Dundee 2, Partick Thistle 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 1st- February-20

Dundee beat Partick Thistle 2-0 at Dens Park, two first half goals from Kane Hemmings sealed the points for the Dark Blues. It was a welcome boost for the club.

The only down point was the injury to Ross Callaghan which will rule the midfielder out for most of the season. I missed the game so will give the details of the game.

Dundee: Hazard, Meekings (c), Forster, Berra, Elliott, Dorrans, Callachan (Nelson 76), Byrne (Robertson 64), McDaid, McGowan, Hemmings (Crankshaw 90+2). Unused Subs: Hamilton, Field, Cameron, Strachan.

Att: 4,860

Ref:Colin Steven

Photos From Morton

Morton 1, Dundee 1, Cappielow Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 01-February-20

Dundee made five changes from the team which played at East End Park, Ollie Crankshaw made his first start, Connor Hazard was in goal, Jordan Forster and Shaun Bryne returned to the side. Christophe Berra making his debut. Jack Hamilton, Lyall Cameron and Josh Meekings returned to the bench, Paul McGowan and Jordan Marshall are out injured.

Dundee started well and came forward putting some decent crosses into the box. Graham Dorrans should have scored from six yards but somehow put his shot wide. Five minutes later it was 1-0 Dundee when a great forward ball from Berra found Kane Hemmings who controlled the ball and finished with a neat shot across the keeper from 10 yards.

Dundee kept up the pressure and looked like they would extent their lead, Morton levelled soon after Hazard made a good block save but McAlister followed up to score from eight yards.

It was end to end with both teams having chances to take the lead , but it was all square at the break. 

Second half and it was mainly Dundee on the attack and Morton were reduced to 10 men when Jacobs was sent off for a foul on McDaid. Christie Elliott came on for Ollie Crankshaw who had been booked earlier. McDaid was unlucky with a shot and Elliott fired one just wide off the post.

Dundee kept going forward but they could not break down the Morton defence. So it ended in a draw which was about fair as Dundee were a bit square at times and too slow getting the ball forward.

I enjoyed the refreshments at the game and were priced well for the fans.

Dundee: Hazard, Kerr, Forster, Berra, McGhee, Callachan, Byrne, Crankshaw (Elliott 54), Dorrans (c), McDaid, Hemmings. Unused Subs: Hamilton , Meekings, Robertson, Anderson, Cameron.

Att: 1,643

Ref: Bobby Madden

Transfer Window Update

Players In: Ross Callachan from St Johnston (Loan), Ollie Crankshaw from Wigan Ath (Loan), Connor Hazard from Celtic (Loan),Christie Elliott from Carlisle United (Loan), Christophe Berra from Hearts (Loan), Tom Field from Brentford (Loan) 

Players Out : Josh McPake (Back to Rangers), Callum Moore to Stenhousemuir (Loan), John Todd to Falkirk (Transfer), Danny Johnson to Leyton Orient (Transfer), Calum Ferrie to Falkirk (Loan) 

Dunfermline Ath 2, Dundee 0, East End Park, Ladbroks Championship, 24-January-20

Dundee lost 2-0 at Dunfermline in what was a pretty poor game for the Dark Blues. I missed the game due to work commitments.

Both goals came in the first half and although the Dark Blues were slightly better in the second half, they were well beaten on the night.

Jack Hamilton  made several good saves to keep the score down. The only bright spot on the night was new winger Ollie Crackshaw looked good when he replaced McGowan to make his debut.

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Meekings (c), McGhee, Marshall, Callachan, Dorrans, McGowan (Crankshaw 53), Cameron (Johnson at half time), McDaid, Hemmings Unused subs: Ferrie (gk), Byrne, Robertson, Strachan, Forster.

Att: 3,722

Ref: David Munro

Dundee 0, Motherwell 3, Dens Park, Scottish Cup 4th Rd, 18-January-20

Dundee made three changes to the team with McDaid, Ness and Byrne replaying Roberton and Johnson while Mackie was out injured.

