Livingston 2, Dundee 2, Almondvale, William Hill Premiership, 13th December-25

Dundee made only one change when Paul Digby replaced the injured Joe Westley from last week's team. 

They started very brightly using the wind at their back. They had a couple of efforts at goal. Then in 13 minutes they took the lead when Ethan Hamilton's shot was pushed out and Yan Dhanda finished well to put the dee 1-0 up. 

Five minutes later and it was 2-0 when Tony Yogane made a great run and  cut back and to  cross to find Cameron Congreve who scored at the back post. 

Ryan Astley went off injured and was replaced by Imari Samuels.

Livi did have a couple of efforts but Jon McCracken saved well to deny them a goal. Dundee had some of the ball, but the home side done well to try and keep in the game.

Second half and after a good 10 minute spell they let Livi back into the game, they forced Dundee back. The wind at their backs it seemed to help them, like wise in the first when Dundee had the wind.

Livingston pulled a goal back when a simp;e ball forward caught out the defence and Bokila finished well.

Dundee sent on Ethan Ingram and Callum Jones to replace Cam Congreve and Yan Dhanda in an attempt to stiffen the midfield and right flank. Drey Wright moved forward into right midfield with Ingram behind him.

Dundee tried but gave the ball away too much and they had lost control of the game. Jon McCracken again had some good saves to deny the lions.

But with five minutes to go a deep cross whas knocked home by Yengi from close range. A very soft goal to lose and the game was now 2-2.

In injury time Ryan McGowan was sent off when he fouled Ash Hay and denying a goalscoring opportunity as the Dee substitute was about to race clear 30 yards from goal.

That was it a tale of two halves which maybe should have been three points, 

Dundee: McCracken, Astley (Samuels 28), Koumetio, Graham, Wright, Hamilton, Digby, Congreve (Ingram 76), Dhanda (Jones 76), Yogane (Acquah 89), Murray (c) (Hay 62). Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk), Donnelly, Fin Robertson, Reilly.

Referee: Dan McFarlane

Att: 3,095

Dundee 1, Aberdeen 3, Dens Park, William Hill Premiership, 06-December-25

Dundee made three changes to the team, when  Billy Koumetio replaced the injured Clark Robertson. Tony Yogane and Ryan Astley, who dropped onto the bench against Celtic, came back in for Fin Robertson and Imari Samuels.

Both teams started the game brightly attacking each others goal. But on 12 minutes Joe Westley went down injured and had to go off being replaced by Callum Jones.

But minutes later Aberdeen scored when a slack pass lead to the goal when although McCracken saved he could only parry the ball out and Aouchiche who scored from 18 yards.

Dundee attacked but Aberdeen looked the faster team, and almost got a second when they hit the post. The Dark Blues’ luck ran out on the half hour. Dundee dithered and failed to clear an Aberdeen attack. Karlsson’s shot was half blocked and fell perfectly for Aouchiche in space in front of goal to make it 2-0. 

At least Dundee got to the break only 2-nil down and they need a big effort in the second half.

Dundee started the second half and looked much better knocking the ball about and getting wide to trouble Aberdeen.

They pulled a goal back on the hour when Ryan Astley headed home the ball right in the corner to make it 1-2. It was a vital goal as Dundee pushed to get back into the game.

The Dark Blues then put Aberdeen under fierce pressure. Yogane skinned his man and crossed for Hamilton, whose shot was blocked. A Congreve cross caused chaos and only a desperate block stopped Simon Murray scoring. Yan Dhanda had a low 20 yarder turned round the post by keeper Mitov.

Then Dundee threw on Ash Hay and Fin Robertson for Drey Wright and Callum Jones as they went all out for an equaliser.

But time ran out and only three minutes added time, not much for the injury to Callum Jones, Var check for Dundee's goal and the subs who were used.

But as it goes Aberdeen scored in injury time when Nisbet netted to finish the game. Dundee had all the play in the second half, but sadly today it goals that count. 

Dundee: McCracken, Astley, Koumetio, Graham, Wright (Hay 83), Hamilton, Congreve, Dhanda, Westley (Jones 15 (Fin Robertson 83)), Yogane, Murray (c). Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk), Ingram,  Donnelly, Digby, Acquah, Samuels.

