Dundee 3, Dunfermline Athletic 3, Dens Park, Scottish Championship, 19th December 2020

Dundee and Dunfermline Athletic served up a six goal thriller at Dens Park on Saturday when they drew 3-3. 

Dundee’s only change from the team that drew in Inverness was Osman Sow starting instead of Alex Jakubiak.

Dundee started well well and Danny Mullen had two good efforts at goal as they pegged the Pars on the back foot. Charlie Adam also had a shot saved from 20 yards.

Dundee opened the scoring when a great flowing move was finished by Charlie Adam who fired a shot from 35 yards which gave the Dunfermline Ath keeper no chance. 

Into the second half and Dundee made it two nil when Osman Sow headed home from 8 yards within the five minutes. The cross came from Charlie Adam. 

Dundee made it three nil on 70 minutes when Liam Fontaine took Charlie Adam’s corner on the volley to score from 12 yards. Adam, who was injured, was then replaced by Max Anderson after an excellent performance.

That should have finished the game but the pars got a lifeline when Watson headed home, with nine minutes to go and McManus was fouled in the box, he scored from the the spot to make it 3-2.

Sadly for Dundee McManus then scored in injury time when he fired home a superb free kick to give Dunfermline Athletic a vital point. 

For Dundee it will feel  like a defeat and maybe too many changes for the team, with Charlie Adam going off injured likely changed the game. 

Dundee: Hamilton, Elliott, Fontaine, Ashcroft, Marshall, McGhee, Byrne, Adam (c) (Anderson 72)

McGowan, Sow (Afolabi 65), Mullen (Forster 86). Unused Subs: Ferrie , Kerr, McDaid, Robertson.

Referee: Grant Irvine

Played Behind Closed Doors

Inverness CT 2, Dundee 2, Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Scottish Championship, 12-December-20

Dundee drew 2-2 with Inverness CT this afternoon with a late goal to level 5 minutes from time. Manager James McPake made one change as Jordan McGhee replacing Max Anderson.

Dundee started well and Alex Jakubiak’s volley from the edge of the area flew narrowly wide. Caley Thistle came close a couple of time but Hamilton saved well from MacGregor's shot. 

Dundee took the lad on 37 minutes when a Charlie Miller corner was headed against the bar by McGhee and Liam Fontaine was able to poke the ball home from 4 yards.

Second half and Dundee had Jack Hamilton to thank as he saved well to deny the home side. Danny Mullen had a great chance but he put his effort over the ball.

But finally the home side levelled when the ball was played into the box it came off a Dundee defender's head fell kindly to Deas who scored at the back post. ICT took the lead three minutes later Caley Thistle were in front. Sutherland headed down for Keatings to turn and shoot past Hamilton from close range.

Dundee battled back and levelled with 8 minutes to go when a  Declan McDaid’s cross from the right was switched first time by Sow into the path of Jordan McGhee to finish off a beautifully worked goal from six yards range.

A point in the end seemed fair on the the report from the game. At least Dunfermline Athletic got beat so the results helped leaders Hearts go further ahead. For Dundee they need to win next week or they will struggle to move up the table in the coming weeks.

Dundee: Hamilton, Elliott, Fontaine, Ashcroft, Marshall, McGhee, Byrne, Adam, McGowan (McDaid 66), Jakubiak (Anderson 71), Mullen (Sow 63)  Unused Subs: Ferrie,  Kerr, Forster, Robertson.

Referee: Craig Napier

Played Behind Closed Doors

Dundee 1, Arbroath 0, Dens Park, Scottish Championship, 05-December-20

Dundee beat Arbroath 1-0 at Dens last Saturday. A goal from Paul McGowan sealed the win for the Dark Blues. It was a decent goal and Dundee should have won the game by more goals. 

It now builds up to the big two games in the next two weeks, a visit to Inverness CT next Saturday, then Dunfermline Athletic  at Dens the following week. 

Dundee: Hamilton, Elliott, Fontaine, Ashcroft, Marshall, Byrne, Adam, McGowan, Anderson (Sow 74), Jakubiak (McDaid 63), Mullen  Unused Subs: Ferrie , Kerr, McGhee, Forster, Robertson.

Referee: Chris Graham

Played Behind Closed Doors

Hibernian 1, Dundee 0, Easter Road, Befred Cup Last 16 Tie, 28th November 2020

Manager James McPake made four changes for the visit to Easter Road. Jack Hamilton returned in goal, replacing the injured Adam Legzdins. Jonathan Afolabi came back into the starting line-up, while Liam Fontaine and Alex Jakubiak had their first starts for the Dee. Cammy Kerr, Jordan McGhee and Osman Sow moved onto the bench.