Motherwell started the better in the first 15 minutes, but keeper Hamilton only had one save to make. Dundee came into the game and McDaid was unlucky with a shot. A minute later and the visitors took the lead when Long scored from a free kick it took a big deflection from Dorrans. 

Dundee tried to come back and Motherwell broke to get a second goal again Long scored with a curling shot which gave Hamilton no chance. That was the score at half time. Dundee made a change with Ross Callaghan came on for Jamie Ness to make his debut. 

Dundee started well and Hemmings hit the bar with a header. Kerr and McDaid had decent efforts but with 10 minutes to go Jack Hamilton made a mess from Long's effort e managed to fumble the ball into the net for the striker to get his hat-trick. 

So another year with out a Scottish Cup run which our record in the last 15 years or so is pretty grim reading. The crowd last night is likely the worse l have seen in near 40 years of going to Dens.  

Next up is Dunfermline on Friday which now is a massive game we must win to have any chance of getting our season going again.  

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Meekings (c), McGhee, Marshall, Ness (Callachan at half time), Byrne (Johnson 66), McGowan (Cameron 76), Dorrans, McDaid, Hemmings. Unused Subs: Ferrie, Forster, Robertson, Strachan.

Att: 2,407

Ref: Steven McLean

Dundee 0, Inverness CT 2, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 04-January-20

Dundee fielded the same team as the previous three games, and looked to close the gap on Inverness CT. They struggled from the start and looked too slow in midfield. Not a lot happened in the first 15 minutes.

However the visitors scored on 17 minutes when Rooney was able to find plenty space on the right and he found Doran who smashed the ball home from 12 yards. It was a poor goal to lose and Dundee will now have to chase the game.

Six minutes later Caley Thistle broke away to score again, Dundee failed to work a short corner, and CT broke with Keatings netting a fine strike. Another poor goal to lose and basically finished the game as a contest. Dundee continued to struggled badly for the rest of the half.

Second half and sadly it was not much better with Inverness happy to sit in and soak up any Dundee pressure. McGhee had two decent efforts and a Johnson header was touched over the bar by the keeper.

Jordan Marshall went close near the end but really Dundee got what their play deserved which was No Points...It was a big chance today to close the gap for second place and they blew big style.

There is no atmosphere at Dens these days and it's a worry with big games coming up in the next few weeks.

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Meekings , McGhee, Marshall, McGowan, Dorrans, Robertson, Mackie (Todd 61), Hemmings, Johnson (Cunningham 84) Unused Subs: Ferrie, Forster, Byrne, Moore, Cameron.

Dundee Und 1, Dundee 1, Tannadice, Ladbrokes Championship, 28-December-19

In Dundee's last game of the year they went just down the road to face city rivals United. Manager James McPake put out a unchanged side which won at Firhill last Saturday.

United scored on their first attack they got down the left side with the Dundee defence caught out. Harkes cross was flicked past the helpless Jack Hamilton by Clark to give the home side the lead.

Dundee struggled the first fifteen minutes to get forward, but soon after McGowan was unlucky when his shot was deflected for a corner. United had a couple of half chances but Hamilton saved with ease. Dundee came out the second half in a totally different mood and it took them only five minutes to level. Johnson and Hemmings cross was headed out to Graham Dorrans to smash the ball home after taking a delightful touch to set it up. It was his first goal for the club and what a strike.

This settled Dundee and minutes later Johnson hit one just off target, United were not in the game much as Dundee played some decent football. The final fifteen minutes was all Dundee but they could not grab a winner. 

A good point for Dundee which they fully deserved the players worked their socks off , and it was pleasing to see. 

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Meekings (c), McGhee, Marshall, McGowan, Dorrans, Robertson, Mackie, Hemmings, Johnson (Nelson 61) Unused Subs: Ferrie , Forster, Todd, Byrne, Moore, Mulligan.

Att:14,007

Ref: Alan Muir

I could only watch the game on TV due to my work. The shifts this year have been pretty brutal for my football. I have had to work the last three weekend, and longer shifts during the week. I look forward to seeing Dundee early in 2020.

