Perth Photos

 

St Johnstone 2, Dundee 1, McDiarmid Park, William Hill Premiership, 07-November-26

Dundee made one change to the team that started in the win over Kilmarnock was the return of Owen Bevan in the place of Joe Wright who was on the bench.

They got off to a slow start, and lost a poor goal in the 5th minute. When a cross was put in and Campbell headed home from 6 yards. It was far too easy for Perth Saints to do this.

But Dundee struggled to get going in the first 20 minutes. Gradually the Dark Blues perked up and began to take the game to Saints without ever being convincing. At last Dundee managed to hold onto the ball and build attacks. Alan Forrest had the first shot on target, but his effort did not trouble home keeper Ross Sinclair. Ethan Hamilton had a more dangerous shot after a quick turn in the penalty area, but Sinclair managed to push the ball round the post.

St Johnstone seemed to move the ball quicker than Dundee, and they nearly scored again it took a good save from Goodman to deny them. 

After such a poor first half it was no surprise that Dundee made changes at half time. Ryan Finnigan, Zan Besir, and Joe Westley came on for Callum Jones, Joe Bevan, and Bradley Fink. The changes brought an instant impact with an equaliser within two minutes of the restart.

Sinclair and Diabeté collided going for a cross and Joe Westsley took advantage to shoot home. The goal gave the Dark Blues momentum and for the next 15 minutes they threatened to take the lead.

But after this St Johnstone came back into the game, and it took a great save from Goodman who dived fully to make a one handed save to deny Cotterill from 30 yards.

But St Johnstone took the lead a long ball from Hamilton was too far ahead for Samuels and Saints got into the box, two shots were blocked. But it fell to Forthering to score to make 2-1.

At least Dundee came forward, bu mainly failed to create any clear cut chances.

Both teams had goals disallowed in the closing stages. Ryan Finnigan’s effort was chalked off for a push, and Macaulay Tait netted from an offside position.

In injury time one last chance for the Dark Blues, Westley could not direct his shot enough to score.

The game ended and overall Dundee were poor, they gave the ball away too much. Perth Saints were the better team faster going forward. Next game will be Hearts at Dens in two weeks time.

Dundee: Goodman, Drey Wright  Halliday 86), Astley, Owen Bevan, Samuels, Joe Bevan (Zan Besir at half time), Jones (Finnigan at half time), Hamilton (c), Forrest (Reilly 71), Fink (Westley at half time), Hay. Unused Subs: Sharp (gk), Odutayo, Joe Wright, Harrison.

Referee: David Dickinson

Att: 4,561