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Motherwell Photos

Motherwell 1, Dundee 1, Fir Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 23-December-2017

Dundee fielded the same team which defeated Partick Thistle last Saturday, the hosts made three changes to the team which lost at Kilmarnock.

Dundee started well and Moussa had two early chances two headed efforts the first went well over the bar, and the second hit the post and the Motherwell keeper managed to knock the ball out for a corner. The wind was making it hard for both sides with the Motherwell struggling with his goal kicks.

In another good move Moussa crossed for Meekings who headed over but he really should have put Dundee ahead. Motherwell did attack but never really troubled Elliot Parish in the Dundee goal. 

Second half and Dundee took the lead with a superb goal fine build up play from Moussa and El Bakhtaoui and his pass released Paul McGowan who smashed the ball home from 20 yards. Soon after and McGowan was unlucky with a chip shot which hit the top of the bar.

Mainly is was all Dundee but Grimshaw had a decent shot well saved by Parish, Motherwell did level on the hour mark when the ball broke to O'Hara who was about to clear but caught Kipre who had nipped in on the blind side. Craig Tanner scored from the spot.

After this it was all Dundee as they made a couple of changes Allan coming on for El Bakhtaoui , by this time Motherwell were down to ten men due to injuries and using their three subs. Scott Allan hit the post with a glancing header as Dundee pushed for the winner.

In the final minutes Josh Meekings was denied a goal when Carson somehow kept his header out from three yards out.

Happy with Dundee the way they played today was a joy to watch, it was also my Christmas day out meeting up with my Motherwell mates George, Paul and Callum. We had a few beers in the 100 Club which was the old Fir Park Club. The Motherwell fans were superb and made it a great day before and after the game.

Dundee: Parish, Kerr (C), Hendry, Meekings, Aurtenetxe, O'Hara, Kamara, McGowan, Leitch-Smith, El Bakhtaoui (Allan 65), Moussa. Unused Subs: Ferrie, Holt, O'Dea, Haber, Curran, Waddle.

Att: 4,173

Ref: Don Robertson.  

Catch Up....

I knew the run up to Christmas, I would be only be able to go to the Aberdeen  and Motherwell  games. So I will do quick round up of the other games first.

Dundee 3, Partick Thistle 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 16-December-2012

Dundee won this game 3-0 and put in a very good performance going by reports. Sofien Moussa was fouled in the box and he scored from the spot to give Dundee the lead. This was followed by a Mark O'Hara goal to put Dundee in at the break leading 2-0.

Second half and it was mainly only one team in it, and Sofien Moussa scored from the spot again to seal a 3-0 victory which was very vital for the Dark Blues.

Dundee: Parish,Kerr (C), Hendry, Meekings, Aurtenetxe, O'Hara (Curran 88), Kamara, McGowan, El Bakhtaoui (Allan 66), Leitch-Smith, Moussa (Haber 74). Unused Subs: Ferrie, Holt, O'Dea, Henvey.

Att: 5,101

Ref: Greg Aitken 

Hearts 2, Dundee 0, Tynecastle Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 12-December-2012

The Dark Blues lost 2-0 and can have no complaints on the game as they never pushed Hearts far enough to earn even a point. An Goncalves goal put Hearts  in control on the break. Christophe Berra added the second late on to seal the three points. 

Dundee: Parish, Waddell, Hendry (Kerr on at Half-time), Meekings, O'Hara, Kamara, McGowan(C) (Leitch-Smith 74), Aurtenetxe, Deacon (El Bakhtaoui 64) Moussa, Allan. Subs Not Used: Ferrie, Holt, O'Dea, Haber.

Att: 15, 566

Ref: Craig Thomson 

Dundee 0, Aberdeen 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 08-December-17

Dundee were very unlucky not to get a least a draw on Friday night. They matched the dons in all positions only a couple of great stops from the Aberdeen goal keeper denied them.

The same team started as last week at Dingwall and it was the dons who had the first chance when Shinnie put a effort wide of the goal. Dundee had a great chance when Deacon broke free but has effort was well saved by Lewis. soon after the striker was denied by a great save from Lewis tipping Roarie's pile driver over the bar. Dundee finished the first half well on top but could not find a way past the dons keeper.

