Dundee 3 Aberdeen 2, Dens Park, Cis Cup, 22/September/09

Aberdeen started the game brightly, and forced Dundee back. We struggled in the first 20 mins or so. But started to come into and were knocking the ball about nicely. Rab Douglas in the Dundee goal had a busy enough time dealing with crosses and having punched one clear from another Aberdeen corner in the 25th minute, he landed awkwardly and immediately signalled to his bench and was replaced by Tony Bullock.It was the only real blow to Dundee in that opening 45 minutes that saw two penalty claims waved aside by the referee of the moment, Steve Conroy. The first was in the ninth minute when Craig Forsyth went down in the box, the second, at the other end, in the 31st minute, when Peter Pawlett crumbled when being challenged by David Cowan.Aberdeen had not conceded a goal since losing to Celtic over a month ago but Dundee ended that run, making the most of a great delivery as well as some poor Aberdeen defending. Gary Harkins' 39th minute corner was whipped across to the back post and Eddie Malone was able to rise well above his markers to head the ball down and past Jamie Langfield in the visitors' goal.Dundee were beginning to get under Aberdeen's skin but if they had been itching to get a second goal before the interval, they had a full-blown rash of chances after it. Their pace and movement were a constant trauma for the SPL defence and having been breached once, they looked more and more likely to cave again. The second half wasn't even 60 seconds old when Charlie Mulgrew and Langfield had to combine to smother the threat posed by McMenamin, while Harkins free-kick two minutes later was only just off target.It seemed that every Dundee pass out of midfield was slicing open the Aberdeen rearguard and willing runners such as McMenamin, Sean Higgins and Forsyth were delighted to get on the receiving end. McMenamin did exactly that in the 49th minute but with three Aberdeen defenders chasing in his wake and Langfield diving at his feet, he flicked the ball just wide of the post.The second goal did come in the 55th minute, though. Harkins ball cut through the defence and while McMenamin's first touch was poor, he showed the presence of mind to dink a cheeky back heel across the area to Forsyth and he drilled it into the roof of the net.McGhee reacted immediately, sending on both Chris Maguire and Michael Paton and it soon paid off. The latter got a goal back in the 62nd minute, sneaking the ball in at the near post from Mulgrew's corner and he added a second from a Miller lay-off with 88 minutes gone to take the match to extra time. I was a wee bit worried about extra-time, but we settle down and played some great football. And young striker Leigh Griffiths scored the winner, when he hit a right-footed screamer on the turn, after Jamie langfield dropped a cross. A great goal and Dundee went into the second period full of confiedence. Apart from one good save Tony Bullock had little to do, and Griffiths could have scored again with a header which skimmed the bar. Final whistle and we look forward to the 1/4 tie hopefully a home tie.

Dundee: Douglas (Bullock 26), Paton, MacKenzie, Cowan, Malone, Forsyth, Klimpl, Kerr, Higgins (Griffiths 74), McMenamin (Clarke 98), Harkins. Subs not used: Casement, McHale.

Queen of the South 2 Dundee 0, Palmerstone Park, First Division,19/September/09.

Dundee fell to their first League defeat of the season, they gave away a penalty after only 5 mins, when Tony Bulloch was shown a red card for pulling down David Weatherston and Tosh blazed the spot kick beyond substitute Rab Douglas. Dundee battlre away and had three great chances, with Leigh Griffiths and Craig Forsyth missing one on ones with the keeper. But Queens sealed the game when Holmes netted from close range. Despite the defeat this was a good enough performance to pick up points.
Dundee: Bullock, Paton, Malone, MacKenzie, Cowan, Klimpl, McHale (Forsyth 72), Cameron (Douglas 5), Harkins, Griffiths (Higgins 61), McMenamin. Subs Not Used: Casement, Kerr.
Att: 2,875
Ref: T Robertson