In a even first half Dundee played some nice football from midfield but failed to test the Hibs goalkeeper, Jack Hamilton had to make decent saves from Nisbet and Boyle

But just on half-time Hibs took the lead a good turn and pass from Nisbet released Jamie Murphy and he raced clear to score for the home side.

Early in the second half and Dundee were unfortunate not to equalise when Lee Ashcroft backheaded Liam Fontaine’s long throw to the near post. Alex Jakubiak’s flick came back off the crossbar and the Dee striker tucked the ball into the net only to be judged offside, a close decision.

But after that Hibs controlled the game as Dundee struggled to get forward, and only decent defending kept the home side at bay from adding to the score.

Dundee made two substitutions in the second half, sending on Declan McDaid for Max Anderson, then Osman Sow for Jonathan Afolabi. Neither changes affected the pattern of the game and the Hibs saw out the game fairly comfortably with Marciano still not being called upon to make any saves.

A better performance from the dark blues but they only had three shots on target. Hibs done enough to go through to the 1/4 final stage of the Betfred Cup.

Dundee: Jack Hamilton, Elliott, Fontaine, Ashcroft, Marshall, Anderson (McDaid 61), Byrne, Adam, McGowan, Afolabi (Sow 69), Jakubiak. Unused Subs: Ferrie (gk), Kerr, McGhee, Forster, Robertson, Nicholas Hamilton, Murray.

Referee: Willie Collum

Played Behind Closed Doors

Ayr United 2, Dundee 0, Somerset Park, Scottish Championship, 21-November-20

 Dundee's poor start to the season continued at Somerset Park on Saturday. Manager James McPake made four changes from the team that lost against Hibs last week. Adam Legzdins came in for his debut, while Lee Ashroft, Max Anderson and Osman Sow returned to the starting eleven. Jack Hamilton, Finlay Robertson and Declan McDaid moved onto the bench and Danny Mullen was unavailable.

Dundee started poorly and went 1-0 down after just 3 minutes, slack marking in the defence and Smith netted for the honest men. Worse was to follow on 16 minutes when Moffat made it 2-0 with another poor goal for Dundee to lose.

Although they came back into the game and the Ayr keeper had to make a couple of good saves to deny Elliott twice and McGowan also had a good effort.

Elliott had a great chace from close in back headed straight to the keeper from two yards out. The keeper saved well to deny Adam and then  Byrne from 12 yards out.

Ayr had a goal disallowed for off-side as the game ended. Another poor result and the defence is struggling, also finding scoring goals at the moment. A big few weeks for the dark blues. We go back to Easter Road on Saturday for the Bedfred Cup. We might get a right hiding if we keep this form up !

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr (McDaid 55), McGhee (c) (Fontaine 70), Ashcroft, Marshall, Anderson, Byrne, Adam, Elliott, Sow (Jakubiak 55), McGowan. Unused Subs: Jack Hamilton (gk), Robertson, Wilkie, Nicholas Hamilton.

Ref: Graham Beaton

Dundee Sign Liam Fontaine.........

 Dundee have signed ex Hibs, Ross County defender Liam Fontaine until the end of the season. Liam started at Fulham and he has played for Bristol City , Kilmarnock and Yeovil Town.

Lianm will wear no 4 and will be in the squad for the vital trip to Ayr this Saturday.

Hibernian 4, Dundee 1, Easter Road, Betfred Group B Game, 15-November-20

Dundee went down 4-1 to Hibernian at Easter Road in the final group game. Hibs took the lead when Mallan scored with a long range effort. Dundee did hit the bar on their odd chance created.

But with 20 minutes to go they levelled when Christie Elliot scored after a good pass from McGowan. But the defence totally fell apart in a six minute spell with Hibs scoring three times.

At least the club will be unseeded in the draw. But losing so many goals must be a worry for Manager James McPake.

Dundee: Jack Hamilton, Elliott, Kerr, McGhee (c) (Wilkie 88), Marshall, Adam, Byrne, Robertson

McDaid, Mullen, McGowan. Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Wilkie, Luke Strachan, Nicholas Hamilton, Blacklock

Ref: John Beaton

Dundee Sign Adam Legzdins..............

 Dundee have signed Adam Legzdins the goalkeeper has been on trial lately. Adam has played for Burnley for the last three seasons. He has also played for Birmingham, Leyton Orient, Crewe, and Derby County.