As happens in Football Aberdeen took the lead a simple ball into the box by Stewart and was then passed out to Logan and his cross was turned in by McKenna who just got his foot to it before Hendry to guide the ball past the despairing dive from Parish. 

It took Dundee a wee while to get going again but Moussa and Aurtenetxe who had two good chances but failed to take them. Cammy Kerr had a shot blocked on the line. But sadly time ran out for the dark blues as the dons held out for the three points.

Dundee: Parish, Kerr,Hendry, Meekings (Waddell 82), O'Hara, Kamara, McGowan(Allan 61), Aurtenetxe, Deacon (Leitch-Smith 79), Moussa, El Bakhtaoui. Unused Subs: Ferrie, Holt, O'Dea, Curran.

Referee: Nick Walsh

Att: 6,451

Ross County 0, Dundee 2, Global Energy Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 02-Dec-17

Dundee won 2-0 at Dingwall thanks to goals from inform Mark O'Hara and a last minute cracker from Faissal El Bahktaoui . I missed the game due to work. Mark O'Hara scored on 12 minutes with a stunning finish from midfield.

Second half and going by reports the Dee should have had this game wrapped up before El Bahktaoui made a great run to get free and his lob beat the County keeper to secure the three points.

Dundee: Parish,Kerr, Meekings, O'Hara, Kamara, McGowan(Waddell 79), Aurtenetxe, Deacon (Allan 70), Moussa (Haber 73), El Bahktaoui. Unused Subs: Ferrie, Holt, Leitch-Smith, Curran.

Referee: Steven McLean

Att: 3,896

Dundee 2, Rangers 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 24-November-17

Dundee made one change to the team that faced Kilmarnock last week, Josh Meekings replacing the suspended Darren O'Dea. Rangers had a early chance but Parish saved Miller's effort. 

Dundee were starting to compete in midfield and the Rangers keeper saved well from a rising Faissal El Bakhtaoui drive from the edge of the box. Then McGowan had a effort saved as Dundee played some neat football. 

Ryan Jack’s superb through pass cut open the Dundee defence, but Elliot Parish made the save of the match to deny Candeias. The Dee keeper earned the luck that came his way shortly afterwards when he was left helpless as Josh Meekings swiped at a Candeias cross, slicing the ball off the face of his own crossbar. That was too close for comfort and as half time drew near Marcus Haber went off injured his replacement was Sofien Moussa. The first half ended 0-0 which Rangers had more of the play but failed to take any of their chances.

Rangers started the second half well but after 20 minutes into the second half Dundee took the lead, Jon Aurtenetxe sent a free kick from wide on the right into the penalty area. Rangers stood watching as the ball broke off a defender to give Mark O’Hara a clear shot from ten yards. He wasted no time in blasting the ball into the corner before setting off on an ecstatic celebration.

But the lead only lasted 4 minutes as a quick move from Rangers and the ball fell nicely for Windass who had time to score from the edge of the box. 

Dundee continued to go at Rangers at every opportunity and maybe the turning point of the game Scott Allen replaced Roarie Deacon and soon after set up Mark O'Hara for his second goal the midfielder took a great first touch to beat the last defender and he finished well with his left foot to give the dark blues a priceless lead with 10 minutes to go.

Dundee held on for the last 10 minutes with Rangers not able to breakdown the Dundee rear guard.

A massive win for the team and let's hope they can build on it with game at Dingwall next Saturday. I miss it due to work but will be at the Aberdeen game the following Friday.

Tonight I'm going to enjoy a few beers to celebrate a fine win for Dundee.

Dundee: Parish,Kerr (c), Hendry, Meekings, Aurtenetxe, O’Hara, Kamara, Deacon (Allan 78), McGowan, El Bakhtaoui, Haber (Moussa 43). Unused Subs: Ferrie, Holt, Leitch-Smith, Etxabeguren, Curran.

Att: 8,548

Ref: Kevin Clancy

News From Dens

Dundee will play Inverness Caley Thistle at Dens in the Fourth Round of the Scottish Cup the tie will be play on the 20th/21st  January 2018.

 Dundee are being linked with a new Goalkeeper this was in the Tully on Tuesday night:

Dundee 0, Kilmarnock 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 18-November-17

Dundee Manager Neil McCann made three changes from the team which faced Hibernian last week, Jon Aurtenetxe made his first start while Darren O’Dea and Mark O’Hara returned to the starting line-up. They replaced Kevin Holt and Josh Meekings, who were on the bench, and Lewis Spence, who was injured.

