Dundee 3, Dumbarton 1, Dens Park, League Cup Group E, 26th July 2023

Dundee made six changes to the team that played at Airdrie. Antonio Portales came in for his debut and Diego Pineda made his first start. Adam Legzdins, Owen Beck, Jordan McGhee and Zach Robinson also came in. Luke McCowan was suspended. The other five players who were replaced were all on the bench; Jon McCracken, Cammy Kerr, Jack Wilkie, Lyall Cameron and Zak Rudden. There was a change to the formation too, with the Dee adopting a three man defence.

In a game which Dundee needed to win they started well and played some fine passing moves. But on 15 minutes Joe Shaughnessy put in a good header in which forced the Sons keeper to save well. 

A great move involving Tiffoney and Beck and his cross set up Jordan McGhee who somehow put the ball over the bar. Josh Mulligan then sent Zach Robinson racing clear, but he shot against the goalie.

But on 38 minutes they finally scored when Beck had a shot saved but the he spilled the ball and in nipped Zach Robertson to score. Dumbarton only took three minutel to draw level, the ball was blocked twice but third time Wallace smashed the ball home.

But a few minutes later Dundee scored to make it 2-1, Scott Tiffoney sent Diego Pineda through the middle to score with a quick, low finish off the post from 16 yards. A fine end to the half and Dundee will have the chance to finish the game in the second half. 

Dundee started well and took full control and were unlucky a few time with chances missed and one was off side. 

But on 77 minutes Scott Tiffoney was fouled in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Durnan was sent off for his treatment to Tiffoney. Up stepped Zach Robinson to score to make it 3-1.

Dundee maybe should have scored more in the latter stages of the game but they were unlucky a few times. 

Next up is Inverness CT at Dens on Sunday where Dundee need to win to have any chance of going into the next round.

Dundee: Legzdins, Ashcroft (Robertson 83), Shaughnessy, Portales, Mulligan, McGhee, Boateng, Beck, Tiffoney, Pineda (Cameron 66), Robinson. Unused Subs: McCracken (gk), Sharp (gk), Kerr, Byrne, Rudden, Anderson, Wilkie.

Att: 1,940

Referee: Willie Collum

Airdrieonians 1, Dundee 0, Excelsior Stadium, League Cup Group E, 22nd July 2023

Dundee started with a young looking team and started t attack in the first ten minutes, but failed to get anything on target. Airdrieonians had a wee spell but Dundee put in a few good blocks to stop them scoring.

Dundee played some nice passing moves in the midfield but failed to get that vital ball to the strikers.

Ten minutes from half time the Dark Blues finally did create a good chance. Luke McCowan ran down the right and crossed for Cammy Kerr, who had two shots from 12 yards blocked. Neither Zak Rudden nor Scott Tiffoney could get shots away in the resulting scramble before Rae fell on the ball in relief.

Little changed after half time. Dundee continued to do most of the attacking, but without ever looking convincing. The Diamonds’ attacks were rare and carried no more danger than Dundee’s.

Just before the hour Diego Pineda came on to make his debut, replacing Zak Rudden. Within a couple of minutes Dundee were awarded a penalty that arrived out of nothing. Jon McCracken launched a long clearance that sailed over the heads of the Diamonds’ defenders. Scott Tiffoney raced after it and nudged the ball past Josh Rae before being flattened for an obvious penalty.

Lyall Cameron stepped forward to take the penalty, but his low shot was pushed round the post by Rae. Dundee were sparked into more urgent action by the disappointment, but there was still little penetration.

Diego Pineda did manage to get a shot from 15 yards on target after Josh Mulligan intercepted a loose clearance by Rae, but there was not enough power in the shot to trouble the keeper.

Airdrieonians were awarded a penalty with minutes to go and upstepped McCabe to score what proved to be the winning goal.

Dundee: McCracken, Kerr, Shaughnessy, Ashcroft, Wilkie, Boateng, Cameron (Robertson 68)

McCowan, Mulligan, Tiffoney, Rudden (Pineda 59). Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Sharp (gk), McGhee, Byrne, Anderson, Graham, Lamb.

Att: 

Referee: Colin Steven

Bonnyrigg Rose 0, Dundee 1, New Dundas Park, League Cup Group E, 18th July 2023

Dundee gave four players their debuts for the Dee tonight, Jon McCracken, Joe Shaughnessy, Owen Beck and Scott Tiffoney. Malachi Boateng was on the bench after signing on loan for the season from Crystal Palace.

Dundee started well and Zak Rudden headed over when he maybe should have scored, soon after  Lee Ashcroft seen his header saved well biy the Bonnyrigg keeper.

