.
Dundee started well and pushed the blue brazil back a bit with Nicky Riley coming close with a shot across the goal which just went wide. Cowden did have a half chance but Letheren was not trouble by the shot. Peter MacDonald should have scored but his first touch was not good enough and the chance was gone. McAlister shot just wide as Dundee pushed to get the opening goal. Then with 35 minutes gone a high through pass was controlled by Craig Beattie and striker sent a wonderful lob from 35 yards over the keeper and into the net. The big striker took the very well deserved applause from the Dundee fans.
Into the second half and it was all Dundee who pushed the blue brazil back and they struggled to get close to the Dundee goal. The Cowdenbeath keeper has two or three outstanding saves from Gallagher and MacDonald. Jim McAlister had a good goal ruled offside it looked okay to me. But with 10 minutes to go John Brown sent on Wighton for Beattie who is not 100% fit yet but is getting closer every week. a couple of minutes later and it was 2-0 and game in the bag. A clever ball from Lockwood send MacDonald clear and his clever cross was finished by Ryan Conroy from ten yards out.
No more goals but a very solid performance and a clean sheet as well which is a big bonus. A few teams will trip up at Central Park this season.
Dundee: Letheren, Irvine, Lockwood, Gallagher, Davidson, Riley(McBride (84), McAlister, Rae, Conroy, Beattie(Wighton(80), MacDonald(Doris(88). Subs Not Used: Twardzik, Benedictus, Reid and Boyle.
Att: 1,013
Ref: Greg Aitken.
Dens Park, Saturday 28th September-2013
Dundee beat Morton 3-1 on Saturday in a game which we needed to win to keep our challenge for the league on track. Morton who had beaten Celtic in the league cup would be no push overs. Morton took the lead after 22 minutes when Pecier headed home. By reports it was against the run of play with Dundee creating lots of chances.
Second half was only two minutes old when MacDonald scored to level things after good play from Nicky Riley, a few minutes later more good wing play from Nicky and MacDonald got his second goal with a fine finish. Then after 71 minutes Craig Beattie scored his first goal for the club with a fine strike to seal the three points for the dark blues.
What a difference a week makes and with the scores going Dundee's way for a change it was a good day all round. I'm looking forward to going to Cowdenbeath this Saturday.