The game struggled to get going with Kilmarnock willing to sit deep and hit on the break, Dundee took a good 20 minutes to have a shot on goal and it was a Cammy Kerr effort which flew well over the ball. The first half was pretty uneventful and Marcus Haber had a tame header saved by the Killie keeper just before half time.

Second half was not much better both teams struggled to create chances it did get better in the last 10 minutes when at last Dundee had a half chance a good pass from Kamara put Leitch-Smith in but the Killie keeper saved well at the strikers feet. Then Darren O'Dea got sent off for a second yellow card two silly booking for the experienced defender. 

Kilmarnock nearly scored but Parish in the Dundee goal made a fine save to deny Erwin, in the dying seconds Kilmarnock hit the bar, luckily for the dark blues they managed to clear the rebound.

A very poor game but at least a clean sheet and a point to stop the run of defeats.

Dundee: Parish, Kerr, Hendry, O’Dea (c), Aurtenetxe, O’Hara, Kamara, Deacon (Meekings 84), McGowan (Leitch-Smith 66), El Bakhtaoui (Allan 76), Haber . Unused Subs: Ferrie , Holt, Moussa, Wolters.

Ref: Willie Collum

Att: 5,873

More Hibs Photos

Hibernian 2, Dundee 1, Easter Road , Ladbrokes Premiership, 4th November 2017

A trip to Easter Road for me in the first time since 2004 with my Brother Dougie we made it a belated Stag Doo and we were not disappointed on the day out in the Capital. After a few pints in the centre we made our way down to Middletons Bar then The Artisun Bar before the game. 

Then onto the game Neil McCann made five changes to the team Elliot Parish, Cammy Kerr, Kevin Holt, Faissal El Bakhatoui and Roarie Deacon came in and Scott Bain, Kerr Waddle, Jesse Curran, Randy Wolters and A-Jay Leitch dropped out.

Hibs attacked from the kick off and scored when a great run and finish from Martin Boyle not the start we needed in a tough game. But Dundee settled and played some delightful football. It was no surprize when after good play from Roarie Deacon and his cross was headed home by striker Marcus Haber to level the game.

Dundee continued to play well but failed to make any clear cut chances to go in ahead at the break.

Second half and both teams attacked with Hibs looking more dangerous with Murray forcing Elliot Parish into two good saves. Soon after a barging match broke out after McGowan was fouled and soon after it looked like Stokes had punched Hendry after it cooled down both Stokes and Hendry were booked.

On 62 minutes Hibs regained the lead when Stokes found room out wide and Murray scored with a clever finish. Dundee tried to get level again and only a stunning save from Hibs Keeper Marciano to deny El Bakhtaoui. Both teams attack but produced no clear cut chance.

Time ran out for The Dark Blues but they played well today but they need to turn their pressure into goals. The next game against Kilmarnock it the most vital game this season we must halt the run of defeats or we are in big trouble at the bottom of the league.

Dundee: Parish, Kerr (Curran 72), Hendry, Meekings, Holt, Kamara, Spence, Deacon (O'Hara 60), McGowan (Leitch-Smith 79), El Bakhtaoui, Haber. Subs Unused: Ferrie, Moussa, Wolter, Waddell.

Ref: John Beaton

Att: 16,973

All Set For Hibs Away

Dundee 1, Hamilton Accies 3, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 28-October-17

The Dee brought in Kerr Waddell, Randy Wolters and A-Jay Leitch-Smith with Darren O’Dea, Kevin Holt and Sofien Moussa dropping out. For the visit of Hamilton Accies to Dens Park which hopefully result in Dundee get back to winning ways.

The opening 30 minutes was poor stuff with Dundee struggling to find any rhythm in their midfield and Dundee playing with two wing backs with Wolters struggling a wee bit defensively wise. Hamilton were happy keeping it tight and hitting on the break.

Randy Wolters went close with a cross/shot but most of the crosses he got in no Dundee player were able to attack them. Then the Hamilton keeper saved well from a Lewis Spence shot from 20 yards out.