Referee: Grant Irvine. 

Att: 7,402.

Celtic Photos

 

Celtic 1, Dundee 0, Parkhead, William Hill Premiership, 03-December-25

Dundee made two changes to Dundee’s starting eleven. Imari Samuels and Fin Robertson came in for Ryan Astley and Tony Yogane, who were both named as substitutes.

Celtic attacked straight away and came close in the first few minutes, they forced a few corners which came to nothing at Dundee cleared with ease.

But on 11 minutes they scored a good ball through the middle to Yang which was well saved by McCracken but the ball was headed home by Maeda who had taken a head knock after clashed with Luke Graham who was okay.

But after 15 minutes Dundee settled into the game and they played some neat football. Celtic were alway dagerous but their final ball was mainly poor.

Then Clark Robertson sent Imari Samuels away with a lovely pass but Joe Westley was crowded out in front of goal when he tried to control the cross.

Then after a cross McCracken knocked the high cross waway but luckily the ball was cleared by Samuels. 

Clark Robertson then pulled up clutching his thigh after making a pass and Ryan Astley came on in his place.

At the end of the first half Dundee gave Celtic a scare when Simon Murray got the better of Liam Scales and shot against the crossbar. Kasper Schmeichel saved from Cameron Congreve’s follow up, but the referee awarded Celtic a free kick. It seemed a dubious decision that might have been overturned by VAR if Murray’s shot had gone in.

At the start of the second half Celtic went close when Luke McCowan's shot was saved the rebound was knock wide of the post. 

McCracken excelled once more when he saved superbly from Hatate after Celtic’s slickest attack of the match gave the Japanese midfielder a chance from 15 yards.

As the game approached the hour mark Dundee made three substitutions, sending on Billy Koumetio, Callum Jones and Ash Hay for Cameron Congreve, Yan Dhanda and Simon Murray.

The Dee started to play quicker and more purposeful long balls out of defence to take advantage of Hay’s pace. This gave the Celtic defence a few uncomfortable moments. A long pass from Ethan Hamilton sent Hay clear down the right and Kasper Schmeichel saved the shot with a foot.

Dundee's final change was when Tony Yogane on for Westley. Dundee went for it the final 15 minutes and it put the Celtic defence under pressure.

The last chance fell to Luke Gramham in injury time, but his header just went wide of the post.

Dundee were a wee bit unlucky and it was my first visit to Parkhead since 2018, as usually l have work.

Dundee:  McCracken, Wright, Clark Robertson (Astley 40), Graham, Samuels, Hamilton, Congreve (Koumetio 58), Dhanda (Jones 58), Westley (Yogane 74), Fin Robertson, Murray (c) (Hay 58).

Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk), Digby, Acquah, Ingram.

Referee: Duncan Nicolson. 

Att: 57,302

Dundee 3, St Mirren 1, Dens Park, William Hill Premiership, 29-November-25

Dundee made two changes Ryan Ashley kept his place after replacing Imari Samuels last week, and Joe Westley replaced Paul Digby, Both Samuels and Digby were listed as substitutes.

Both teams started brightly with St Mirren being big and powerful in attack. Joe Westley had a shot saved ater a good cross into the box.

But St Mirren scored after a bad pass out of defence and Mikael Mandron smashed the ball home. Two minutes later it was 1-1 after a quick breakaway and the ball ball was played quickly to Yan Dhanda who let fly from 25 yards. His low shot flew past Simon Murray and Alex Gogic, taking a touch that left keeper Shamal George helpless. 

At least it cheered up the home fans which was a big bonus. Joe Westley came close with a good effort which just went wide of the goal.

But in 39 minutes Dundee took the lead with a stunning goal, good play down the the wing by Tony Yogane he passed to Drey Wright who smashed the ball home via off the post.

The second half consisted largely of St Mirren attacking in an attempt to save the game but always being denied by a stalwart Dee defence.

Dundee came close to a third goal at the start of the half, but Congreve headed narrowly wide from Yogane’s cross.