Then after 15 minutes zach Robinson had a header well saved by Paddy Martin who was keeping Dundee out. It was all Dundee attacking but they could not find a way past Martin. 

Then Bonnyrigg had their spell and managed a shot which did not trouble Jon McCracken in the Dundee goal.

Into  the second half and Dundee put on Malachi Boateng to make his debut, replacing Max Anderson. Soon after they scored when Zak Rudden scored with a easy finish after good play from Zach Robinson this was on 46 minutes. 

A vital goal for Dundee and they went for the killer second goal to totally kill this cup tie. Tiffoney was so unlucky with a rising shot which looked like it would go in the top corner but somehow Martin pulled off a great save.

Dundee had a let off near the end but Bonnyrigg failed to score when a McCraken error gave them a chance.

Dundee got the vital first three point in this league cup group.

Dundee: McCracken, Kerr (McGhee 67), Shaughnessy, Ashcroft, Beck, McCowan, Anderson (Boateng at half time), Cameron, Tiffoney, Rudden (Mulligan 76), Robinson. Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Byrne, Robertson, Wilkie, Graham, Lamb.

Att: 1,555

Referee: Peter Stuart

Cove Photos

 

Cove Rangers 0, Dundee 1, Balmoral Park, Friendly, 14-July-23

Dundee won this game 1-0 thanks to a 66th minute goal from Zak Rudden. They started the game well enough but could not find a way to score in the final part of their many moves.

The game was a test for the squad and they had to dig deep to earn the victory. The goal came from a header from Zak Rudden from only six yards out from a good Robertson cross from a free kick on the left.

They should have scored more in the second half but failed to take easy chances on one on one with the Cove keeper. 

At least the squad got a good work out and it will set them up for the game at Bonnyrigg on Tuesday when the real stuff begins.

Dundee: Legzdins (McCracken at half time), Kerr, Shaughnessy, Ashcroft, Beck, Byrne (Rudden at half time), McCowan, Anderson (McGhee 69), Cameron, Robertson, Robinson (Mulligan 63). Unused Subs: Sharp, (gk), Richardson, Allan, Wilkie, Graham, Lamb.

Referee: Greg Soutar

Att: 

Arbroath Photos

 

Arbroath 0, Dundee 1, Friendly, Gayfield, 12th July 2023

Dundee started the game with two strikers with Zach Robinson playing a deeper role to help feed the wingers from midfield. Zak Rudden was the main striker tonight. Arbroath started the better and attacked Dundee from the start.

Dundee came into the game more as the half wore on and played some nice football which needed a finish. Fin Robertson and Zach had good efforts on goal as Dundee looked to take the lead.

Dundee took the lead after 37 minutes when the Arbroath defence failed to deal with a high ball. Zak Rudden took possession on the edge of the penalty area. Instead of trying to shoot through a crowd of defenders he knocked a pass over the top for Zach Robinson to run in from the right and lift his scoring shot over the advancing Gaston.

Two minutes later Gaston was back in action, saving a fierce shot from Rudden after a fast break down the right by Luke McCowan.

A few minutes later Arbroath got a penalty when Wilkie fouled Mark Stowe, up stepped Leighton McInatosh but Jon McCraken pulled off a great diving save to deny the ex-Dundee striker.

Into the second half and Dundee changed goalkeeper with Adam Legzins coming on, Dundee had a few good chances but Gaston pulled off some good saves to deny Robinson and McCowan. 

Dundee made more changes with Anderson and Ashcroft coming off to be replaced by Cameron and Graham. 

It ended 1-0 for Dundee a good hard work out for the squad and they will play Cove Rangers away on Saturday in the final pre-season game. 

Dundee: McCracken (Legzdins at half time), Mulligan (Byrne 75), Shaughnessy, Ashcroft (Graham 88), Wilkie, McCowan, Anderson (Cameron 69), Robertson, Tiffoney, Rudden, Robinson (Kerr 61). Unused Substitutes: Sharp, (gk), Lamb, Allan, Clark, Richardson.

Att: 2,160

Ref:

 

Fleetwood Town 1, Dundee 2, Waterford Regional Sports Centre, Friendly, 8th July 2023

Dundee's second game was against Fleetwood Town in Waterford. They play in England in League One. Dundee started well and scored after 26 minutes when Josh Mulligan won the ball in a dangerous position and drove forward. Mulligan then played a clever one-two with Zak Rudden before laying the ball off to Zach Robinson who slotted home.

