Ayr got us away as both teams looked to win this game. Dundee pushed Ayr back and Kane Hemmings was unlucky with a shot which was deflected over the bar. The visitors came into the game and Jack Hamilton made a vital save at his near post. Dundee again playing neat football but let down with the final ball not being fast or good enough to really trouble the Ayr defence.
Declan McDaid went close with a long range shot which flew past the post, it was Dundee's last chance of the first half as the home team struggled a wee bit after a good start.
Second half got underway and it was now heavy rain for the players so the conditions had changed big time. Dundee still struggling in the midfield and Manager James made two changes Josh Todd and Andrew Nelson replaced Paul McGowan and Danny Johnson. Dundee also switched to a 4-4-2 formation and looked a lot better.
Jack Hamilton made a good save to deny Forrest and at the other end Kane Hemmings had a shot blocked by the Ayr keeper Doohan.
Dundee upped the pace a wee bit and it paid off on 74 minutes when after a good flowing move saw the ball being crossed by Jordan Marshall and Andrew Nelson headed home to give Dundee the lead to the delight of the home support. It was a fine goal for the young striker.
In the closing 15 minutes both teams had chances but Ayr never troubled Jack Hamilton, and Josh Todd was denied a certain goal but some how Doohan blocked his effort. That would have sealed the game for the Dee.
Deep into injury time and the visitors got a corner, but the cross was taken well by Jack Hamilton. So it ended 1-0 for Dundee who were made to fight for the three points. They will have to be sharper against certain teams in the future, but the main thing was getting the win and the three points. Another clean sheet is a bonus. Sponsors MoM was given to Jordan Marshall who had a fine game overall.
Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, McGhee, Forster, Marshall, Robertson, Ness , McGowan (Todd 56), McDaid, Hemmings (Byrne 84), Johnson (Nelson 67) Unused Subs: Ferrie , Meekings, Moore, Anderson.
Att: 5,520
Ref: Alan Newlands
On this day in 1993 Dundee drew 1-1 at Meadowbank Thistle in a League Cup 2nd Rd game. It was a own goal from Davidson which spared the dark blues. Crowd was 811