Again St Mirren had chances but no cut clear, and Jon McCracken done well when he needed to. 

After 69 minutes Imari Samuels came on as a straight replacement for Tony Yogane, who had taken a knock. Simon Murray and Cameron Congreve were then substituted by Ash Hay and Callum Jones to strengthen the midfield and provide fresh legs. The final substitution was Paul Digby coming on for Yan Dhanda as Dundee tried to see the game out safely.

After a St Mirren attack was stopped by a Imari Samuels tackle, Paul Digby picked up the loose ball and Dundee burst forward. Digby passed to Joe Westley on the left, and he cut in to whip a glorious curling shot around the keeper and inside the far post from 22 yards.

Although St Mirren hit the bar late on the three points were staying at Dens Park in a big bonus. 

Dundee: McCracken, Astley, Clark Robertson, Graham, Wright, Hamilton, Congreve (Jones 78),  Westley, Dhanda (Digby 85), Yogane (Samuels 69), Murray (c) (Hay 78). Unused Subs:  O’Hara (gk),  Koumetio, Acquah, Fin Robertson, Reilly.

Referee: John Beaton.

Att: 4,782.

Hibernian 2, Dundee 0, Easter Road, William Hill Premiership, 22nd November-25

Dundee made three changes when Ryan Astley, Billy Koumetio and Emile Acquah dropped onto the bench and were replaced by Clark Robertson, Yan Dhanda, and Simon Murray.

Dundee started brightly but failed to create anything in front of goal, Hibs on the other hand looked dangerous when they attacked and they took control of the first half. 

Jon McCrackrn saved well when Hibernian might have scored. Then Ryan Ryan Astley who went to right back with Drey Wright moving to the left. Imari Samuels had to go off after a head knock. 

McCracken pulled off a good save from Daniel Barlaser’s low 22 yarder as Hibs continued to look dangerous with every attack.

But the goal was coming and it arrived on the half hour mark when a cross was hit home by Bowie a striker's goal in every sense.

Dundee at least got to half-time but the stats were not good. The Dark Blues hadn’t registered a single shot, on or off target.

Dundee at least started brightly but again failed to create anything of note to worry Hibs defence.

Hibernian hit the bar soon after, and they scored the vital second goal a couple of minutes later. 

Josh Mulligan drove into the penalty area from the left and Bowie laid a pass back for McGrath  to score with a precise low shot from 12 yards inside McCracken’s right hand post.

Dundee pushed forward trying to save the game and were inevitably more open at the back. Surprisingly, there were no more goals, and we can blame Hibs for that. They were too casual in attack, and had to call on keeper Raphael Sallinger to make two remarkable saves.

Cameron Congreve put over a tempting cross from the right. Yogane met it beyond the far post with a firm volley across the keeper. Sallinger showed astonishing reactions to twist and paw the ball off the line.

After 80 minutes Sallinger surpassed his earlier save. Congreve’s free kick from the right found Clark Robertson in front of goal. The defender connected well with his shot but somehow Sallinger managed to touch it over the bar from close range when a goal looked certain.

Dundee had one last chance when the ball fell to Reilly but he put the wide of the goal , and the chance was gone.

Hibernian totally deserved the win and were never in any danger. Dundee for sure need to beat St Mirren next Saturday to try and turn our season round.

I missed the game due to my Christmas shifts at work. Normal shift and I would have been off. 

Dundee: McCracken, Wright, Clark Robertson, Graham, Samuels (Astley 18), Digby (Jones 68),  Hamilton, Congreve (Reilly 84), Dhanda, Yogane, Murray (c). Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk), Koumetio, Acquah, Fin Robertson, Hay, Westley.

Referee: Steven McLean

Att: 17,714

Dundee 0, Rangers 3, Dens Park, William Hill Premiership, 09-November-25

Dundee made three changes to the team. Luke Graham, Emile Acquah and Tony Yogane came in for Clark Robertson, who was injured, and Simon Murray and Joe Westley, who were both on the bench.

After the Remembrance Day minutes silence was done the game got underway. Dundee done okay in the first few minutes, but they lost a soft goal from a corner. A free header which was poor.