Latest From Dens Park

It looks like Rab Douglas will be fully fit for the trip to Dunfries on Saturday. Reports suggest that he will go back in to the first team. Tony Bulloch as done really well in the last two games, and proves to be really good backup. But the decision is now left to Jocky Scott who gets the nod on Saturday. Meanwhile it was good that DFC fans raised money last Sunday on the MacMillan zipline, I would have done it but again work came in the way. Read more from the link below:
http://www.thedees.co.uk/news_detail.asp?ID=2894

Dundee 1 Dunfermline Ath 0, Dens Park, First Division, 12/Sep/09

A 38th-minute penalty from Gary Harkins proved enough for Dundee as they gained a much-needed victory over the Pars. The visitors gave away a needless penalty when goalkeeper Greg Fleming dived in on Colin McMenamin. Harkins kept a cool head, slotting the spot-kick past Fleming, to claim 3 vital points. Dundee's win lifts them back into second place but the First Division favourites failed to put on a convincing performance.
Dundee: Bullock, Paton, Malone, Klimpl (Cameron 87), MacKenzie, Lauchlan (Cowan 72), McHale, Kerr, Griffiths (Higgins 85), McMenamin, Harkins.Subs Not Used: Douglas, Clarke.
Att: 5,326
Ref: Craig Thomson
I missed the last two games, so can't say how we played, but by reports says that we defended well, and good Gary McKenzie had a good game. As it will be a much needed boost.

Stirling Albion 1 Dundee 2, Forthbank Stadium, Alba Cup 1/4 Final,

Dundee striker Leigh Griffiths scored twice as the First Division side sealed a place in the Alba Cup semi finals. The visitors went ahead on 10 minutes when Griffiths benefited from a lucky ricochet, ran through and shot past Stirling Albion keeper Scott Christie. Griffiths scored his second after 26 minutes when he tucked away Richie Hart's cut-back from the right wing.
Albion pinned Dundee back after the break but could only manage a last-minute penalty from Stewart Devine.
Dundee: Bullock, Paton, Malone, Klimpl, MacKenzie (Forsyth 65), Benedictus (Lauchlan 25), Hart (Clarke 85), Kerr, McMenamin, Griffiths, Harkins. Subs Not Used: Geddes, Young.
Att: 1,277

Dundee Sign Maros Klimpl ..

Dundee have signed Slovakian international Maros Klimpl on a three-year deal. The 28-year-old spent last season on loan with Motherwell from Danish club Danish club FC Midtjylland. He has since been released from the final year of his Midtjylland contract and had been on trial at Cardiff City. Klimpl arrived at Motherwell as a centre-half but was converted to a holding midfield player and impressed in the role for the Steelmen. Maros also revealed that ex-dee Dusan Vrto had spoken well of the club, and so made his mind up to sign for the club.

Meanwhile Dundee striker Mickael Antoine-Curier has went on loan to Hamilton Accies until 1st of January 2010, he has fallen down the pecking order at Dens Park lately. Dundee will play Aberdeen in the next round of the Cis Cup, the game at Dens will be played on either 22/23 of September.

Airdrie United 1 Dundee 1,Excelsior Stadium, First Division, 29/August/09

Dundee again dropped 2 points for the third game in a row, but at least we did not get beat. I missed the game due to work so can only go by reports, to the game Dundee took the lead in 36 mins when Colin McMenamin picked up possession in midfield and was allowed to run forward before sending an unstoppable 20-yard shot high into Stephen Robertson's top right-hand corner.Airdrie hit back before the break when Darren Smith's cross was deflected into his own net by Jim Lauchlan.Play grew scrappy on the restart as Dundee struggled to break down a dogged Diamonds defence. Leigh Griffiths went close to finding a winner for the visitors when he forced a fine diving stop by Robertson. But Airdrie might have snatched it at the death when Smith's angled shot was saved by Tony Bullock.
Dundee: Bullock, Paton, Malone, McHale, Benedictus, Lauchlan, Cameron (Hart 68), Kerr, McMenamin, Griffiths (Higgins 76), Harkins. Subs Not Used: MacKenzie, Forsyth, Geddes.
Att: 1,516
Ref: S Nicholls