However, it Hamilton who took the lead with a goal out of the blue that was all down to an excellent, early cross by  Imrie. The ball swung away from Scott Bain, bounced and arrived perfectly for Ioannis Skondras racing in from the right to guide his header into the net. It was a poor goal to lose with the defender not picking up the run from Skondra.

Second half and Dundee struggled to create anything is was no surprise when Cammy Kerr replaced Jesse Curran but minutes later Hamilton scored again Templeton found space out wide and fired the ball past Bain to maybe seal the points for the Accies.

Minutes later and Dundee were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty when a run from A Jay Smith-Leitch was handle by the Hamilton defender up stepped Smith-Leitch to fire the ball high into the net make it 1-2.

Then Massimo Donati was send off after kicking the ball away into the stand and as he had been booked already he was send off. 

But another lapse in defending cost the dark blues Docherty got to the byline and his cross found   Rojano who mishit the ball only for it to bobble over the goal line.

In the last 10 minutes Dundee failed to create anything, they were very poor in the main areas needed to win football matches and will have to improve greatly for the visit to high flying Hibernian at Easter Road next Saturday.

Dundee: Bain, Waddell, Hendry, Meekings (Moussa 67), Curran (Kerr 53), Kamara, Spence, Wolters (Aurtenetxe 62), McGowan (c), Leitch-Smith, Haber. Unused Subs: Parish, O’Hara, El Bakhtaoui, Deacon.

Att: 4,863

Ref: Greg Aitken

Dundee 0, Motherwell 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 25-October-17

Manager Neil McCann made  two changes Marcus Haber and Roarie Deacon returned to the starting eleven with Paul McGowan and A-Jay Leitch-Smith moving onto the bench. 

Motherwell started well and pushed Dundee back and they opened the scoring after just 5 minutes a simple ball through the middle and Tanner was clear to beat Bain with a well placed finish.

The steelmen continued to move the ball better than Dundee who struggled in midfield to create anything for the strikers. Scott Bain made a couple of good saves to keep Dundee in it, Darren O'Dea took a knock in the face but after getting booked he had to go off with Kerr Waddell coming on.

Dundee did have the ball in the net when Moussa headed home but the striker was adjudged to push a Motherwell defender and the goal was ruled out by the referee.

Second half and Dundee continued to struggle but it changed a bit when McGowan came on for Deacon at last we looked better going forward and Moussa had a shot saved after great run and pass from Curran.

 A-Jay Leitch-Smith’s arrival, replacing Sofien Moussa, brought more movement in attack, but for all Dundee’s possession there were no clear chances.

So in the end another defeat from a strong battling Motherwell side who done the simple things in football, not pretty to watch but effective.

Dundee: Bain, Hendry, Meekings, O’Dea (c) (Waddell 31), Curran, Kamara, Spence, Holt
Deacon (McGowan 53), Moussa (Leitch-Smith 65), Haber. Unused Subs: Parish, O’Hara, Aurtenetxe, Wolters.

Att: 5,254

Ref: Stephen Finnie

Partick Thistle 2, Dundee 1, Firhill, Ladbrokes Premiership, 21-October-17

Dundee lost to a struggling Partick Thistle side with only themselves to blame, Dundee took the lead after 8 minutes when A Jay Smith-Leitch headed home after good play and cross from Kevin Holt, they had chances before this with Moussa missing twice. On 20 minutes they got a Penalty when the keeper took out the striker A Jay took it only for the keeper to save with his leg. Really the keeper was lucky not to be sent off.

I missed the game due to my Brother's Dougie and Jo's Wedding Here is their cake 

Dundee continued to create and miss chances with Moussa and Curran going close, into the second half and Deacon and Smith-Leitch both missed chances as Dundee looked to kill the game.

But out of the blue Thistle was level Bain couldn’t hold Paul McGinn’s shot and blocked Kris Doolan’s rebound only for Edwards  to follow up and force the equalise home. 

As Dundee pushed forward to win the game they were caught on the break a simple ball out wide and from the cross Storey had a simple tap in to win the game for the Jags.

Dundee: Bain, Hendry, Meekings, O’Dea (c), Curran, Kamara, McGowan (Deacon 48), Spence, Holt
Moussa (El Bakhtaoui 83), Leitch-Smith (O’Hara 66). Unused Subs: Parish , Kerr, Wolters, Waddell.
Att: 3,358
Ref: Euan Anderson.

