Ayr United 1 Dundee 3, Somerset Park, Division One, 22-October-11

Dundee got back on track at Somerset Park on Saturday with a fine 3-1 win. Goals from Rhys Weston, Leighton McIntosh and Savo Milne sealed the points. Matt Lockwood missed a first half penalty, but by reports Dundee were well in control of the game.

Next up is Partick Thistle at Dens on saturday lets hope the team can carry on and win their next two games. It will kick start our season again as our away record is good so far.

I missed the game due to work but was happy when the goals went in.

Gavin Rae and Other Subs warm up

Dundee 1 Ross County 2, Dens Park, Division One, 15-October-11

Dundee again failed to win at home in fact that's three defeats at home this season. The team do need the support of the fans to kick start their season. The final product is missing just now and goals are important if you are going to start winning games. To the game......

Team wise Graham Bayne and Ryan Conroy came into the side for Ross Chisholm, out  injured was Jamie McCluskey, with Gavin Rae having to settle for a place on the bench.
Both teams struggled to create any clear cut chances in the first 10 minutes or so, but Dundee started to put pressure on the County defence. On 24 minutes a great run from Nicky Riley and as he went pass a defenders he was fouled in the box to earn Dundee a penalty. Up stepped Matt Lockwood to sent the County keeper the wrong way to open the scoring for the home side. County came back and hit the bar, back up the other end good play from O'Donnell saw a Milne's effort cleared off the line. The staggies di level soon after good wing play from Quinn set up McMenamin who mishit shot ended up in the net from close range. That was it at half time score.

(Photo)Hope you enjoyed your Birthday Mike, I did not realize we were the same age.

Second half and Dundee struggled badly to find any fluent football with mistakes all over the pitch. midway through the half saw Gavin Rae come on for Kyle Benedictus as Dundee tried to change their style, Gavin did have a few shots at goal but both were pretty well off target. Things got worse soon after as County grabbed the winner when Rocco Quinn fired home from just outside the box to give Rab Douglas no chance.

Dundee pushed forward but apart from a late chance for sub Leighton McIntosh that was it with County happy to take the three points.

Next week we face a bottom of the league clash at Somerset Park..I just hope we can get a moral win to give everyone a real boost.

Dundee: Douglas, Benedictis (Rae 57), McGregor, McKeown, Lockwood, Riley, O'Donnell, Irvine, Conroy, Bayne (Mcintosh 65), Milne. Subs Not Used: Gibson, Chisholm, Weston.

Att: 4,030

Ref: S.Finnie

Dundee Sign Gavin Rae

Dundee have signed  ex midfielder Gavin Rae on a deal until the end of the year. He last played for Cardiff City and will be a great signing for the club. Gavin started his career at Dens and I remember seeing Gav play at Love Street the old home of St Mirren early in his career, and who can forget his last minute winner at Ibrox what a day that was. Welcome back to Dens Gavin.

New book out soon

A new book will come out at the end of October looking back on last season's battle for survival. A must for all dark blue fans. You can pre order at Dundee Direct link Here

It's looking a stunning book and will bring back many great memories.

Blast From The Past

I found this while clearing out some stuff...............Dated October 2001

photos from Dunfries

 

Queen of the South 0 Dundee 0, Palmerstone Park, Division One, 01/October/11

Dundee started with the same line up that faced Hamilton last week, so no starting place for young striker Leighton McIntosh. Fellow striker Graham Bayne was also on the bench.

In what was a slow start by both sides in the goal mouth action was restricted to shots from the edge of the box. Dundee's best effort was a Nicky Riley shot which the keeper turned round the post. Most of what Rab Douglas had to deal with was cross balls and the odd long range effort. That was the tale of the first half with at least the chips and curry sauce went down a treat.

Second half and much the same vein with both sides struggling to break each other down and find that clear cut chance. Manager Barry Smith did make changes with Jamie McCluskey and Ross Chisholm being replaced by Graham Bayne and Ryan Conroy. Later on Leighton Mcintosh came on for Savo Milne. They did force a couple of  corners near the end, one on which Conroy was unlucky with a shot what looked like the keeper saved but the Referee disagreed.

So 0-0 it ended with a point enough to move us from the bottom of the table. We need a free scoring striker and a big central midfielder easy saying.... not so easy getting them in.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, McKeown, McGregor, Lockwood, Benedictis, O'Donnell, Chisholm (Conroy 63), Riley, Milne (Mcintosh 86), McCluskey (Bayne 63). Subs Not Used: Gibson, Weston.

Att: 1,649

Ref: Mike Tumilty

Latest News From Dens

Rumour has it Craig Dargo is training with the club, time will tell if it is true or not.

Sadly it looks like Neil McCann's career could be over after suffering a injury while training with Partick Thistle.

Young striker Leighton McIntosh will return to the squad this week after being away with Scotland. He scored against Wales last Friday with a well taken headed goal.

Photos from Hamilton game..

Dundee 0 Hamilton Accies 1, Dens Park, Division One, 24-September-11

Dundee lost their second home league game of the season to Hamilton Accies who scored the only goal midway through the second half. Dundee had Stephen O'Donnell back after suspension with Jamie McCluskey and Nicky Riley playing out wide on the flanks. Also trialist midfielder Steve Masterton was on the bench.

Dundee started brightly with Hamilton happy to hit on the break, most of our chances fell to Savo Milne but he only trouble the Hamilton keeper once when he pushed the strikers shot round the post.

Second half and Manager Barry Smith made changes with Milne going out wide with Nicky Riley going down the middle. early on and after a good run from Riley he set up O'Donnell who hit the post with a fine shot a bit of luck and it would have went in. Then Benedictus headed over when in a good position, as Dundee pushed for the opening goal. Dundee also had chances when McCluskey and Riley both failed to hit the target when a goal looked likely.

Against the run of play Hamilton grabbed the lead when a poor corner landed at the edge of the box the ball was put back in and the defence was sleeping to allow McLaughlin to head home. Dundee did try to step it up and put on trialist Masterton along with Weston and Conroy, but Hamilton kept it tight to run down the clock. 

Dundee will play much worse and win games, we badly need our strikers to be fit and for someone to take our chances we are creating.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, O'Donnell, McKeown, McGregor (Weston 81), Riley, Benedictis (Masterton 78), Milne, Chisholm (Conroy 84), McCluskey. Subs Not Used: Gibson, Webster.

Att: 4,186

Ref: B.Madden

Photos From Falkirk

 

Falkirk 2 Dundee 1, New Falkirk Stadium, Division One, 17-September-11

Dundee had Stephen O'Donnell out suspended from last week's game at Raith Rovers. With Kyle Benedictus and Neil McGregor keeping their places.

Dundee started slowly with Falkirk being the better side but they did not trouble Rab Douglas much. As the first half went on Dundee took control of the midfield. But with a minute to go Dundee took the lead a fine ball put Nicky Riley clear and his shot was pushed out by the bairns keeper to fall kindly to Savo Milne to sweep the ball home from 12 yards.

Second half and on Dundee's first attack it should have been 2-0 when Graham Bayne some how hit the woodwork from close in. Now Dundee were playing some fine passing football and they pushed Falkirk back. A neat move put Nicky Riley through but the keeper made a fine save. Then a Neil McGregor header was cleared off the line.

 

Then out of nothing a long hopeful ball fell to Weatherstone who shot past Douglas via a post, worse was to follow and the bairns grapped what proved to be the winner El Allagui scored with a header, in the build up it did look like Rab Douglas was fouled. Dundee did have a late chance but the Falkirk keeper saved well from McGregor's shot.

A good game but 3 points dropped as Dundee had enough chances to finish the hosts off long before the end.

Dundee: Douglas, Benedictis, McKeown, McGregor (Weston 85), Lockwood, Riley, Irvine, Chisholm (McCluskey 88), Conroy, Bayne, Milne. Subs Not Used: Gibson, Hyde, McIntosh.

Att: 3,576

Ref: S McLean

Raith Rovers 0 Dundee 1 , Starks Park, Division One, 10/September/11

Team news Rhys Weston misses out due to a hamstring injury, Neil McGregor comes along withKyle Benedictus with Gary Irvine moving into midfield. Stephen O'Donnell is captain today.

 

Dundee started well and created a few chances and could have had a penalty when Milne looked to be fouled. Stephen O'Donnell picked up a yellow card for a wild kind of tackle. But worse was to follow when he got sent off for leading with his elbow, it did look a bit harsh as the Raith defender got up as soon as the yellow card came out of the ref's pocket. Manager Barry Smith took Conroy off  with Ross Chisholm coming on. Savo Milne was pushed wide on the left.

This did help the home team and they pushed Dundee back and Rab Douglas had to cracking saves to deny the fife men. It ended 0-0 at half time so it will give Dundee time to sort things out.

Second half and Matt Lockwood did not appear replaced by Jamie McCluskey, with Irvine moving back to full back. The defence looked solid and Neil McGregor had a fine game making some great blocks. Rovers kind of ran out of ideas with just long hopeful punts into the box. Dundee didn't create much either and Riley did get clear to set up Bayne but the striker was too slow to react.

But with 4 minutes to go good wing play from Riley who won a corner taken by McCluskey the ball fell on the edge of the box for Nicky Riley who beat his man to score with a powerful drive to leave the Rovers keeper helpless to spark wild celebrating on the pitch and in the away stand. Dundee held on with ease to collect the three very vital points.
Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, O'Donnell, McKeown, McGregor, Riley, Benedictus, Bayne, Milne, Conroy. Subs: Chisholm, McCluskey, Hyde, McIntosh, Gibson.

Att: 2, 459

Ref: C. Allan

Latest News From Dens

Dundee beat Brechin City 2-1 at Glebe Park in a friendly last Thursday, it gave fringe players a much needed game. Goals from Neil McGregor and Craig McKeown sealed the win.

Dundee 1 Morton 1, Dens Park, Division One, 27/August/11

Dundee lost their long unbeaten record to Morton who won 1-0 at sunny Dens Park. Manager Barry Smith kept faith with the same team which started at Pittodrie on Tuesday night.

Dundee started well and forced three corners which came to nothing. Then Morton scored with their first attack Andy Jackson turned Weston inside out and his shot was saved well by Douglas but MacDonald was first to react to score from close range. A very poor goal to lose with the defence looking a bit slow at times. Dundee had a lot of the ball but it was the Greenock side who looked more dangerous on the break. Ryan Conroy should have scored but his touch let him down and the keeper managed to save at his feet.

Second half and Dundee pushed forward in search of the equaliser but they lacked the penetration to get the ball into the Morton box quickly. McKeown forced a good save from Stewart, but now Morton were happy to sit back and protect their lead. Dundee did have some late chances with Irvine unlucky with a run into the box with the Ton keeper saving the defenders two shot. Hyde and McIntosh were on by this time and Leighton had a great chance late on but his mishit shot came off the keepers leg.

Another poor performance with the whole team struggling a wee bit. I hope the fans keep backing them as they will work hard to get their season going again.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, McKeown, Weston, Lockwood, Riley (McCluskey 73), O'Donnell, Chisholm (Mcintosh 81), Conroy, Bayne (Hyde 61), Milne. Subs Not Used: Gibson, McGregor.

Att: 4,096

Ref: Frank McDermott

Two Game Update...

Aberdeen 1 Dundee 0, Pittordrie, League Cup, 23/August/11

Dundee lost 1-0 at Pittodrie when a Darren Mackie goals on 16 minutes won it for the Dons. By match reports Dundee struggled in the first 30 minutes, but after that they create chances the best falling to Stephen O'Donnell but his side foot effort was saved. Second half they pushed the Dons back but could not find the vital goal.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, McKeown, Weston, Riley, Chisholm, O'Donnell, Bayne (Hyde 70), Milne, Conroy. Unused Subs: Gibson, McGregor, McCluskey, McIntosh.

Ref: McKendrick

Att: 5,722

Livingston 4 Dundee 2, Almondvale, First Division, 20/August/11

Dundee lost 4-2 at newly promoted Livingston they were 2-0 up inside 13 mins thanks to goals from Russell and Deuchar. On 59 minutes Deucher got his second to make it 3-0. Dundee pulled one back when Irvine headed home Riley's cross, then 4 minutes later Livi keeper McNeil fumbled into his own net to make it 3-2. But Jacobs scored in the last minute to seal the points.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, McKeown, Weston (Hyde 85), Lockwood, Riley, Chisholm (Conroy 62), O'Donnell, McCluskey, Bayne, Milne. Subs Not Used: Gibson, McGregor, McIntosh.

Att: 1,966

Ref: Gary Hilland

I missed the last two games due to work and a weekend trip to Ireland for the Etape Hibernia. I hope the team can find goals soon as the new signing's take time to  gel as a team.

Some Photo's From Ayr Game

Photo's taken by Carmie Todd

Dundee 1 Ayr United 1, Dens Park, First Division, 13-August-2011

Dundee had to settle for a 1-1 draw on Saturday against new promoted Ayr United. There was a starting place for Nicky Riley, and Savo Milne started for the first time in the league.

Ayr started well and scored after 14 minutes when Moffat headed home with a free header after the Dundee defence looked flat footed. Dundee were knocking the ball about well and looked good coming forward, and forced a few corners where Ayr defended well.  Then Nicky Riley had a great chance when put through but he shot straight at the keeper and the chance was gone. Jamie McCluskey was causing all kinds of problems for Ayr's defence and it was no surprise when his shot came back of the bar Jake Hyde on on hand to tap in to level the score with 30 minutes gone.

Second half and Dundee did push Ayr back a bit, but the good balls into the box were wasted. McIntosh came on for Hyde as Dundee looked for the winning goal and Leighton should have scored but the Ayr keeper made a fine save to tip his shot onto the bar. Ayr did have have chances too, but lucky for us Rab Douglas made a couple of good saves.

So a draw in the end is not too bad, 19 months since we last lost at Dens in the League. I thought we played well first half but lack a bit of height and strength in the midfield area. Next up is Livingston away which will be a test as they have been scoring goals.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, McKeown, Weston, Riley, O'Donnell, Chisholm, McCluskey, Hyde (Mcintosh 57), Milne. Subs Not Used: Gibson, Benedictis, McGregor, Conroy.

Att: 4,686

Ref: S.O'Reilly

Falkirk 1 Dundee 0, New Brockville, Ramsden Cup, 09/August/11

Falkirk beat Dundee 1-0 in this Ramsden Cup tie thanks to a El Alagui goal on 43 minutes. The big striker slotted home Craig Sibbald's cross inside the six yard box. Dundee put a lot of effort in but could not find a goal with chances they created.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, McKeown, Weston, Lockwood, Riley, McGregor (Rennie 76), O'Donnell, Conroy (Webster 76), Hyde, McCluskey. Subs Not Used: Gibson, Benedictis, McIntosh.

Att: 1,791

Ref: Brian Winter