Adam has signed until the end of the season and will wear no 13.

Dundee 3, Cove Rangers 0, Dens Park, Betfred Cup Group Game, 10-November-20

Dundee played Cove Rangers in the second last game of the group, Manager James McPake made two changes Jack Hamilton and Max Anderson returned to the starting eleven replacing Calum Ferrie and Jonathan Afolabi.

Dundee got off to a great start and Paul McGowan scored after six minutes with a great finish after delightful build up play from McDaid. The midfielder fired home into the top corner from 15 yards.

After both teams going close Dundee missed a penalty Danny Mullen was fouled in the box, but Charlie Adam's spot kick came back off the inside of the post. Cove were also down to ten men as Yule stopped a goalscoring opportunity and was shown a red card.

Into the second half and ten minutes in the visitors were down to nine men after Masson was sent off after a foul on Marshall. Moments later McGowan missed a sitter from eight yards shooting over the bar.

Dundee were making hard work of finishing the game and it took to the last tens minutes for them to do so.

Firstly Danny Mullen took a pass from Adam with his back to goal, about six yards out. He showed some great skill to turn quickly and slipped the ball past McKenzie.

Dundee came  forward looking for another goal, and it arrived after a shot was McDaid was saved by McKenzie, with the loose ball heading to Mullen for a tap into the empty net. Ross Graham pushed him over, giving the Dee a second penalty. Charlie Adam made no mistake with this one and  smashed a low shot inside the post.

A comfy win for the dark blues and they lead the group, they face Hibernian on Sunday and a draw will win the group  on goal difference !. I think both teams will go through with the 9 points gained already

Dundee: Jack Hamilton, Elliott, Kerr, McGhee (c) (Wilkie 88), Marshall, Adam, Byrne (Robertson 74), Anderson (Blacklock 88), McDaid, Mullen (Nicholas Hamilton 88), McGowan. Unused Subs: Calum Ferrie, Luke Strachan, Danny Strachan.

Ref: Craig Napier

MoM: Max Anderson

BCD

Graham Dorrans Departs Dens Park.......

Graham Dorrans has left Dens Park after getting a offer too good to refuse. The move will be one to Western Sydney Wanderers FC in Australia. Graham has signed a two year deal. Graham played 27 games and scored two goals for the club.

The club thanked Graham for his efforts for his time at Dens Park. 

I hope that the younger players at Dens  have learned from playing with a great professional and if so that's great for the club. It comes as no surprize that Graham has moved on.

Manager James McPake can now look to strengthen the squad ahead of the next league game.

Alloa Athletic 3, Dundee 3, Indorill Stadium, Scottish Championship, 6th November 2020

Dundee fought back to earn a draw at Alloa last night. Manager James McPake made two changes from the draw against Raith Rovers. Christie Elliott and Paul McGowan started instead of Lee Ashcroft and Graham Dorrans, who were unavailable. 

The home side scored after 30 minutes after sloppy dundee defending failing to mark Thomson at the back post. Dundee struggled in the fog and Alloa looked better organised all over the pitch.

Dundee levelled the game within a minute of the second half with a very nice strike from Declan McDaid scoring from the edge of the box.

Alloa took the lead again soon after again poor play in the box and Trouten  netted  from close range. Soon after Trouten got his second after the Dundee keeper let the ball go under his body.

Dundee pulled one back after a superb Charlie Adam free kick came back off the post and went in via Cammy Kerr's bum. With just four minutes to go it was 3-3 when Charlie Adam scored from the spot after the referee gave a penalty for hand ball. It looked a bit harsh on the Alloa defender.

It ended 3-3 with maybe another 5 minutes might have won the game. I missed watching the game live due to work , but reports and what l have seen Dundee got out of jail. 

Dundee: Ferrie, Elliott, Kerr, McGhee (c), Marshall, McDaid, Byrne (Anderson 78), Adam, McGowan

Afolabi (Sow 40, Robertson 88), Mullen. Unused Subs: Jack Hamilton, Wilkie, Luke Strachan, Nicholas Hamilton.

Ref: Alan Muir

BCD

MoM: Charlie Adam

Blast From The Past...................

 

Dundee 1, Raith Rovers 1, Dens Park, Scottish Championship, 31-October-20

Dundee started with same team as last week as they entertained league leaders Raith Rovers to Dens Park.  Due to the wind and rain lately the Dens pitch is looking good.

Raith kicked the game off and they look like they will hit on the break at speed, it was good to see Dundee looking positive and the midfield looked  well balanced. 