Worse was to follow when Rangers scored again 5 minutes later with another soft looking goal. This kind of finished the game as a contest as Dundee struggled to create anything of note.

Rangers had the ball in the net again but was ruled off by VAR for offside. 

At least Dundee were a wee bit better in the second half but again failed with the final pass. Jon McCracken made three great saves to deny Rangers , The last one being a full length dive.

Simon Murray and Yan Dhanda came on for Emile Acquah and Drey Wright after an hour. But it made no difference as Rangers looked more likely to do.

They made it 3-0 near the end for the final score. 

Dundee: McCracken, Astley, Koumetio, Graham, Drey Wright (Dhanda 59), Digby (c), Hamilton,  Samuels, Congreve, Acquah (Murray 59), Yogane (Reilly 81). Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk), Ingram, Donnelly, Hay, Westley, Jones.

Referee: Matthew MacDermid.

Att: 8,562

Hearts 4, Dundee 0, Tynecastle, William Hill Premiership, 01-November-25

Dundee made one change to the team when Billy Koumetio, came in for his first league game of the season.  Luke Graham was on the bench.

In the first 20 minutes Dundee contained Hearts who were attacking but they never troubled the Dundee defence. Dundee came close to scoring on 30 monutes when Cameron Congreve cut in from the left and his 20 yard shot took a deflection and flicked off the top of the home crossbar. It was the only time in the whole game that Dundee came close to scoring.

Soon after Hearts got the fist goal with a well taken goal, scored by Shankland with a well placed shot. Then seven minutes later it was 2-0 when Kaboré scored,

That was the score at half-time, second half and it was mainly all Herats and it was 3-0 when Kaboré scored again. Dundee lacked the fight and struggled to contain Hearts.

They did well for 20 minutes but failed to create any clear chances, Hearts got a 4th goal to end the scoring. Magnusson forced the ball home after a corner.

Hearts deserved the win they sealed the game with two quick goals. Next up for the Dark Blues is Rangers at home.

Dundee: McCracken, Astley, Clark Robertson, Koumetio, Wright, Digby (Jones 61) Hamilton,   Samuels, Congreve (Reilly 81), Murray (c) (Hay 81), Westley (Yogane 61). Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk), Ingram, Acquah, Fin Robertson, Graham.

Referee:Kevin Clancy.

Att: 18, 767

Fife Dark Blues Meeting Photos

 

Aaron Donnelly was special guest at the Andy Penman Fife Dark Blues meeting last night. He joined for a Q & A which was hosted by Peter Campbell who asked Arron about his past football career and his favourites from food, playing football, his favourite team ect. It was very interesting and it was a great night. Arron posed for photos and signed photos which was great. 

Falkirk Photos

 

Falkirk 2, Dundee 1, Falkirk Stadium, William Hill Premiership, 25-October-25

Dundee started with the same lineup as their last game, which was not a surprise. Dundee started on the attack and Simon Murray had a shot blocked in the first minute.

Falkirk came into the game but never got close to the Dundee goal. Dundee looked dangerous when they attacked but the main chances were coming from set pieces.

And it was from one Dundee took the lead on 26 minutes from a corner. Cameron Congreve flighted the ball to the near post and Clark Robertson had lost his marker to head into the bottom corner from five yards.

Dundee were the better team until half-time and could have had a penalty when Ethan Hamilton was fouled in the box. Hamilton was booked and after a VAR chack he stood by the booking. For me it looked a stonewall penalty and could have reduced the Bairns to 10 men.

Falkirk came out second half and looked more positive in attack. Miller should have scored when he had a chance but he hit the top of the bar, after a careless pass from McCracken.

Falkirk now had some serious momentum. They kept attacking and equalised after 55 minutes. A deep cross found Ethan Williams beyond the far post and his fierce low cross shot struck Clark Robertson and flew into the net. 

Then McCracken made a couple of good saves to keep Dundee in the game.

