Dundee made three changes to the Dark Blues’ starting eleven from the team that beat Raith. Paul McGowan and Luke McCowan kept their places after coming on as substitutes and loan signing Joe Grayson made his debut. Shaun Byrne and Max Anderson shifted to the bench where they were joined by Cillian Sheridan after almost 10 months out through injury.
Arbroath started well and let Dundee know this was going to be a tough game which was live on TV. They forced a few corners which they nearly scored when Hamilton hit the post.
Dundee had chances as well at McCowan and Kerr had efforts blocked by the Arbroath defence, it was a fine opening spell in the game.
Dundee stepped up a gear after 20 minutes and had more chances but the effort from Mulligan went over the bar, minute later Josh miskicked the ball when he was surprized the ball fell to him inside the box.
The Arbroath keeper Gaston made a great save to deny Cammy Kerr as Dundee looked to score close to half time.
Dundee finally broke through in thrilling fashion. Tyler French made a crucial interception in his own penalty to stop a dangerous attack. He took Arbroath by surprise by sprinting out of defence, exchanging passes with McMullan and tearing down the right wing. Zak Rudden’s backheel gave him the chance to shoot but Gaston saved. The ball broke to Paul McGowan who set up Luke McCowan to crash his shot high into the net.
Both teams had efforts in the early stages of the second half, but it was Arbroath that finally levelled when a long ball found McKenna who was fouled by Sharp in the Dundee goal it looked a bit soft but the referee gave the penalty. Nicky Low scored with a well taken penalty.
Dundee came back into the game and scored after Ryan Sweeney kept the ball in play after a corner was half cleared. McGowan crossed and Gaston couldn’t get a clean punch in the crowded goalmouth. Zak Rudden took advantage of the stramash, poking the ball into the corner of the net from close range.
Dundee had a few more chances but it was Arbroath scored again after a few corners they scored from close range when Colin Hamilton forced the ball home on the line.
It set up a imteresting last ten minutes Arbroath nearly scored again when Hilson put his effort just over the bar fom just outside the six yard box. It was the turning point in the game Dundee broke away and scored a well taken third goal,
Zach Robinson had replaced Zak Rudden shortly before the second equaliser, and he rose high to meet Luke McCowan’s inviting cross and send his header from 8 yards into the top corner.
It forced Arbroath to come forward and good pressure play from Dundee led to a mistake and Josh Mulligan ran forward with pace he cut inside to smash a curling shot high into the net from 18 yards.
A superb goal for Dundee and it sealed a great win for the club, great effort from the players which helped the atmosphere which was special and great to be part of it on a night where the club and fans payed tribute to the legendary Pat Liney.
Dundee: Sharp, Kerr, Sweeney (c), French, Marshall, Mulligan, Grayson, McGowan (Cameron 90+2)
McMullan, Rudden (Robinson 79), McCowan (Ashcroft 89). Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Byrne, McGinn, Robertson, Sheridan, Anderson.
Referee: Graham Grainger.
Att: 5,114