Dundee had a few chances and Jordan Marshall shot into the side netting when he might have done beteer from a great pass from Danny Mullen. Rovers put plenty of dangerous balls into the box but thet failed to trouble dee keeper Calum Ferrie.

Dundee opened the scoring with a great goal from Charlie Adam  took the ball from Declan McDaid, made space for himself and arrowed a perfect low shot into the corner of the net from 22 yards.

Dundee could have added before half time and finished the half well on top.

Second half and it was all Dundee and were unlucky when a Marshall cross/shot was smashed onto the bar by Rovers defender Hendry. 

Dundee made two changes with Mullen and Adam being replaced by Elliott and McGowan and it was the last 20 minutes that Rovers got back into the game. 

With only three minutes to go they levelled a simple cross fell kindly for Musonda to bundle home from six yards.

The game ended and it was like a defeat, two points dropped, they need to kill off teams when leading  1-0. With Adam and Mullen going off both had knocks it did effect the team. 

Fair play to Raith Rovers who went forward and they will feel they deserved the draw.

Dundee: Ferrie, Kerr, Ashcroft, McGhee (c), Marshall, McDaid (Anderson 84), Byrne, Adam (McGowan 75), Dorrans, Mullen (Elliot 69), Afolabi. Unused Subs: Hamilton , Robertson, Luke Strachan, Blacklock

Ref: Alan Newlands

My MoM: Charlie Adam 

Played Behind Closed Doors

Dundee 1, Morton 0, Dens Park, SPFL Scottish Championship, 24-October-20

 Dundee took on Morton at Home this afternoon in what was the second game of this season's Championship. Manager James McPake made the following changes to the team which lost at Tynecastle last week. Calum Ferrie, Shaun Byrne, Declan McDaid, Danny Mullen and Jonathan Afolabi came into the starting line-up. Jack Hamilton, Finlay Robertson and Paul McGowan moved onto the bench while Jordon Forster and Osman Sow were injured.

Dundee started well and took the lead after just 4 minutes when a Declan McDaid’s cross from the right was headed clear as far as Jordan Marshall, just outside the penalty box. He took a touch, drove the ball back into the danger area. Jonathan Afolabi  scored  with a perfectly struck volley from 10 yards.

Dundee continued to play attack football and forced a lot of corners which were not turned into goals, the midfield looked good going forward. Calum Ferrie made a decent save to deny Cameron Blue. 

Dundee started the second half well and Charlie Adam just about to shoot for goal, but was crowded out and the chance was gone. 

Morton came back into the game and twice went close with headers from close range, both teams made changes. Dundee kept attacking but just failed to deliver the final touch in front of goal. Morton was down to ten men when Muirhead was send off after getting booked he clapped the Referee who then send him off.

The last 10 minutes and Dundee were happy to soak up any pressure from Morton and Calum Ferrie made a fine save in injury time to seal the points for the home side.

Dundee: Ferrie, Kerr, Ashcroft, McGhee (c), Marshall, McDaid, Byrne, Adam (Elliott 69), Dorrans

Mullen (McGowan 75), Afolabi. Unused Subs: Hamilton, Robertson, Anderson, Blacklock, Danny Strachan.

Ref: Gavin Ross

Played Behind Closed Doors

MOM: Cammy Kerr

Hearts 6, Dundee 2, Tynecastle, Scottish Championship, 16-October-20

 Dundee played at Tynecastle in the first league game of the season. Manager James McPake goes with just one striker with Osman Sow upfront with likely Paul McGowan giving a helping hand in a midfield five for the Dark Blues.

Hearts get off to the perfect start scoring after only four minutes when Smith nets. Dundee tried to come back, but the midfield seems to be over loaded. Charlie Adam does well and Gordon has to make a smart save.

Hearts go two up when after slack play from the Dundee defence and Ginnelly scores. Dundee come back and Charlie Adam makes a surging run into the box and lashes the ball home for a great goal.

Hearts went up 3-1 from the spot when Marshall handled in the box, Boyce scored with ease.

Dundee kept going but it was 4-1 in injury time when Kingsley scored from a free kick which gave Hamilton no chance.

Dundee made changes second half with Danny Mullen and Jonathan Afolabi coming on and they made a difference to the shape of the Dundee side when Dundee had several efforts on goal. They did pull one back when after good play from Afolabi the ball breaks to Danny Mullen to net with a neat chip over Craig Gordon.