Forfar Ath 2 Dundee 4, Cis Cup, Station Park, 25/August/09

Mickael Antoine-Curier scored twice as Dundee cruised to a 4-2 win at Forfar in the Co-Operative Insurance Cup. Leigh Griffiths opened the scoring, then Antoine-Curier struck twice from close-range to make it three just after half an hour. Stephen Tulloch pulled a goal back in a crowded box shortly after the break to give the Loons some hope. Andy Tod's 67th-minute own-goal ended any hope of a comeback before Ross Campbell struck for a late consolation.
Dundee: Bullock, Casement (Kerr 80), Malone, Paton, Benedictus, Lauchlan, Cameron, Forsyth, Antoine-Curier, Griffiths, Harkins. Subs Not Used: MacKenzie, Higgins, McMenamin, Geddes.
Att: 1,929
Ref: S O'Reilly

Dundee 2 Inverness Caley Thistle 2, Dens Park, First Division, 22/August/09.

Dundee got their first test today when they played Inverness Caley Thistle, and the fans got their money's worth in a four goal thriller. Dundee started brightly and on nine minutes Sean Higgins set up Gary Harkins who cut inside his man to drill low under Ryan Esson's body from 20 yards. Inverness wasted little time in responding as they went straight up the park in search of an equaliser. Daniel Stratford cut the ball back for an unmarked Robert Eagle on 20 minutes. The former Norwich star should have netted but a brave goal-line block from Eric Paton kept the home side ahead. A minute later, Inverness were level as Sanchez sprang the offside trap and drilled the ball past Tony Bullock from ten yards. The scoring was never going to end there, though, and Dundee restored their advantage on 29 minutes. Colin McMenamin broke clear on the edge of the penalty box and saw his drive blocked by Grant Munro. However, McMenamin pounced on the rebound to cross for Harkins and he volleyed home his second strike of the afternoon. Again, though, Dundee lost their lead as Richie Foran cut the ball back for Cox to drill in his second goal in three games.Dundee started the second half brightest and Paul McHale was unlucky to see his 25-yard effort go over the top. Harkins then tried to complete his hat-trick on 62 minutes but his bending free-kick went over the top. However, as the game wore on, it was Inverness who seemed the more likely side and would have done but for some brave goalkeeping from Bullock. Cox had a golden opportunity to carve out the winner on 70 minutes as he picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and with only Bullock to beat seemed a cert to score, but the keeper parried. Sanchez followed up with the rebound only to fire a tame effort wide. Moments later, Sanchez was again found wanting as he took a fresh-air swipe at a Foran pass with the goal at his mercy. And in the final moments, Harkins cracked the post with a free kick to leave the game tied at 2-2.

Dundee: Bullock, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, Lauchlan, Hart (Cameron 78), Kerr, McMenamin, Higgins (Griffiths 67), Harkins. Subs Not Used: A Trialist, Casement, Antoine-Curier.
Att: 5,507
Ref: M Tumilty

My MoM was Gary Harkins who was different class, again we lost bad goals and we must tighten up at the back.