Fleetwood levelled the score eight minutes later. The goal came from a corner which was first met by Conor Teale and then flicked into the net by Jack Marriott.

Second half saw very few chances for both teams in a competitive game, but with seven minutes to go a bit of magic from Luke McCowan  when he lobbed the ball home in over the half way line to win  the game for Dundee.

Again another good work out for the team and squad. Next up is away to Arbroath this Wednesday.

Dundee: McCracken (Sharp 70), Kerr, Shaughnessy(c), Ashcroft, Beck (Graham 70), Mulligan, McCowan, Robertson, Tiffoney (Wilkie 70), Robinson (Lamb 70), Rudden. Unused Substitute: Trialist A, Trialist B, Trialist C

Bray Wandererers 1, Dundee 5, Carlisle Grounds, Friendly, 5th July 2023

Dundee got their two games in Ireland off to a flyer with a 5-1 win against Bray Wanderers. Dundee started well and scored twice in the first 20 minutes. Firstly Max Anderson drove forward and found Finlay Robertson whose then passed to Zach Robinson to tap home his first goal this season after 10 minutes on the clock.

Then on 18 minutes Owen Beck drove forward and played a one two with Robertson to net his first goal for Dundee. 

Bray pulled a goal back in the 39th minute when trialist Nadre Butcher went on a solo run before finding the bottom corner of the net.

A minute before half time Dundee restored their two goal lead when Robertson again linked up with Zach Robinson who grabbed his second of the game.

The second half Dundee made eight changes when  McCracken, Wilkie, Rudden, Mutale, Graham, Lamb and Mulligan all coming on for Legzdins, Beck, Robinson, Anderson, Shaughnessy, Kerr and McCowan. Luke McCowan later came back to replace Lyall Cameron for the last ten minutes.

Dundee scored again on the hour when Zak Rudden scored with a fine finish. Fiveteen minutes later and Zak Rudden scored again with a fine top corner finish to seal the game 5-1. 

A good work out for the squad who will face a tougher game on Saturday when they play Fleetwood Town. 

Dundee: Legzdins (McCracken 53′), Kerr (Lamb 53′), Shaughnessy(c) (Graham 53′), Ashcroft, Beck (Wilkie 53′), Byrne, Cameron (McCowan 81′ – back on), Anderson (Mutale 53′), McCowan (Mulligan 53′), Robertson, Robinson (Rudden 53′) Unused Substitute: Sharp

Referee: Oliver Moran.

Brechin City 1, Dundee 5, Glebe Park, Friendly, 01-July-2023

Dundee started well with a strong team with a mix of youngsters on the bench. Early on Cammy Kerr and Zak Rudden went close to score. 

Dundee did take the lead when a good pass from Luke McCowan put Scott Tiffoney clear and he scored with ease. That was after 19 minutes and they had chance before Scott Tiffoney scored his second goal shooting home when wide out on the right, he could have had his hat-trick soon after that but  the Brechin keeper made a great save. 

Brechin in this period had a couple of shots but failed to score. Then right on halftime it was 0-3 when Max Anderson scored with a cracking curled finish after a good flick that put Max clear.

Dundee made four substitutions at half time. Harry Sharp came on in goal, Jack Wilkie replaced Lee Ashcroft in central defence, and Shaun Byrne and Finlay Robertson came into the midfield to replace Max Anderson and Josh Mulligan.

Wilkie came close to a goal from a corner when he powered a header a foot over the bar. Rudden shot narrowly over after good work on the left from Tiffoney as Dundee continued to dominate.

On the hour mark the Dee made six further substitutions sending on youngsters to replace all the senior players who had started, with the exception of trialist Jacob Jones.

Brechin pulled a goal back soon after when Ewan Loudan netted after Sharp had saved. Dundee recovered and scored to make it 4-1 with trialist Jacob Jones scored with a neat shot from a free kick. Soon after Finlay Allan made the final score 5-1.

A good work out for the squad and it was my biggest win against Brechin City either home or away.

Dundee:(first 60 minutes) 4-2-3-1, Legzdins (Sharp at half time); Kerr, Shaughnessy, Ashcroft (Wilkie at half time), Trialist. Cameron, Anderson (Byrne at half time), McCowan, Mulligan (Robertson at half time), Tiffoney. Rudden

Dundee FC (from 60 minutes) 4-4-2. Sharp. Lamb, Crowther, Wilkie, Trialist. Clark, Byrne, Robertson, Barnett, Mutale, Allan, Unused substitutes: Murray, Richardson. 

Att: 1,527.