Two late goals from Hearts sealed the three points for the home side. Next week Dundee face Morton at Dens in a must win game as it's a short season and bouncing back after a defeat is so important.

Dundee: Hamilton, McGhee, Forster (Afolabi at half time), Ashcroft, Kerr, Adam, Robertson (Anderson 77), Marshall, Dorrans, Sow (Mullen 51) , McGowan. Unused Sub: Ferrie (gk), McDaid, Elliott.

Ref: David Munro

A bad start for the dark blues and for me started the game with the wrong line up and formation. We need to start with two strikers. We must let other teams worry about a attacking Dundee side!

Dundee win at Brora...............

 Dundee beat Brora Rangers 2-0 this afternoon in the Betfred Cup. Goals from Graham Dorrans and Danny Mullen in the first half sealed the win for the dark blues. They top the table from Hibs on goal difference. 

Dundee: Hamilton, McGhee, Forster, Ashcroft, Elliott (Kerr 78), Adam (Byrne 78), Anderson (Robertson 78), Marshall, Dorrans, Mullen (Sow 58), McGowan (McDaid 78) Unused Subs: Ferrie (gk), Cunningham, Blacklock, Danny Strachan.

Forfar Game called Off

 Dundee's game v Forfar Athletic was called off after one of the Forfar players tested positive for Covid 19. It was the best thing to do at this present time. Dundee were awarded a 3-0 win keeping in line of what happened to the Kilmarnock v Falkirk game.

Dundee will travel to Brora this Saturday for the next Betfred Cup game.

Osman Signs................

Osman Sow has signed a one year deal with the club, the Ex Hearts, Dundee United striker looks to kick start his career at Dens. He may prove to be a good signing for the club. He started his career in Sweden before moving to Crystal Palace. Then on to Hearts, loan spells at MK Dons, Kilmarnock and Dundee United.

Osman will wear number 21 this season. 

Good To See...........

 It was good to see Dundee playing a game at Dens for the first time in six months, they beat Peterhead in a closed door friendly. Paul McGowan scored after 40 minutes. Manager James McPake was happy with the performance and it will help the fitness of the players.

Dundee Sign Charlie Adam

 Dundee have signed Charlie Adam on a two year contract, a very good signing for the club. Charlie has played for Ross County, St Mirren, Rangers, Stoke City, Liverpool, Blackpool and Reading. He has also played for Scotland. 

The Midfielder will wear Number 26 this season, and Charlie trained with the club this morning after signing yesterday.

Charlie did play for Dundee as a guest for the Julian Speroni Testimonial.

Betfred Cup Games....

 Dundee will start the Season with two Betfred Cup games, first they play Forfar Athletic at Dens on Tuesday 6th October.  Next up will be a visit to play Brora Rangers at Dungeon Park. 

The other two game will be played in November Cove Rangers at Dens and a visit to Easter Road to play Hibernian which will be live on Premier Sports.

Blast From The Past

 

Great team really enjoyed watching them during season 1981-82.

Betfred Cup Draw

Dundee will play Hibernian (Top Seeds), Forfar Athletic, Brora Rangers, and Cove Rangers. We have been drawn into Group B as 2nd seeds for the 2020/21 Betfred Cup Group stage.

Tough getting Hibernian as they have started the season well, but a good group of games which will test Dundee and their new look team.

Dates and games will be announced later this week. 

Kane Leaves...............

Kane Hemmings has left the club by mutual consent, his second spell at Dundee was not as successful as the first time. Kane scored 10 goals last season after arriving in 2019.

Alex Signs..................

Dundee Football Club have signed Alex Jakubiak on a two year deal. Striker Alex joins after leaving Watford at the end of his contract in the summer. Alex came through the youth ranks at Vicarage Road and went on to make his debut in the English Championship at the age of 17.

He went on to have nine loan spells during his time at Watford. Gaining experience in League One and League Two down south. North of the border he scored 7 goals in 18 games for Falkirk.

His most recent loan spell saw him back in Scotland, this time in the Premiership with St. Mirren. He opened his account for the Buddies in the Scottish Cup against Motherwell before seeing his time in Paisley cut short by the premature ending to the season.

He joins Dundee on a two year deal and will wear number 7. 

Blast From The Past.......

Danny Signs.......

Dundee have signed Danny Mullen on a two year contract after the striker was released by St Mirren. 

Danny has been at St Mirren for three years after joining from Livingston for a reported five figure fee.

Danny will wear number 9 at Dens and l'm happy enough with this signing. 