Cowdenbeath 0 Dundee 3, Central Park, Alba Cup, 18/August/09

Dundee went into the next round of the Alba Cup with a comfy 3-0 win over Cowdenbeath. In a poor first half they lead when Leigh Griffiths scored from a McHale cross in 20 mins. The 3-5-2 formation did not work and was changed at half-time, but just before that Antoine-Curier was unlucky not to scored but he could not finish from a tight angle after going round the keeper, put clear by a great Griffiths pass. Second half and it was back to 4-4-2, and it worked well with Griffiths in great form, and so unlucky in not adding to his tally. First the Cowden keeper made a great one handed save, and from the rebound his shot was cleared off the line. Then he hit the post with a powerfull strike, Sparky went off after 70 min with McMenamin coming on. Gary Harkins came on as well just before replacing Paul McHale, and it was Harkins who made it 2-0 with a sizzling 30 yard strike with gave the keeper no chance. Cowdenbeath still tried to play football and came forward to press Dundee. But in a flowing move a piece of majic from Gary Harkins..looking one way the passing the ball inside the other way which let Cowan cross and Antoine-Curier netted with a header to make the final score 3-0. A good enough workout, but not a great performance with Brian Kerr and Leigh Griffiths were Dundees best players on the night.
Dundee: Bullock, Cowan, Benedictus, Lauchlan, Forsyth, Casement, McHale (Harkins 66), Cameron, Kerr, Antoine-Curier, Griffiths (McMenamin 70). Subs Not Used: Geddes, Rennie, Timmons.
Att: 457
Ref: G Salmond

My MOM goes to Leigh Griffiths who is getting close to his match fitness and sharpness.

Raith Rovers 2 Dundee 2, Starks Park, First Division, 15/August/09.

Dundee started brightly and took the lead after just 5 mins, Gary Harkins beat three men and was fouled in the box, he took the kick himself to score and send the hugh Dundee support wild with celebration. After this the game swung from one end to the other, with Raith giving as good as they got. They did draw level when a cross from Smith completed caught Dundee's defence out and Williamson scored at the back post, Dundee seemed now to have fallen out of the game, and Raith scored again just before half time. This time a corner was headed back across goal, somehow Tade missed the ball, but Dundee failed to clear and Ellis netted from six yards. Second half and Dundee came out and straight away looked a different team, they created some great chance and one bit of skill from Harkin's when he chipped the keeper, it came off the bar and somehow Colin McMenamin misses from a few yards out. But Dundee scored in 73 minutes when a long throw from keeper Bullock with sent Harkins clear down the wing , and he found McMenamin who scored with a great finish. the game now at 2-2 and Dundee pushed again and Gary McKenzie just failed to net from a few yards out. Rovers were still dangerous on the break, and it was a good end to end game of football.

Dundee: Bullock, Paton, Malone, McHale (Forsyth 84), MacKenzie, Lauchlan, Hart (Kerr 62), Cameron, McMenamin, Higgins (Griffiths 67), Harkins. Subs Not Used: Cowan, A Trialist.
Att: 4,744
Ref: C Richmond

My MoM goes to Gary Harkins, his skill and passing are a joy to watch, and he will get better as the team gels. Next stop is Cowdenbeath on Tuesday night in the Alba Cup Kick-off 19:30.

Dundee 1 Morton 0, Dens Park, Division One, 08/August/09.

A big crowd is inside Dens for the opening game against Morton, the game got underway and Dundee nearly got off to the perfect start when striker Colin McMenamin turning swiftly to fire in a snap-shot which keeper Bryn Halliwell did well to smother.It was never going to be easy and they faced the kind of obdurate opposition some would rather avoid at this stage.Peter Weatherson's flashing header as the first half simmered along proved that, with deputy Dark Blues keeper Tony Bullock relieved to see it flashing wide from Stevie Masterton's whipped corner.Then Jim Lauchlan was yellow-carded for rather crudely pulling back Weatherson before defensive partner Gary MacKenzie joined him in the referee's book for tripping Jim McAllister.McMenamin had another opportunity within minutes of the restart. Richie Hart's cross was near-perfect but despite his best efforts he couldn't connect at the far post.Sean Higgins, another close-season recruit, was denied by the outstretched hand of Halliwell in 55 minutes when you sensed a breakthrough wasn't far away.That arose in 56 minutes. Harkins' precise pass found Paul McHale whose centre picked out Higgins for him to cutely tuck the ball into the far corner of the net.The sense of relief simply spread. Scott's sides have never been known to go for the jugular although they did have openings in which they could have extended their lead, notably substitute Griffith's header from Harkins' angled cross going just a matter of inches wide before the end. Gary Harkins also hit the post after beating 4 men, he looks a great player and the steal of the season on this form.