Referee: Andy Gamble

Brechin Photos

 

News From Dens Park

Pre-Season Games

Dundee will play Brechin City (Away) on Saturday 1st of July, and Arbroath (Away) on Wednesday 12th of July 19:15 Kick Off

Dundee will head for Ireland for Pre-Season training they will also play some games 

League Cup Draw and Fixtures

Dundee will play in Group E with Inverness CT, Airdrieonians, Dumbarton and Bonnyrigg Rose.

Saturday 15th July - Bye

Tuesday 18th July – Bonnyrigg Rose – Away – 7.45pm Kick Off

Saturday 22nd July – Airdrieonians – Away – 3pm Kick Off

Wednesday 26th July – Dumbarton – Home – 7.45pm Kick Off

Sunday 30th July – Inverness CT – Home – 3pm Kick Off 

New Background Staff

Dundee have appointed Stuart Taylor as  Assistant Manager and he joins us with a wealth of coaching experience. Stuart has coached at Ross County, Ipswich Town, Stoke City, Rangers, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa, Al Khor, Hamilton, Airdrieonians and Limerick.

Robert Kielty, University of Stirling Lecturer, will join the club as the new Head of Fitness, Performance and Development.  Robert has previously worked with Blackpool, Clyde, Dunfermline, Airdrie, Raith Rovers and Queen of the South.

Kevin Milne will be joining the club’s physio team, after previously being at Arbroath FC.

Squad Update..............

Lyall Cameron signs a two year deal to extend his say at Dens 

Ian Lawlor has moved to Doncaster Rovers.

Cammy Kerr has signed a two year deal to extend his stay at Dens..

Zak Rudden has returned from his loan spell at St Johnstone came to a end. 

Adam Legzdins has signed a two year deal to extent his stay at Dens.

No  contracts offered to the players below:

Alex Jakubiak 

Jordan Marshall 

Paul McMullan (Has signed for Derry City)

Luke Strachan ( Has signed for Cove Rangers)

Cillian Sheridan 

Paul McGowan has left Dens at the end of his contract.

Lee Ashcroft has signed a two year deal to extend his stay at Dens.

Harrison Sharp has signed a two year deal to extend his stay at Dens.

Joe Shaughnessy has signed for the club from St Mirren

Josh Mulligan has signed a two year deal to extend his stay at Dens.

Luke McGowan has signed a two year deal to extend his stay at Dens.

Ryan Sweeney leaves Dens, he turned down a new deal and will likely return to England.

Scott Tiffoney has signed for the club from Partick Thistle.

Charlie Reilly has signed for the club from Albion Rovers Two year deal.

Jordan McGhee has signed a two year deal to extend his stay at Dens.

Max Anderson has signed a two year deal to extend his stay at Dens.

Antonio Portales has signed from Atlante FC.

Sam Fisher turns down contract and signs for Dunfermline Athletic.

Zach Robinson signs for a season long loan

Jon McCracken signs on season long deal from Norwich City

Owen Beck signs a season long deal from Liverpool

Diego Pineda has signed from Correcaminos UAT 

Malachi Boateng joins on loan from Crystal Palace

Pierre Reedy has moved to join Charleston Battery

Aaron Donnelly signs on loan from Nottingham Forest

Amadou Bakayoko signs on loan from Forest Green Rovers

Trevor Carson signs 3 year deal signing from St Mirren

Dundee's New Manager...............

Dundee have appointed Tony Docherty as their new manager. He has a lot of experience in Scottish football and after his playing career finished Tony became an SFA Development Officer and then moved into coaching at club level. Firstly, with Falkirk and then Dundee United, before teaming up with Derek McInnes in 2007. Their partnership began at St Johnstone, then Bristol City, Aberdeen, and Kilmarnock, where Tony has joined us from. 

Tony will now build his own squad for the coming season in the top league which we need to stay up and build this club up to a higher level.

Myself  l'm happy enough with the appointment and a lot better than some of the names being linked.

Champions........Review of My Season The Highlights

My first game was at Peterhead in a Friendly game which seen a much changed squad of players and the first look at new Manager Gary Bowyer. Dundee won 4-0 so good result and the day out travel wise was just £1 and that was just to book my seat on Mega bus to Aberdeen. I arrived at 11:15 and had a wee pub crawl before going up to Peterhead's wee club which was new and very good and friendly. I got back to Dundee at around 8pm then home shortly after it was a enjoyable day with fellow Dundee fans..

I enjoyed the trip down to Stranraer for the League Cup group game which Dundee won 3-0. I was on the Pat Liney Bus and it was great down earlier enough for a few beers. It was about 3 hrs travel time which was good. A good day out the the highlight for me was going to the Stranraer FC Fitba' Bar which was first class.  