News From Dens Park

Its been a tough period for Dundee Football Club due to the virus and ending of the season early. Next season will be tough as we will have a smaller squad. All the pressure will be on Hearts to win the league. I'm sure the fans will back the club and do what they can to help during this time.

Player wise Andrew Nelson has left the club, along with Josh Meekings. The players also took a wage cut to help the club so it has been tough for them as well. Loan signing have all went back to their clubs. I like Berra so likely he will get another chance at Hearts after they changed manager a few weeks ago.

Hopefully we can get some players in before the start of the season One so far Central defender Lee  Ashcroft signed after being released by Dunfermline Ath. Lee has signed for two years so it's  a good signing for the club , he has played a lot of games in the last five years. Lee also played for Kilmarnock and played at Dens in 2013  making his debut.

As usual the fixtures are not great for me, with only able to go to six home games without taking Holidays. I 'm sure i will take some the only down point could be Friday night games when the games gets switched from Saturday to the Friday night and I'm off the Saturday and down to work on the Friday. So for me to buy a season ticket will cost me around £42 a game if l manage 6 games it will go down the more i can go to. Say at most 10 games it's still £25.50 per game so maybe can manage that. With the virus we don't know when we could go anyway and that is not great for us Dundee fans.

Dundee start with Hearts (away) and will face twice away from home , Twice at Inverness CT and Queen of the South so again the Scottish league do nothing to help Dundee FC.

Anyway that is my rant over and I  look forward to hopefully seeing some games this season.

My New Blog

Seeing I'm at home for the lock down l have started a new blog for my DFC programmes the link is below:

https://mydfcprogrammes.blogspot.com/

Games Off

Dundee's future games have been called off due to The Corona Virus, hopefully it will clear. But if not I hope that it does not have a massive effect on my football club. Only time will tell.

My Programmes From The Past

Dundee lost the game 5-1, Doug Houston scored for Dundee in front of a 9,083 crowd at The Dell.

Dundee 2, Ayr United 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 10-March-20

Dundee beat Ayr United 2-0 in a entertaining game last Tuesday night, they got off to the perfect start when Kane Hemmings scored after a neat flick on from Paul McGowan. Dundee had numerous chances in the first half but failed to put the ball into the net. Ayr were unlucky a couple of time when good football could have seen them level the game.

Second half and the game was still end to end with Dundee maybe looking more dangerous in the final third. Maybe the turning point was when Ollie Crackshaw replaced Andrew Nelson and the Dee looked to finish the game. The second goal came late on , but it was well worth the wait to finally for me to see Dundee win at home this year. 

A big mistake from Mark Kerr and Dorrans picked the ball up and  fed Ollie Crankshaw who scored his first goal for Dundee to seal the points. Again another clean sheet for the team, l also thought Christophe Berra was immense and has proved a great signing. Also Connor Hazard has done well on his second spell at the club on loan.

Dundee: Hazard, Meekings (c), Forster, Berra, Elliott, Dorrans, McGowan (Robertson 77), Byrne, McDaid, Hemmings (Ness 90+3), Nelson (Cranshaw 73) Unused Subs: Sharp, Kerr, Field, Cameron.

Att:4,670

Ref: John Beaton

Ayr United 0, Dundee 0, Somerset Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 7-March-20

In the first of back to back game Dundee came away with a deserved point after a 0-0 draw. The highlight was a Connor Hazzard second half penalty save. It did not look much of a penalty whemn I seen it on YouTube. Anyway a good point on the road, another clean sheet. Looking forward to the game on Tuesday when both teams meet again this time at Dens Park.

Dundee: Hazard, Meekings (c), Forster, Berra, Kerr (Elliott 62), Dorrans, McGhee (Nelson at half time), Byrne, McDaid (Field 74), Hemmings, McGowan. Unused Subs: Hamilton , Cameron, Crankshaw, Robertson.

Att: 1,758.

Ref: Steven McLean.

Dens Round Up

Dundee will play Arbroath on the 24th of March, happy with that date as I'm dayshift at my work.

Dundee 0, Alloa Ath 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 03-March-20

Dundee drew 0-0 with Alloa at Dens on Tuesday night, it was all Dundee during the 90 minutes, but they failed to put the ball in the net. With Inverness winning 3-2 it means another 2 points dropped. The next two games are vital when the club play Ayr United twice firstly away this Saturday, and at home next Tuesday. Kane Hemmings missed the game due to illness.