Celtic Photos

Andrew on his first visit to Parkhead 

Celtic 1, Dundee 0, Parkhead, Ladbrokes Premiership, 14-October-17

Dundee were very unlucky not to take a least a point on Saturday, Manager Neil McCann made two changes Josh Meekings came in for his debut in a three man central defence and A-Jay Leitch-Smith returned in attack. Kerr Waddell and Sofien Moussa made way and were on the bench.

Celtic started well and missed a few in the first 20 minutes or so Scott Bain made a few good saves, but as time moved on Dundee started to find their feet and played some good attacking moves.

Dundee got to half-time at 0-0 and started the second half well Glen Karama was having a good game in midfield with the central pair of Meekings and Hendry were both doing well. Celtic came close twice to scoring Bain saving well from Roberts and Griffiths. But on the hour Celtic scored a ball broke to Ntcham and he made room for himself to fire home giving Bain no chance in the goal. 

Dundee came forward and had a real go at Celtic keeper  De Vries made a great save to deny McGowan from 10 yards out, then Dundee had a credible shout for a penalty when Jack Hendry won a high ball, only to be wiped out by Gamboa’s attempted header catching him in the face. It looked a penalty to me as the Celtic player was late with his challenge. 

Hendry had been having an impressive match, and it was disappointing to see him leave the pitch to have his face patched up. Jesse Curran came on to play right wing back and Mark O’Hara shifted to the right central defence position.

Sofien Moussa was now involved, having replaced A-Jay Leitch-Smith and his head flick played in Roary Deacon who had managed to get clear on goal, however his powerfully shot was well saved by De Vries but really he should have scored if he had placed the either side of the keeper.

Faissal El Bakhatoui came on for the last few minutes, and almost grabbed a late and deserved equaliser. He connected well with a 15 yard volley, but De Vries responded superbly to deny the striker. 

Dundee played well and I like the style Neil McCann is setting his team out to play. Big game this Saturday when they visit struggling Partick Thistle.

Dundee: Bain, Hendry (Curran 70), Meekings, O’Dea, O’Hara, Kamara, McGowan (El Bakhtaoui 83), Spence, Holt, Deacon, Leitch-Smith (Moussa 59). Unused Subs: Parish, Kerr, Wolters, Waddell.

Ref: Andrew Dallas

Att: 57,610

Hearts Photos

Dundee 2, Hearts 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 30-September-17

Dundee made four changes for the visit of Hearts to Dens Park, Cammy Kerr, Scott Allan, Faissal El Bakhtaoui and A-Jay Leitch-Smith all dropped out, as Mark O’Hara, Sofien Moussa, Paul McGowan and Kerr Waddell came in. 

Hearts had the early play and Scott Bain had to make a couple of saves, Dundee were playing it from the back and sometimes it put the defence in trouble. Thankfully we never lost a goal due this. The players will hopefully get comfy with this practise.

Dundee did not much chance going into half time only a Lewis Spence shot which went wide of the target. But right on half time and Dundee forced a corner which Kevin Holt took and his cross found Kerr Waddle to head home unmarked in the box. It was against the run of play but it was a vital time to take the lead.

Second half and Hearts had some chance to get level but found Scott Bain in good form and they hit the cross bar, as it happens it took a mistake from Dundee to gift Hearts their goal a long pass back from Moussa was too short and Lafferty nipped in to round Bain to score with ease. 

It made a open game now as Dundee did go forward to look for a winner, Hearts winger Walker forced into a fine save near the end. The A-Jay Leitch-Smith forced the Hearts keeper to save well and from the resulting corner from Paul McGowan  and Kerr Waddle again headed home to win the game for the dark blues. 

A welcome three points and it happy Dundee fans heading home seven points from a possible Nine is a lot better form. Next up is a trip to Parkhead to face Celtic in the league.

Dundee: Bain, Holt, O’Dea (Kerr 64), Kamara, Moussa (Leitch-Smith 77), O’Hara, McGowan, Deacon (El Bakhtaoui 82), Hendry, Spence, Waddell. Subs Unused: Parish, Allan, Aurtenetxe, Wolters

Att: 702

Ref: Steven McLean