Partick Thistle 0, Dundee 1, Firhill, Ladbrokes Championship, 21-December-19

Dundee won away at Firhill on Saturday. Going by reports it was a good performance and Manager James McPake will be happy with the three points and the clean sheet. 

The winning goal came after 32 minutes when good wing play from Kane Hemmings and his cross was swept home by Paul McGowan. Dundee should have added more goals but they were never in danger of losing any goals. 

Happy with the result and it sets it up for the Derby this  Friday night.

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Meekings (c), McGhee, Marshall, McGowan (Ness 76), Dorrans, Robertson, Mackie, Hemmings (Todd 86), Johnson (Nelson 63) Unused Subs: Ferrie , Forster, Byrne, Moore.

Att: 2,957

Ref: Bobby Madden

Dundee 4, Dunfermline 3, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 14-December-19

Dundee won a seven goal thriller at Dens Park, they started well and Dorrans was unlucky with a curling shot which brought out a superb save from the Pars keeper. 

They went ahead after Devine managed to put the ball into his own net. One minute later and it was 1-1 when Dow scored from close range. Ten minutes later and Kane Hemming's put Dundee with a headed goal, seven minutes later and it 3-1 when Paul McGowan scored with a easy tap in at the far post.

Second half and within a minute it was 4-1 when Danny Johnson scored with a fine shot after the ball fell nicely for the striker.

Then Dundee lost their way and it Dunfermline scored twice to make it a nervy finish for the dark blues. But they managed to hold for a vital three points.

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Forster, McGhee (Meekings 65), Marshall, McDaid (Byrne 53),Dorrans, McGowan (c)Hemmings, Johnson (Nelson 84) Unused Subs: Ferrie , Todd, McPake, Mackie.

Att: 4,699

Ref: Kevin Clancy

Arbroath 1, Dundee 1, Gayfield, Ladbrokes Championship, 07-December-19

After missing the last three games due to a family holiday, I had travelled back on the Thursday night leaving Manila and got back in Cupar mid afternoon on the Friday. So l was happy to be able to attend the game at Gayfield. 

I had arranged to get my ticket while on holiday and booked the Premier Inn near the train station as my Oldham mate Malc Kennedy was making a visit to Dundee. We first met in the Isle of Man while both our teams played in the 1987 Okell's Tournament and we have stayed friends ever since.

So we were picked up by my brother Dougie and my Sister in law Jo, along with Dave Cooper we headed through to Arbroath. We had a few pints before the game and time went quickly the rain had come on and it was pretty windy.

Dundee made two changes Shaun Byrne and Danny Johnson replacing Finlay Robertson and injured Jamie Ness. Dundee started well and pushed Arbroath back. But it was the hosts that looked more direct when thet attacked. Dorrans went close with a 20 yard free kick, but was the Red Lichties who took the lead Stewart found Bobby Linn with a neat pass and the striker curled the ball home to the delight of the home fans. Dundee at least got to half time only 1 nil down.

In the second half Paul McGowan replayed Shaun Byrne and Dundee looked so much better going forward and with the wind behind their backs it was just a matter of time before they would score. The goall did arrive on 60 minutes when Kane Hemmings found space and he headed home Cammy Kerr's cross to level the game.

Dundee pushed for the winner and McGowan came close with a shot, Danny Johnson also went close but took too long before get his shot in.

Arbroath should have won in the dying minutes as Bobby Linn somehow missed the goal from 12 yards. So it finished a draw, the home side deserved it for their grit in the second half. 

As for Dundee they were slightly better in the second half but they need to do it for 90 minutes in this tough league. 

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Forster, McGhee c), Mackie,Todd (Roberson 74), Byrne (McGowan 56), Dorrans, McDaid, Hemmings, Johnson. Unused Subs: Ferrie, McPake, Moore, Mulligan, Cunningham. 

Att:2,170 

Ref: Alan Newlands

After the game we enjoyed a quick beer in Tutties Neuk before heading back to Dundee for a night out on the town. 

                                                                    Photos From Arbroath

Catch Up...................