Dundee: Bullock, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, Lauchlan, Hart, Cameron (Kerr 75), McMenamin (Griffiths 68), Higgins, Harkins (Forsyth 87). Subs Not Used: A Trialist, Casement.
Att: 5,449
Ref: C Boyle

Good win for Dundee, and sets up the visit to Raith Rovers on Saturday, Gary Harkins was my MOM.

Lastest From Dens Park...

Colin Cameron has signed a new 1 year deal, after proving his fitness to manager Jocky Scott, Cameron’s deal will not be the last of the business done at Dens, with the manager keen to add two new defenders. Scott is in talks with a left-back and a centre-half. Its looks like Rab Douglas will miss the game v Morton, but Eric Paton should be fit. Really looking forward to today's game and the season in general.

Dundee 3 Royal Antwerp 3, Dens Park, Friendly, 03/August/09

Dundee lost a bad goal after just six minutes as a simple pass from Emmanuel Kenmogne, in behind Jim Lauchlan, released midfielder Marcos Roberto Rocha to lift the ball over the diving Tony Bullock and into an empty net. Front man Leigh Griffiths missed an opportunity to level when shooting straight at keeper Vincent van Trier while Gary MacKenzie looked to have equalised when powering in a header from Brian Kerr’s corner only for Bas Vervaeke to clear off the line as the Dark Blues pushed for parity. They really ought to have achieved it midway through the first-half when Mickael Antoine-Curier did well to steer the ball low across goal, taking out van Trier in the process. But with the goal at his mercy, Craig Forsyth, arriving just beyond the far post crashed his finish off the upright. Forsyth quickly made amends though, picking out Griffiths with a superb low cross that the former Livingston striker fired into the roof of the net. Antwerp, somewhat against the run of play, got their noses back in front on 31 minutes when Matthias Trenson finished off a fine overlapping run by picking out Darko Pivaljevic who rose above Forsyth and headed home via the inside of the post. But Dundee squared again within three minutes after Antoine-Curier, off a Gary Harkins feed, finally forced the ball home after his initial close-range finish came back off the woodwork. 2-2 at half-time it was a very lively friendly, with plenty goal mouth action.However the second half did not match , until the last 15 mins or so. Another terrific Forsyth delivery should have resulted in the Dark Blues taking the lead for the first time in the game but Antoine-Curier somehow failed to apply the neccessary finish. And Griffiths was thwarted by a decent block from Van Trier.
However, Antwerp always offered a threat and on 82 minutes Emmanuel Kenmogne poked a Geoffry Hairemans cross past Bullock. With a minute to go, though, substitute McMenamin slotted the ball past van Trier to save his side from defeat. A great move and right at the death only a terrific save from the Belgian keeper prevented Colin Cameron from snatching a victory.
Dundee:Bullock, Casement (Cowan 74), Malone (McMenamin 80), Kerr, MacKenzie, Lauchlan (Benedictus 65), Forsyth, Young(Cameron 87), Curier, Griffiths (Clarke 74), Harkins (Hart 46). Subs:Geddes, Higgins.
Att: 1,426
Referee:Matt Northcroft.

My MOM goes to Leigh Griffiths, he looks such a huge talent, and will score goals with his pace , movement and teamwork. The future looks good and really looking forward to this Saturday's game v Morton at Dens. Also a mention for The Antwerp fans, who backed their team well, hope they had a good time in Dundee. Heard some made Fat Sam's...

Dundee 5 Stranraer 0, Dens Park, Cis Cup, 01/August/09.

Dundee won 5-0 with goals from Sean Higgins(23),Gary Harkins(29), a double from Colin McMenamin(47+57) and a penalty from Leigh Griffiths(67). By reports Gary Harkins was outstanding..
Dundee: Bullock, Paton (Casement 49), Malone, McHale, Benedictus, Lauchlan, Hart, Cameron (Kerr 68), Higgins, McMenamin (Griffiths 55), Harkins. Subs Not Used: Forsyth, Geddes.
Attendance: 2,345
Referee: W Collum
Match report below..
http://www.thedees.co.uk/news_detail.asp?ID=2805

Forfar Ath 0 Dundee 1, Station Park, Friendly, 28/July/09.