Dundee: Hazard, Meekings (c), Forster, Berra, Elliott, Dorrans, McGhee (Crankshaw 69), Byrne, McDaid, Nelson, McGowan. Unused Subs: Hamilton, Kerr, Ness, Field, Robertson, Cameron.

Att: 4,356

Ref: Mike Roncone

Queen of the South 0, Dundee 0, Palmerston Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 22-Feb-20

Dundee came away with a massive three points winning 1-0 thanks to a Jordan Forster goal on 72 minutes, a much needed boost and another clean sheet means the hard core Dundee fans went home very happy.

Dundee: Hazard, Meekings (c), Forster, Berra, Elliott, Dorrans, McGowan (Kerr 80), Byrne, McDaid, Nelson (Crankshaw 68), Hemmings. Unused Subs: Hamilton , Field, Robertson, Cameron, Strachan.

Att: 1,126 

Ref: Don Robertson.

Dundee's game against Arbroath was called off due to a waterlogged pitch, very heavy rain on Friday night made the pitch unplayable.

Dundee 2, Partick Thistle 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 1st- February-20

Dundee beat Partick Thistle 2-0 at Dens Park, two first half goals from Kane Hemmings sealed the points for the Dark Blues. It was a welcome boost for the club.

The only down point was the injury to Ross Callaghan which will rule the midfielder out for most of the season. I missed the game so will give the details of the game.

Dundee: Hazard, Meekings (c), Forster, Berra, Elliott, Dorrans, Callachan (Nelson 76), Byrne (Robertson 64), McDaid, McGowan, Hemmings (Crankshaw 90+2). Unused Subs: Hamilton, Field, Cameron, Strachan.

Att: 4,860

Ref:Colin Steven

Photos From Morton

Morton 1, Dundee 1, Cappielow Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 01-February-20

Dundee made five changes from the team which played at East End Park, Ollie Crankshaw made his first start, Connor Hazard was in goal, Jordan Forster and Shaun Bryne returned to the side. Christophe Berra making his debut. Jack Hamilton, Lyall Cameron and Josh Meekings returned to the bench, Paul McGowan and Jordan Marshall are out injured.

Dundee started well and came forward putting some decent crosses into the box. Graham Dorrans should have scored from six yards but somehow put his shot wide. Five minutes later it was 1-0 Dundee when a great forward ball from Berra found Kane Hemmings who controlled the ball and finished with a neat shot across the keeper from 10 yards.

Dundee kept up the pressure and looked like they would extent their lead, Morton levelled soon after Hazard made a good block save but McAlister followed up to score from eight yards.

It was end to end with both teams having chances to take the lead , but it was all square at the break. 

Second half and it was mainly Dundee on the attack and Morton were reduced to 10 men when Jacobs was sent off for a foul on McDaid. Christie Elliott came on for Ollie Crankshaw who had been booked earlier. McDaid was unlucky with a shot and Elliott fired one just wide off the post.

Dundee kept going forward but they could not break down the Morton defence. So it ended in a draw which was about fair as Dundee were a bit square at times and too slow getting the ball forward.

I enjoyed the refreshments at the game and were priced well for the fans.

Dundee: Hazard, Kerr, Forster, Berra, McGhee, Callachan, Byrne, Crankshaw (Elliott 54), Dorrans (c), McDaid, Hemmings. Unused Subs: Hamilton , Meekings, Robertson, Anderson, Cameron.

Att: 1,643

Ref: Bobby Madden

Transfer Window Update

Players In: Ross Callachan from St Johnston (Loan), Ollie Crankshaw from Wigan Ath (Loan), Connor Hazard from Celtic (Loan),Christie Elliott from Carlisle United (Loan), Christophe Berra from Hearts (Loan), Tom Field from Brentford (Loan) 

Players Out : Josh McPake (Back to Rangers), Callum Moore to Stenhousemuir (Loan), John Todd to Falkirk (Transfer), Danny Johnson to Leyton Orient (Transfer), Calum Ferrie to Falkirk (Loan) 

Dunfermline Ath 2, Dundee 0, East End Park, Ladbroks Championship, 24-January-20

Dundee lost 2-0 at Dunfermline in what was a pretty poor game for the Dark Blues. I missed the game due to work commitments.

Both goals came in the first half and although the Dark Blues were slightly better in the second half, they were well beaten on the night.

Jack Hamilton  made several good saves to keep the score down. The only bright spot on the night was new winger Ollie Crackshaw looked good when he replaced McGowan to make his debut.