Dundee 1, Queen of the South 2, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 30-November-19

Dundee lost 2-1 at home. The damage was done by Stephen Dobbie who scored twice for the visitors. Reports say it was another poor performance from the Dark Blues. Danny Johnson scored in the 92nd minute. But a minute later Dobbie grabbed a dramatic winner for the visitors

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr 70), Forster, McGhee, Mackie, Ness (c) (Johnson 45), Robertson (Moore 69)Todd, Dorrans, McDaid, Hemmings. Unused Subs: Ferrie , Byrne, McPake, Strachan, Cunningham.

Att: 4,517

Ref: Alan Muir

Inverness CT 1, Dundee 0, Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Ladbrokes Championship, 23-November-19

Dundee lost 1-0 in the Highlands, a poor goal was their downfall. Going by reports they were very poor in the second half and got what they deserved.

Dundee: Hazard, McGhee (Kerr 70), Forster, Meekings, Mackie, Byrne (Todd 60), Dorrans, Ness, McGowan (c) (Johnson 60), Hemmings, McDaid. Unused Subs: Ferrie , McPake, Robertson, Moore.

Att: 2,184

Ref: David Munro

Dundee 0, Dundee United 2, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 08-November-19

Dundee lost 2-0 to their city rivals, in a poor game it hinged on who was going to get first goal. It game in the second half from the penalty spot. Dundee never recovered and United got a second to seal the points.

Dundee: Hazard, Kerr, McGhee, Forster, Mackie, Byrne, Dorrans, McDaid, McGowan (c) (Johnson 63), Nelson (McPake 65) Hemmings. Unused Subs: Ferrie , Ness, Meekings, Robertson, Moore.

Att: 11,233

Ref: Steven McLean

Dundee 2, Morton 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 1-November-19

Dundee won this game thanks to two second half goals from Kane Hemmings and Jamie Ness. Hemmings goal was cancelled out in the next minute when Salkelt levelled for Morton. It was not a great performance but a vital win to get the team back on track.

Dundee: Hazard, Kerr, McGhee, Forster, Marshall (Mackie 15).,Byrne, Dorrans, McDaid, McGowan (c) (Ness 75), Nelson (Johnson 67)Hemmings. Unused Subs: Ferrie , Meekings, McPake, Robertson.

Att: 4,224

Ref: Greg Aitken

Alloa Ath 0, Dundee 3, The Indodrill Stadium, Ladbrokes Championship, 29-October-19 

Dundee won this game in style with two goals from Kane Hemmings in the first half. They never looked back after scoring. Sean Mackie added a third to make it a decent away win.

Dundee: Hazard, Kerr, McGhee, Forster, Marshall, Byrne, Dorrans (Ness 82), McDaid, McGowan (c) (McPake 79), Nelson (Mackie 73) Hemmings. Unused Subs: Ferrie , Meekings, Johnson, Robertson.

Att: 1,218

Ref: Barry Cook

Photos From Trip To Ayr

Ayr United 1, Dundee 2, Somerset Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 25-October-19

Dundee won 2-1 at Ayr on Friday night in what was a fine performance from the dark blues. Team wise I was happy to see Andrew Nelson back into the starting line up. Also in was Cammy Kerr for Josh Meekings. As expected Conor Hazard made his debut in goal.

Dundee started well and Dorrans went close with a free kick, just before that Moffat went close for the honest men. Andrew Nelson had a effort saved by the Ayr keeper.

But on 16 minutes Dundee opened the scoring Declan McDaid played a one two with Nelson and smashed the ball home from 25 yards. A wonderful goal for the dens park winger.

But on 30 minutes it was 2-0 Dundee, a Dorrans free kick found Forster who's effort was saved it broke out to Paul McGowan who smash the ball home for a fine goal.

Ayr pulled one back when McCowan headed home after a fine move. So far it has been a fine game of football.

The second half was still close with Ayr failing to take their chances, the last 20 minutes Dundee looked dangerous on the break. Nelson and Hemming could have added to the score. The dark blues finished the game strongly and never looked in danger of losing.

