In a slow first half both teams failed to hit the target with neither keeper making vital saves. Dundee's best was a Rudden shot and McCowan put one over the bar after a good run. Livingston themselves had a few shots but they were wide of the goal.
Into the second half and Dundee made one chamge when Amadou Bakayoko came on for Lyall Cameron.
It paid off straight away when Dundee looked to have more options upfront, Livi hit on the break and they hit the side netting. Then McCowan had a chip shot saved by the keeper.
Then Rudden was unlucky a great ball from Donnely and Zak beat the keeper but his shot went wide of the far post.
After 57 minutes it seemed that Dundee had broken through. Rudden picked up a loose ball and sent McCowan into the penalty area. Instead of shooting he laid the back for Bakayoko to net with a controlled, low shot from 20 yards.
There was no offside flag but after a lengthy VAR review the goal was disallowed. Bakayoko’s shot flew through a crowd of players. Boateng, who was well onside tried and failed to get a touch. McGhee was a couple of feet offside but left the ball. Referee Willie Collum looked at the VAR screen and decide that McGhee was interfering with play.
Livingston went down to ten men when Montana recieved a yellow card, but ater a Var call the Referee changed it to a straight red card.
After this Scott Tiffoney came on for Jordan McGhee and Dundee were going for the win, they had a few chances before taking the lead on 82 minutes.
Donnelly’s long throw to the near post. Portales nodded down and Joe Shaughnessy hooked the ball home from close range.
Three minutes later the Dee captain delighted the travelling support with an encore. Owen Beck swept in a corner. Again Portales provided the assist, sending a glancing header at the neat post down into the danger area and Joe Shaughnessy volleyed neatly home.
Dundee kept at it and Zak Rudden hit the post and Luke McCowan had a good effort well saved.
A great second half performance and they well worth the three points. Next up is Rangers at home on Wednesday.
Dundee: Carson, Portales, Shaughnessy (c), Donnelly, McGhee (Tiffoney 74), Sylla, Boateng, Cameron (Bakayoko at half time), Beck, Rudden, McCowan. Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Kerr, Pineda, Lamie, Ashcroft, Robertson, Howley.
Referee: Willie Collum
Att: 4,210