After a tough 20 minutes in which the Dark Blues rode their luck they managed to calm the game down following some well judged substitutions. Emile Acquah, Yan Dhanda, Callum Jones and Tony Yogane came on for Simon Murray, Cameron Congreve, Paul Digby and Joe Westley. Dundee were now able to exercise some level of control in midfield and get forward more.

Dundee looked more likely to score a late winner, but it was Falkirk who got it. The got the break of the ball and Allan was able to run all the way into the box to score. For Dundee it was very poor defending and it cost the club two vital points.

Next up is the trip to Tynecastle to face high flying Hearts.

Dundee: McCracken, Astley, Clark Robertson, Graham, Wright, Digby (Jones 70), Hamilton, Samuels,Congreve (Yogane 70), Murray (c) (Acquah 67), Westley (Dhanda 70). Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk),  Ingram, Donnelly, Fin Robertson, Hay.

Referee: Ross Hardie

Att: 7,652

Celtic Photo

 

Dundee 2 Celtic 0, Dens Park, William Hill Premiership, 19-October-25

Both teams had to wait around 3-4 minutes after the game was delayed after the away support threw balls on to the pitch. After it was cleared the game got underway.

Dundee made two changes when Paul Digby and Drey Wright came in for Yan Dhanda and Finlay Robertson, also Dundee played 5 at the back.

Dundee started well and attacked from the off, which was good to see. They could have scored on 10 minutes when Westley was the unlucky when the ball fell not too kindly.

Cameron Congreve put in a dangerous cross which was missed by Murray and Westley. The Dark Blues were ultimately rewarded for their persistence. Congreve’s corner delivery into the Celtic box was met by Clark Robertson , whose fine guided header into the bottom left corner gave Dundee a well-deserved lead in the 18th minute.

Celtic hit back but Tierney put the ball wide of the post when in a good position. Celtic did push Dundee back a bit, but they failed to posed the Dundee defence any problems. Ethan Hamilton had a shot after a good run.

As the first half drew to a close, the Dark Blues launched into another fantastic counterattack. Drey Wright won the ball back outside of the Dundee box, allowing midfield-engine Hamilton to lead a break. A good ball released Congreve on the right-hand side, whose driven cross met the feet of Westley, who shot was turned in by Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers and sent Dens Park into jubilation.

Second half and as expected Celtic pushed for a goal to get back into the game. Dundee defended well and hit on the break with good pace and passing movements. 

Ash Hay headed just wide of the post after he had replaced Simon Murray early in the second half. 

Celtic were awarded a penalty after the ball hit Digbys arm in the box, after a VAr check it was ruled out as the ball had hit Digby's face and it was ruled out by the Referee. It was a big bonus for Dundee, they kept at it and they all worked hard. 

As the game came to an end it took a great save from Jon McCracken to deny Celtic a certain goal he tipped ball over the bar.

As the final whistle blew it was very happy Dundee fans who went home with big smiles on their faces. Next up is Falkirk away next Saturday.

Dundee: McCracken, Wright (Ingram 86’), Astley, Clark Robertson, Graham, Samuels, Digby, Hamilton, Congreve, Murray (c) (Hay 57’), Westley (F. Robertson 75’). Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk),  Donnelly, Acquah, Yogane, Dhanda, Jones

Referee:  Matthew Macdermid. 

Att: 8,318

U21 Photos

 

Scotland U21 12, Gilbralter 0, Dens Park, European Championship Qualifier, 09-October-25

It was a lovely night for football as it was a 5pm kick-off and that was good after being at Montrose last night getting home late.

Emilio Lawrence and James Wilson both scored hat-tricks as Scotland Under-21s demolished Gibraltar 12-0 in a European Championship qualifier at Dens Park.

Lawrence opened the scoring for Scot Gemmill's side after just three minutes, opening the floodgates.

The Manchester City youngster struck again before half-time, with an own-goal from Kevan Gonzalez and further strikes from Dire Mebude, Kyle Ure and two from Wilson putting Scotland seven up at the break.

Five of those seven goals came in a remarkable seven-minute spell as Gibraltar crumbled defensively.

The game followed a similarly one-sided pattern in the second half.

Wilson scored his third just after the restart before Lawrence struck twice more to take Scotland to double figures on the hour mark.