A fine result for the dark blues , myself l had a fine day in Ayr and it was good on meeting up with some fellow dark blues after the game. 

Dundee: Hazard, Kerr, McGhee, Forster, Marshall, Byrne, Dorrans, McDaid, McGowan (c) (Todd 87), Nelson (Mackie 76), Hemmings (Johnson 83). Unused subs: Ferrie (gk), Meekings, McPake, Robertson.

Att: 1,627.

Ref: Bobby Madden. 

Dundee Sign Conor Hazard

Dundee have signed Conor Hazard on a loan deal from Celtic, after Jack Hamilton underwent surgery to have his appendix removed last week. He will goes straight into the squad for the game at Ayr on Friday.

Dundee 1, Partick Thistle 3, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 19-September-19

Dundee lost 3-1 to Partick Thistle at Dens Park on Saturday. They started the same team which beat Arbroath two weeks ago. 

Reports of the first half and Dundee were much the better side. The Jags had only one attack in the first half. Dundee scored in 25 minutes when Paul McGowan scored after a clever pass from McDaid. Dundee did have a few chances but failed to add to their lead. 

Second half was totally different when Partick made two changes at half time and it was the Maryhill side which took control of the half. 

As Dundee looked to see the game out, they got caught on the break with five minutes left. Kenny Miller scored from 12 yards.

Worse was to follow as The jags scored twice more before the end. The final result mush have left the Dundee fans shell shocked. I'm glad that l missed the game!

It's a poor result for the club and really they should do better, myself I can't see the sense of not playing two strikers as we have three decent strikers at the club. 

Also with United getting thumped 4-0 at Queen of the South it was a missed opportunity to close the gap at the top of the league. Ayr United lost as well so not a good day for the club. Next up is a trip to Somerset Park on Friday night we certainly need a win to boost our season.

Dundee: Hamilton, McGhee, Forster, Meekings , Marshall, Byrne (Robertson 60), Dorrans, McDaid, McGowan (McPake 73), Mackie (Todd 65), Hemming. Unused Subs: Ferrie , Kerr, Todd, Nelson, McPake, Johnson, Robertson.

Ref: David Munro

Att: 5,010

Dundee 2, Arbroath 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 05-October-19

Dundee made four changes for the visit of Arbroath to Dens in came Josh Meekings, Shaun Bryne, Paul McGowan and Sean Mackie, with Cammy Kerr, Finlay Robertson, Josh McPake and Andrew Nelson dropping onto the bench. 

Dundee started slowly and their first chance was a Dorrans shot which flew over the bar, Arbroath close when Doris shot was just wide of the post. Soon after McGowan and Hemmings had headers one saved well by the Arbroath keeper, second one was just wide of the post.

In 38 minutes Dundee took the lead when Dorrrans found Declan McDaid and he smashed a 25 yarder of the post for a cracking goal, his first for the club. Right on half time Hemmings went really close with a overhead kick.

Second half and Dundee continued to dominate the game, it was no surprise when they got the second goal on the hour. From a corner McDaid played a short ball to McGowan who cleverly back heeled a return pass to Declan McDaid who curled a shot into the net for a wonderful goal.

Arbroath had a wee spell but Dundee weathered the storm but picked up two injuries with Marshall and Bryne having to leave the pitch. John Todd and Finlay Robertson came on. 

Dundee failed to add to the scoreline as the game ended with a two nil win and mostly important was the three points.

Happy enough with the three points and we gained 3 points on United who lost at Alloa on Friday night.

Dundee: Hamilton, McGhee, Forster, Meekings, Marshall (Todd 73), Byrne (Robertson 77), Dorrans, McDaid, McGowan, Mackie, Hemmings (Johnson 89). Unused Subs: Ferrie , Kerr, Nelson, McPake.

Att: 5,045

Ref: Alan Newlands

On this day in 1935 Dundee drew 1-1 in a league game at Albion Rovers, Gibby McNaugton scored for the Dee in front of a 4,000 crowd. 

Photos from Carlisle...............