Dundee won 1-0 at Forfar thanks to a Gary Harkins goal in the 75th minute, the midfielder scored from a free kick. Match report : http://www.thedees.co.uk/news_detail.asp?ID=2799 I missed the two last games due to work.

Arbroath 1 Dundee 1, Gayfield, Friendly, 27/July/09.

Dundee were held to a 1-1 draw against Arbroath at Gayfield last night. Paul Lunan gave the Lichties the lead after 63 minutes.However, their advantage was short-lived as Mikael Antoine-Curier netted for the visitors shortly after and despite some heavy pressure Arbroath hung on for a deserved draw.
Dundee: Bullock, Casement, Forsyth, McHale, Benedictus, Lauchlan (Timmons), Hart, Paton, Higgins, Cameron, Curier. Subs not used: Gray, Stark, Webster, Geddes.

Match report : http://www.thedees.co.uk/news_detail.asp?ID=2796 Meanwhile striker Bryan Deasley has went out on loan to Forfar for the rest of the season.

Dundee 1 Aberdeen 1, Dens Park, Friendly, 25/July/09.

Aberdeen got off to a belter of a start. Pace is the one thing the Pittodrie boss says the current squad has in abundance, so it was fitting that they were so quick off the mark. Only 13 seconds had elapsed when Stuart Duff played in Sone Aluko and he slotted the ball beyond Rab Douglas.If it was a bright start, it was also a bit of a false dawn. The game didn't exactly fizz into a frenzy. As is so often the case at such an embryonic stage of the season the play struggled to find any kind of urgency and a European tie seemed a million miles away. Dundee played their way back into it, putting the Aberdeen defence under pressure in the 21st minute. Andrew Considine could not get the ball cleared and having obstructed all-comers as he sought a lifetime to clear from the edge of his own box was eventually penalised, the referee awarding an indirect free-kick on the perimeter of the 18-yard box. Richie Hart touched it into the path of Eric Paton and he drilled it low into the bottom corner. Aberdeen had the opportunity to move ahead again a couple of minutes before half-time when Lee Miller was brought down in the box. But the striker's penalty was poor and Douglas saved.The second half started with Dundee manager Jocky Scott demonstrating the strength and depth he now has after a summer of transfer activity. He made nine changes, leaving just Eddie Malone and Hart from the starting line-up, and it allowed for a little bit of history with the Young brothers lining up against each other for the first time. Derek had begun the match for Aberdeen and was marshalling the same midfield area as his brother Darren after the interval. Dundee later switched Hart for Mickael Antoine Courier, while Aberdeen also shuffled things around. Darren Mackie got to stretch his legs, while Faoroese defender Rogvi Holme was also given an outing along with youngsters Sammy Stewart and Scott Ross.The changes gave the home side greater impetus and what little goalmouth action that came along after the break was courtesy of the First Division side. Craig Forsyth, cutting in from wide left of the Dundee midfield, bore down on Jamie Langfield's goal but the keeper was out to cut the angle and block the shot.It is a warning for the rest of the First Division and adds credence to the Dens Park side's status as one of the early favourites for promotion. But it is also a gentle warning for Aberdeen. They have bigger things to focus on this week and will have to raise their play accordingly.

Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, McKeown, Benedictus, Hart, Kerr, McMenamin, Desley, Harkins.

I thought all the new players done well, and it's great we were able to field 2 different team nearly, I'm looking forward to the new season.

Borussia Monchengladbach 2 Dundee FC 0, 22/July/09

Dundee lost 2-0 to German side Borussia Monchengladbach, manager Jocky Scott was happy with the way Dundee played. 

FC Augsburg 2 Dundee FC 0, 21/July/09

Dundee lost 2-0 to German side FC Augsburg, the game played in Austria.