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Meekings (c), McGhee, Marshall, Callachan, Dorrans, McGowan (Crankshaw 53), Cameron (Johnson at half time), McDaid, Hemmings Unused subs: Ferrie (gk), Byrne, Robertson, Strachan, Forster.

Att: 3,722

Ref: David Munro

Dundee 0, Motherwell 3, Dens Park, Scottish Cup 4th Rd, 18-January-20

Dundee made three changes to the team with McDaid, Ness and Byrne replaying Roberton and Johnson while Mackie was out injured.

Motherwell started the better in the first 15 minutes, but keeper Hamilton only had one save to make. Dundee came into the game and McDaid was unlucky with a shot. A minute later and the visitors took the lead when Long scored from a free kick it took a big deflection from Dorrans. 

Dundee tried to come back and Motherwell broke to get a second goal again Long scored with a curling shot which gave Hamilton no chance. That was the score at half time. Dundee made a change with Ross Callaghan came on for Jamie Ness to make his debut. 

Dundee started well and Hemmings hit the bar with a header. Kerr and McDaid had decent efforts but with 10 minutes to go Jack Hamilton made a mess from Long's effort e managed to fumble the ball into the net for the striker to get his hat-trick. 

So another year with out a Scottish Cup run which our record in the last 15 years or so is pretty grim reading. The crowd last night is likely the worse l have seen in near 40 years of going to Dens.  

Next up is Dunfermline on Friday which now is a massive game we must win to have any chance of getting our season going again.  

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Meekings (c), McGhee, Marshall, Ness (Callachan at half time), Byrne (Johnson 66), McGowan (Cameron 76), Dorrans, McDaid, Hemmings. Unused Subs: Ferrie, Forster, Robertson, Strachan.

Att: 2,407

Ref: Steven McLean

Dundee 0, Inverness CT 2, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 04-January-20

Dundee fielded the same team as the previous three games, and looked to close the gap on Inverness CT. They struggled from the start and looked too slow in midfield. Not a lot happened in the first 15 minutes.

However the visitors scored on 17 minutes when Rooney was able to find plenty space on the right and he found Doran who smashed the ball home from 12 yards. It was a poor goal to lose and Dundee will now have to chase the game.

Six minutes later Caley Thistle broke away to score again, Dundee failed to work a short corner, and CT broke with Keatings netting a fine strike. Another poor goal to lose and basically finished the game as a contest. Dundee continued to struggled badly for the rest of the half.

Second half and sadly it was not much better with Inverness happy to sit in and soak up any Dundee pressure. McGhee had two decent efforts and a Johnson header was touched over the bar by the keeper.

Jordan Marshall went close near the end but really Dundee got what their play deserved which was No Points...It was a big chance today to close the gap for second place and they blew big style.

There is no atmosphere at Dens these days and it's a worry with big games coming up in the next few weeks.

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Meekings , McGhee, Marshall, McGowan, Dorrans, Robertson, Mackie (Todd 61), Hemmings, Johnson (Cunningham 84) Unused Subs: Ferrie, Forster, Byrne, Moore, Cameron.

Dundee Und 1, Dundee 1, Tannadice, Ladbrokes Championship, 28-December-19

In Dundee's last game of the year they went just down the road to face city rivals United. Manager James McPake put out a unchanged side which won at Firhill last Saturday.

United scored on their first attack they got down the left side with the Dundee defence caught out. Harkes cross was flicked past the helpless Jack Hamilton by Clark to give the home side the lead.

Dundee struggled the first fifteen minutes to get forward, but soon after McGowan was unlucky when his shot was deflected for a corner. United had a couple of half chances but Hamilton saved with ease. Dundee came out the second half in a totally different mood and it took them only five minutes to level. Johnson and Hemmings cross was headed out to Graham Dorrans to smash the ball home after taking a delightful touch to set it up. It was his first goal for the club and what a strike.

This settled Dundee and minutes later Johnson hit one just off target, United were not in the game much as Dundee played some decent football. The final fifteen minutes was all Dundee but they could not grab a winner. 

A good point for Dundee which they fully deserved the players worked their socks off , and it was pleasing to see. 

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Meekings (c), McGhee, Marshall, McGowan, Dorrans, Robertson, Mackie, Hemmings, Johnson (Nelson 61) Unused Subs: Ferrie , Forster, Todd, Byrne, Moore, Mulligan.

Att:14,007

Ref: Alan Muir

I could only watch the game on TV due to my work. The shifts this year have been pretty brutal for my football. I have had to work the last three weekend, and longer shifts during the week. I look forward to seeing Dundee early in 2020.