Miller Thomson and Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen completed the scoring as the Scots secured their first win and first points of their qualifying campaign after defeats by Czech Republic and Portugal.

Some wonderful goals tonight and it was good to see Luke Graham playing for Scotland U21's.

Montrose Photos

 

Montrose 0, Dundee 2, Links Park, Graham Webster Testimonial, 08-October-25

Dundee beat Montrose 2-0 in Graham Webster’s testimonial at Links Park this evening. Charlie Reilly’s fine finish gave the Dee a half time lead, and Ethan Crombie scored the second midway through the second half. The Dark Blues fielded different teams for the first hour and the last 30 minutes, with eight substitutions after an hour.

The Dee squad was a mixture of youngsers and first team players who have been mainly on the bench lately. Emile Acquah and Aaron Donnelly were unavailable through illness. 

Dundee started the game well and had control of most of the first half. They forced a few corners and nearly scored from good quick moves, and the Montrose keeper done well to push a shot round the post.

But Dundee took the lead when Hay won the ball from a dithering defence near the edge of the Montrose penalty and passed sideways for Charlie Reilly to score with a precise low shot from 18 yards.

Harry Sharp had come on for Kieran O’Hara in goal at half time.

Dundee continuted to be the better side and this was the same up to an hour when Dundee made eight changes. 

It took only two minutes for the newcomers to claim the second goal. The Dark Blues launched a good attack down the right. Yan Dhanda played a clever backheel to send Ethan Crombie to the byline in the penalty area. The young midfielder smashed a low cross to the near post. Keeper Matthews managed to beat it out and into the air, but Ethan Crombie reactedd quickly and followed up to send a header looping over the stranded keeper and under the bar.

The testimonial crowd should have been treated to further goals as we saw close things at either end. Harry Sharp had to scramble the ball away from Blair Lyons almost on the goal line as the Gable Endies’ striker pressed.

After 80 minutes Montrose won a corner and Dundee managed to clear. However, the referee had spotted an infringement in the goalmouth and awarded a penalty. 

Of course Graham Webster stepped up to take the penalty but Harry Sharp played the pantomime villain by pulling off a tremendous full length save. That wasn’t quite the script and the home fans certainly let Harry know it!

Right at the end Graham Webster was substituted to a standing ovation. It was timed so perfectly that there was no time for anyone to come on as a replacement and the referee blew the final whistle as he left the pitch.

After the game Graham Webster made a short and gracious speech, playing tribute to the club he has served so well, and his teammates, and also thanking Dundee for coming to Links Park and taking the game seriously. 

Dundee: O’Hara (Sharp at half time), Ingram, Galabov, Davies-Browne, Oosenburgh, Digby, Jones, Yogane, Reilly, Hay, Hunter

Dundee  (from 62nd minute)  Sharp, Ingram, Astley, Davies-Browne, Fin Robertson, Crombie, Hamilton, Mitchell, Samuels, Dhanda, Westley.

Aberdeen 4, Dundee 0, Pittodrie, William Hill Premiership, 5th October 2025

Dundee made two changes to the Dee starting eleven. Simon Murray was available after illness and Yan Dhanda returned from supension. They took the place of Drey Wright and Ash Hay, who were on the subs bench.

Cameron Congreve had a shot at goal in the 2nd minute which was saved. That was as good as it got for Dundee. 

Dundee could have lost two goals after this, but Aberdeen scored three first half goals to finish the game. Dundee struggled for the rest of the game. 

Aberdeen scored the 4th goal on 63 minutes and they could have scored more after this. For Dundee today they were not at the races and they have to back on track before the Celtic game at Dens.

I missed the game due to work so will go to Montrose on Wednesday to see the game.

Dundee: McCracken, Astley, Clark Robertson (c), Graham, Samuels, Finlay Robertson (Jones 80),  Hamilton (Digby 89), Congreve, Dhanda (Reilly 80), Westley (Hay 62), Murray (c) (Acquah 62)

Unused Subs: O’Hara (gk), Donnelly, Wright, Yogane.

Referee: Don Robertson.

Att: 16,525

St Mirren Photos