Both teams attacked from the kick-off St Mirren forcing two early corners, Dundee had the first chance but Mendy's header was straight at the keeper. But it was St Mirren who scored first when Mullen headed home from a Paul McGinn cross. That was in 4 minutes and soon after Moussa missed a chance putting his shot wide of the target.
Dundee levelled the game on 12 minutes when Moussa challenged for a cross 18 yards from goal and although he couldn't win the ball he stopped the defence clearing. Elton Ngwatala pounced on the loose ball, hitting a sweet curling shot into the net which came off the far post. This gave Dundee a lift and they pushed forward playing some nice football. But it was St Mirren who nearly went ahead just on half-time when a Mullen shot was well saved by Jack Hamilton.
Second half and Dundee started well and they missed a couple of good chances, then 10 minutes into a clever ball from McGowan played Mendy in and after he was brought down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot. Sofien Moussa stepped up but missed when Samson made a good save to deny the Dundee striker.
Dundee continued to make chances but failed to take them. St Mirren came back into the game and pushed Dundee back, but they never troubled he Dundee keeper. Then with 8 minutes to go a defencive mix up between Jack Hamilton and Cammy Kerr led to St Mirren scoring, and left Mullen had a easy tap in to seal the points for the home club. It was a blow for Dundee who looked comfy to at least a point.
Dundee will feel they have blown a big chance today to get off to a winning start. Hopefully they will learn quickly, and avoid losing soft goals , and they must take their chance when they get them. Otherwise the team played well enough.
Dundee: Hamilton, Curran, Caulker, Meekings (c), Kerr, Spence, Madianga, Ngwatala, McGowan (Wighton 86), Moussa, Mendy. Unused Subs: Parish,Ralph, Kusunga, Nabi, Henvey, Moore.
Att: 5,470
Ref: Alan Muir.