Dundee's game against Arbroath when they won 4-2 on a Friday night was good. It was a good day out cost me more by going home by train as no suitable bus without changing. My two boys Andrew and Alexander enjoyed the game and talked a lot about it. Had a few beers before the game and it was at The Bowbridge Bar. 

The trip down for The New Saints game was a cracking day away from the journey down and staying over with fellow dees. It was good to see so many well known friends over the last 40 years. The game itself Dundee won 3-0 and it was another ground to my long list of watching Dundee. The people l met were friendly and as you do had a few beers. The trip home was great as well and stopped off for food at Gretna home to Dundee for a few more beers in the Bowbridge Bar and many thanks to The Pat Liney Supporters Bus for running a great trip which took 6 hours each way.

Next big hightlight was the trip to Firhill for Hospitality with The Andy Penman Fife Dark Blues who is my DSA club. Picked up in Cupar and mini bus to Glasgow. Very good before the game food wise and drinks, half time was good as well apart from the score line. Then came the second half fight back and we won the game 3-2 which led to happy celebrations and it was a very happy bus going home to Fife. A well priced deal was done by Peter and the Hospitality was first class which l would go back to in the future.

Another happy day was the trip to Inverness CT game which Dundee won 1-0 , me and my two boys went up with the Ellenbank Bar supporters bus and we had a good stop off at Aviemore where we had a good time and some beer. It was my only game in December and it was a good day all round. 

The second bus from The Andy Penman Fife Dark Blues was the trip to Hamilton for the Accies again picked up in Cupar then through to Wishaw Bowling Club where we got Soup, Sandwitches, Pies and Cake which was washed dowm with beer. The game was pretty even Dundee getting a vital point in a 1-1 draw. We went back to the Bowling Club for an hour after the game then bck to Fife. Another great day out.

In between these days out we had some homes games with mixed result a few wins and it ended with a 3-1 at Dens to Partick Thistle. Necxt up was a trip to Cove Rangers away I went with the Ellenbank Bar bus and we stopped off outside and had a few pints. Peter, Billy and Duncan stopped for a pint as well. The game itself Dundee won 2-0 and got their season back on track. So another day to remember and my first visit to their ground after they had moved from Allan Park.

Then we played Hamilton Accies at Dens got off to the perfect start scoring twice early in the game, by half time it 5-0 it finished 7-0. What a score they played well for the 90 minutes and could have scored 10+ . I enjoyed the beer after that game and when me and my boys got home it Fish Supper and they got a slushie as well to celebrate Dundee scoring 7 since beating East Fife in 1996. 

Next up was away day Arbroath a Andy Penman Fife Dark Blues day out on the train which was good a wee pub crawl before the game and after was good. Dundee got a fighting 0-0 draw without playing too well. 

Then another home win over Raith at Dens 3-1, then up next was Morton at home a tough game it was and Dundee looked beaten when Morton when 3-1 ahead. But Dundee scored two late goals to snatch a draw which might prove vital in the title run in. The beers after the game felt like a win instead of a draw. 

Next up was another trip to Imverness for the vital game The Andy Penman Fife Dark Blues put on a big bus and we picked up people in Dundee as well before heading up the A9 stopping off at Aviemore for a beer or two. The game itself ended 1-1 when it looked like Dundee would win. A great day was had by everyone and it was good certain results went for the Dee.

The last home game against Cove Rangers was a hard game and team to break down and we had to settle for a draw. We just made the best of the day and enjoyed the beer after the game. I took my boys for a meal before the game to treat them. 

To the last game and Dundee knew what they had to do win or draw and we werte Champions we got through early and had a fews beers in The Station Hotel with fellow APFDB. The game itself was crazy 3-3 at half time with both team leading. The second half and Dundee were better all round and sealed the Cup with two second half goals. It was wonderful to see Dundee get the cup live and being Champions for this season. After the game had a beer then a run back from Billy to Kirkcaldy although l missed my last train l was able to stay at my brother Dougie and sister inlaw Jo's house. Many thanks to them all for their help.

To end the season it was onto the  DSA Player of the Year  on the Sunday at the Invercarse Hotel. It was a fab night and will be well remembered for years to come. 

and More

 

More Photos........

 

Player of the Year Photos

 Great night at the Player of the Year awards at the Invercarse Hotel, a night to remember and all The Andy Penman Fife Dark Blues had a fabulous night with Zach Robinson getting Player of the Year, and Lyall Cameron got the Young player of the Year. Some photos below: