Dundee 2 St Johnstone 2, Dens Park, Premier League, 27-February-12

Ten man Dundee battled back to earn a 2-2 with Tayside Rivals St Johnstone, a good result given that Declan Gallagher was sent off midway through the second half. Up until then Dundee looked to take all three points.

Dundee started well and took the game to Saints and could have scored a few with good efforts from a Conroy shot, a Riley header and another shot from a distance free kick from Conroy which was saved by the Saints keeper. But against the run of play St Johnstone scored on the break when McLean headed home after the ball spun high after hitting Rab Douglas's knee. Another poor goal to lose. Dundee hit back and Harkins hit the post with a powerful drive. But they levelled four minutes from half time when John Baird headed home from a Conroy corner after a good  flick on from Gallagher.

Second half and Dundee took the game and Harkin was creating a few chances and Toshney should have scored but hit the keepers legs. Soon after Conroy effort was again saved from the saints keeper. Another break away and it changed the game McLean spun Gallagher and the young defender pulled the striker back, the ref sent him off. Worse was to follow when MacKay curled a free kick past Douglas to take the lead again. After that saints took control and looked to finish the game. Manager John Brown made changes bringing on Stewart and Nish for Baird and Harkins, Grassi had come on earlier for Riley. 

But it paid off when good play from Conroy the ball was then flicked through from McAlister to Mark Stewart and the striker blasted home from 12 yards to gain a vital point for Dundee.

Dundee: Douglas, Benedictus, Gallagher, Toshney, Irvine, Riley (Grassi 67), McAlister, Davidson, Conroy, Harkins (Nish 76), John Baird (Stewart 72). Unused subs; Alex Baird (gk), McBride, Morgan, Milne.

Ref: W Collum

Att: 5, 224

 

Celtic 5 Dundee 0, Parkhead, Premier League, 24th February 2013

Dundee opened brightly at Parkhead on Sunday and were unlucky not to open the scoring when a Gary Harkins free kick ended up in the net but John Baird was ruled offside. But the home side took the lead on 13 minutes when Ledley scored after Rab Douglas only pushed the ball out to the Celtic player who tapped the ball home.

After this Dundee pushed forward and had a few great chances with Gallagher heading wide and Harkins hitting the bar, at the other end Douglas had a good save from a Hooper pile driver. Then Gary Harkins forced the Celtic keeper to tip one over the ball with a bit of luck it goes in.

Matt Lockwood gets send off

Second half and Matt Lockwood replaces Brian Easton and sadly he lasts only 3 minutes on the park when he is adjusted to foul Hooper in the six yard box and as last man he has to go. Celtic make it 2-0 from the resulted penalty scored by Forrest. Soon after and Douglas saves twice as Celtic take control of the game. In a rare Dundee attack Nicky Riley does well to get a cross in but it is missed by the Dundee forwards.

Soon after and  McGeouch heads home to make it 3-0, Gary Harkins comes off for McBride and soon after Ledley scores his second and Celtic's fourth goal. Near the end and Hooper completes the scoring when he takes the ball well on his chest to shoot home after a great ball from Ledley.

Then David Morgan came on for his debut replacing winger Nicky Riley and the game ended with Rab Douglas saving several times to stop the home side from adding to score line.

Ray Farningham was in the Dugout and must have been happy enough with the players efforts, and likely the sending off cost them the game.

Dundee:  Douglas, Irvine, Easton ( Lockwood (46), Benedictus, Gallagher, McAlister, Davidson, Riley (Morgan (78), Conroy, Baird, Harkins (McBride(68). Subs Not Used: Baird, Nish, Milne, Grassi, Lockwood.

Ref: Clancy

Att: 39,959

Dundee Appoint John Brown......

Dundee FC have appointed John Brown as Interim Manager to the end of the season, in a move that shocked myself and a lot of  fellow DFC fans. There was angry scenes at Dens Park when the news broke on Saturday at a Question and Answers session with a number of Fans walking out in disgust with some of the statements from the Directors of the club.

I have taken my time to write this and although John Brown would not have been my first choice l have decided to give him a chance to do his job, l watched the Celtic game on Sunday and you could not fault the players in the first half and they matched Celtic in all areas and likely the sending off of Matt Lockwood has cost them the game. But l seen enough from the players that they do work hard and they will have to continue to do this for the rest of the season as they are playing for their futures.

It will be interesting to see if the fans do give the new Manager a chance, l hope so as he was a great player for us in the mid 1980's and if he can get the same passion from some of the better players at the club that will be a good thing.

I would also like to thank Barry Smith for his time as Dundee Manager he done his best and it's a big pity that Football is a results business and sadly managers come and go. I had hoped for a better season and maybe not bringing in a quality creative Midfield and Striker likely cost Barry his job and time to build the club.

So it's time to move on and back the team and the new manager John Brown  for the rest of the season, in my time as a DFC supporter l have seen a lot of bad decisions, we must learn to do things better.

Not Good.........................

Angry George Harris wants the rule book ripped up to stop Dundee fans being kept in the dark over momentous decisions at Dens Park. Fans chief Harris has tendered his resignation from the Dundee FC supporters society on which he presently sits as chairman,over the decision to sack Barry Smith.
He cited a lack of communication between the board and the fans as the telling factor,while calling for a monumental restructuring of the club from the top down.
At present the supporters society have three reps on the board-Maurice Kidd, Eddie Devlin and Fraser McDonald and hold a 52% stake in the club.
But Harris was angered that he was not told of the decision until mid day yesterday and no dialogue had taken place between the board and the society,he was also disappointed to hear of Barry's departure second hand rather than from one of the fan reps on the club board.Harris believes the supporters have the right to know what is going on at the fans owned club,to find out this kind of news second hand is wrong,they should have had dialogue with us but they chose not to,the whole structuring at the top of the club is wrong.

Some people at the club have too much to say,and some seem to have no say at all-it is wrong,There are too many chiefs it is unhealthy the way decisions are taken at the top,Harris who is staying on in his role as Dundee supporters club association chairman,met DFC CEO Scot Gardiner yesterday.It was then after the news broke that he offered his resignation from the society post.Harris is keen to exonerate Gardiner from the decision making process,the fans need to know-this decision was solely down to the club board,Scot just delivers their decision,he has no say in it,we need to go about restructuring the way that the club is run.

Football fans are the lifeblood of any club,without the fans clubs would not exist and that has to be remembered,at the end of the day Dundee FC will outlast us all,the club is bigger than any one player/board member or manager,for the clubs sake we need to act,Harris admits he was disappointed by the sacking of Smith,we would be in the second division if it wasn't for him,all we can do is to wish him all the best in the future.

As a DFC supporter i would definitely have kept him in the job,it would have made sense to at least give him to the end of the season,but its not a decision that I'm qualified to make-that's well beyond my powers ,it is a strange decision given the fact that we backed him a month ago,tomorrow is another day i hope as a club we can move on from this.

Barry Departs Dens Park...................

BarrySmith

Dundee have parted company with Manager Barry Smith according to the Official Website. No further news will be posted until things have been concluded.

I would like to thank Barry for his services to Dundee FC and wish him all the best for the future.

The results and football we have played has been very poor over the last two seasons and we have to get back to playing attacking football. One thing is for sure is it won't be easy for the new Manager who ever he is.

Picture Source;  Here

Aberdeen 1 Dundee 0, Pittodrie, Premier League, 15-February-13

Dons Programme

A Niall McGinn goal on 18 minutes was enough to give Aberdeen all three points in tonight's league encounter. Team wise Ryan Conroy and Nicky Riley came in for Kevin McBride and Colin Nish. By reports Dundee played well enough but got caught on the break for the goal. Jim McAlister hit the bar near the end of the first half when maybe with a bit of luck the ball goes in.

Also l think we need to play more 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 formation as l don't think Aberdeen are that good a side, and maybe the difference is that they have a striker in McGinn who can score goals. I don't see the point in knocking high balls into the box as we only had John Baird upfront and he won't win too many headers.

It was enough for the home side to take the points tonight, and likely if results go for St Mirren and Ross County tomorrow we will never close the gap and in my view we have to plan for the First Division.

Dundee: Douglas,Irvine, Gallagher, Toshney, Easton, Riley, McAlister, Davidson, Conroy (Nish 79)
Harkins, John Baird. Unused subs: Alex Baird (gk), Lockwood, McBride, Benedictus, Morgan, Milne

Att: 7,841

Ref: B Colvin

I also hope we are more positive against Dundee United in the Cup and go for it, l would play three strikers, but I'm a fan and want to see attacking football.

Teams come out for 2nd half (v Killie)

Dundee 0 Ross County 2, Dens Park, Premier League, 8th-February-13

Dundee on the attack second half

Ross County left Dens park with all three points on Friday night which was live on BBC Alba. Dundee battled away for the 90 minutes but Ross County were stronger and quicker on the break when it mattered. In the first 30 minutes Dundee were very poor with all their efforts going to the County keeper who had a easy first half. Only a Gary Harkins shot which was just over was of any note. At the other end Rab Douglas had a couple of decent saves. Both teams had penalties claims turned down by the referee. 

Second half and much more of the same with Dundee struggling to create any clear cut chances with County hitting on the break and should have scored when Wohlfarth was put one on one with Rab Douglas but somehow he put it over the bar. Dundee only response was a poor Baird header wide when the striker had time and space to take the ball down. County scored with just 7 minutes to go when Lawson shot came back off the bar and the linesman said the ball had crossed the line, at the time l could not be sure on this. Then in the final minute County broke and Glen raced clear to round Douglas to score a fine score to seal the points.

Dundee battled away tonight and you can't fault most of the players, but they do struggled to link the midfield and the strikers up. The final ball in the box is very poor most of the time. I hope they can raise it for the Cup game in 3 weeks time as it's looks like First Division Football next season.

Dundee:Douglas, Irvine, Toshney, Gallagher, Easton, McBride (Stewart 77), Davidson, McAlister
Harkins, Nish (Riley 57), John Baird. Unused subs; Alex Baird (gk), Benedictus, Conroy, Lockwood, Morgan.

Att: 4,726

Ref: J McKendrick

NewsFrom Dens....................

Dundee will play Dundee United at Dens in the 1/4 Final of the Scottish Cup when the draw was made on Sunday. the full draw below;

Hamilton v Falkirk

Dundee v Dundee United

St Mirren v Celtic

Kilmarnock v Hibs

The ties are due to get played on the 2nd or 3rd of March 2012.

Dundee 5 Morton 1, Dens Park, Scottish Cup, 3rd February-2012

Dundee swept past Morton with a stunning 5-1 win over the current First Division leaders. Jim McAlister put Dundee ahead on 29 minutes with a fine finish, Morton levelled just 2 minutes later when Tidser forced the ball home past Douglas in the six yard box.



One each at half time and many could not see the second half goal feast from the home side. Goals from Toshney(64) Header, Nish (70) Header, Baird (73) Shot, and Gallagher(81) Header sealed the game, and gave the Dundee fans a welcome boost from what has been a difficult season result wise in the league.

It was also pleasing the the goals were scored by five different players and it must give them a boost.
I missed the game due to work but even l was shocked at the scoreline to say the least.

Next up is Ross County at Dens on Friday night a must win for Dundee l would think.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Toshney, Gallagher, Easton, Riley, McBride (Conroy 85), Davidson, McAlister, Nish (Mline 79), John Baird (Stewart 85). Unused subs; Alex Baird (gk), Benedictus

Dundee Sign Midfielder

David Morgan

Dundee have signed midfielder David Morgan from Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the season. The club has tried to sign a striker as well and could get one in before the next league game.

Defender Neil McGregor has signed on loan at Ayr United for the rest of the season, he had lost his place in the first team due to the form of Declan Gallagher.

Hearts 1 Dundee 0, Tynecastle, Premier League, 30th January 2013

Dundee lost 1-0 to Hearts and with both Ross County and St Mirren winning the gap now is a massive 14 points. On the reports and highlights l have seen Hearts fully deserved the victory. Dundee struggled to even get a shot on target, it must be very hard on the Dundee fans who paid good money to watch this.

Gary Harkins did play but we need to attack teams more and on this display it very looks like we will be in the First Division next season. I hope the players can prove me wrong but l can't see us making up 14 points in the last 16 games or so. With only three wins all season you can see why.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Toshney, Gallagher, Easton, Davidson, McAlister, Riley (McBride 75), Harkins, Baird, Nish. Unused subs:Alex Baird (gk), Lockwood, Benedictus, McGregor, Conroy, Stewart.

Att: 11, 284

Ref: C Allan.

Dundee 0 Kilmarnock 0, DensPark, Premier League,27th January 2012

Dundee drew 0-0 with  Kilmarnock on Sunday in what was a pretty poor game, the closest we came to scoring was when a Jim McAlister shot was deflected home by John Baird who unluckily for the Dee he was standing in a  offside position.

The defence looks pretty solid these days but the fact remain we are struggling in the forward line department. We can only hope we can get a striker in before the gap is too big to close. We should have had a penalty today when John Baird was held in the box, but the Referee did not give it.

In the second half John Baird was unlucky when his lob hit the inside of the post with the Killie keeper well beaten.

We can't fault the players for effort today but we need to more composure in the box and hopefully Gary Harkins can help with this.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Toshney, Gallagher, Easton, John Baird, Davidson, McAlister, Stewart (Conroy 78)
Nish, Milne (Riley 57). Unused subs; Alex Baird (gk), Lockwood, McBride, Benedictus, McGregor

Att: 4,782

Ref: J Beaton

V Kilmarnock Sunday 27-Jan-13

Dundee Sign Gary Harkins

Gary Harkins

Dundee have signed Gary Harkins for a disclosed fee.The deal is until the end of the season and will be longer if it suits both parties.

The midfielder will not play on Sunday against old club Kilmarnock and should make his debut on Wednesday when the club visits Tynecastle to play Hearts in the League.

It's good that we have added quality to the midfield area where we have been poor all season.

Deserved Draw For The Dark Blues

Hibernian 1 Dundee 1, Easter Road, Premier Division, 19-January-2013

Dundee came away from Easter Road with a well deserved 1-1 draw, maybe it should have been 3 points as they created a number of great chances. Dundee took the lead after 8 minutes when after a slick passing move was finished by John Baird to score his first goal of the season. Leigh Griffiths levelled for Hibs just after half-time with a well taken free kick.

A good point and performance which the defence looking very good. Every player put a shift in and in our position we need that. Barry Smith went for a win playing with four strikers. We must turn the next few games into wins as draws are not much use in our bid to stay up.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Toshney, Gallagher, Easton, John Baird, Davidson, McAlister, Stewart
Nish, Milne (Conroy 85). Unused subs: Alex Baird (gk), Lockwood, McBride, Benedictus, McGregor, Boyle

News From Dens............

Transfer Rumours
Dundee have been linked with ex-dee Gary Harkins the midfielder will be allowed to leave Kilmarnock after the midfielder had words with Killie manager Kenny Shiels. Young Aberdeen striker Declan McManus is also linked with a loan move to Dens Park.

Midfielder Jamie Reid has been loaned out to Stenhousemuir with Striker Martin Boyle going to Alloa Ath until the end of the season. So l think Dundee must have a striker lined up to take his place.

Barry Smith
I'm glad that the board have backed Manager Barry Smith and hope that it kicks off our season, the fans need to support him and the team and basically the club. It has been a hard season so far watching some of the games. Mistakes have been made in some of the signing and my view is that l won't name players is that we have to move on. Barry has to learn his trade as a Manager and all good managers have made mistakes and moved on to be top managers. I really hope it works out as we need to keep faith with Barry and give him time to move the club, also everyone at the club have to pull together for a brighter future for Dundee Football Club.

Winter Shutdown
The SPL is shut down for two weeks now and when the action returns Dundee take on Hibernian at Easter Road when hopefully we will have some new signings to boost our chance of staying in the SPL .

New Year Hangover For The Dark Blues.

St. Johnstone 1 Dundee 0, McDiarmid Park, 02-January-12



Colin Nish's effort at the goal

Dundee started year 2013 how they finished 2012 with a defeat this time at Perth against St Johnstone. Manager Barry Smith made a few changes to the team with Toshney, Easton, Davidson and Milne all starting in place of  Benedictus, Lockwood, McBride and J Baird.

By reports and what l seen on TV etc it seemed a pretty poor game with either side creating many clear cut chances. St Johnstone scored the only goal after 32 minutes when Tades shot came off Gallagher and when Pawlett slide in towards Douglas in the Dundee goal the ball broke for Craig to tap in. A poor goal to lose but l was surprised the Referee did not give a free kick for a foul on the keeper.

After this Dundee failed to put any real pressure on the saints goal apart from a slow Nish shot and Riley fired one over the bar after a decent run. Saints had chances as well but most were wide of the target. Both keepers had very little to do, it seemed pretty poor stuff.

Dundee:  Douglas, Irvine, Davidson, Gallagher, Toshney, Easton, Riley, O'Donnell, McAlister, Nish, Milne. Subs: A.Baird, McGregor, Conroy, J.Baird, Boyle, Stewart, McBride

Ref: J McKendrick

Att: 5,055

One thing that stands out is the poor crowd at the game with Dundee fans not going, with poor games to watch this season and the cost l can see why it's not up around the normal 8,000 for this New Year fixture. I do hope everyone at Dens pulls together and we fight this to the end as if we don't the home crowds will drop That's for sure. Myself money dictates if l can go or not. But will make home games first as my money goes to the club so C'mon Dundee let's give this a real go when we come back in two weeks time.

End of Year Blues For The Dens Men...

Dundee 1 Aberdeen 3, Dens Park, 29-December-2012

Dundee ended the year with a 3-1 defeat from Aberdeen at Dens on Saturday. In a poor first half Dundee has few chances with McBride and Nish our only shots near the target. The Dons were not much better and suffered a blow when defender Andrew Consideine broke his leg just before half time, I'm sure everyone hopes the player has a speedy recovery.


Aberdeen's 1st goal

Second half and it took the visitors one minute to take the lead when some sloppy defending let the Dons to get the ball into the six yards box and McGinn taped the ball home. Both teams had chances but it was McGinn who scored the vital second goal, the ball was swung in from Haynes and the striker gave Rab Douglas no chance with a clever header.

Dundee did pull one back when Mark Stewart netted from close range after a long throw in was missed by the Aberdeen defence. That was with 8 minutes to go, but again poor defending let Aberdeen seal the points, Haynes was gifted the ball his shot was saved and saved again on the line but McGinn was faster than the two Dundee defenders to react to notch his hat-trick on the line.

We really need to get points at Perth on Wednesday but as a team we need to fight more and maybe fresh faces are needed to change our season. As Dundee FC fans we can only hope they can find a way to get out of this current run of form.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, Benedictus, Gallagher, O'Donnell(Davidson 57), Riley (Stewart 81), McBride (Conroy 67), McAlister, J Baird, Nish. Subs Not Used: A Baird, Toshney, Easton and McGregor.  

Ref: B Colvin

Att: 9, 013.

No Festive Cheer For Dark Blues

Dundee 0, Celtic 2, Dens Park, 26th December 2012

Dundee lost 2-0 to league leaders Celtic on Boxing Day maybe expected but we need to be attacking teams more, in the first half we sat too deep and the result was Celtic took control and lucky for us Celtic only scored once when it could have been 2 or 3. Dundee's only decent reply was a fine shot from returning Captain midfielder Stephen O'Donnell. The goal did come after 16 minutes from a superb overhead kick from Samaras.

Second half was a lot better with Colin Nish nearly scoring early on to level matters but the the Celtic keeper made a great save, at least Dundee gave it a better go with again Nish coming close with a looping header.


Celtic sealed the points when a clever run from Hooper to stay onside and he lobbed the ball over Rab Douglas  with 20 minutes to go.

Dundee played well enough in the second half but we need to push teams back from the kick-off, we do lack the players But with sheer effort we must do this if we are to remain in the league.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, Benedictus, Gallagher, McAlister, McBride, O'Donnell (Boyle 83), Conroy, J Baird (Stewart 73),Nish. Subs Not Used: A Baird, McGregor, Easton.

Ref: I Brines

Att: 9,276

Photo Source Here

Inverness Caley Thistle 4 Dundee 1, Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, 22nd December 2012

Dundee lost this game to high flying ICT 4-1 on Saturday. By reports they done well in the first half The Caley Jags scored first through McKay (Pen 12 mins) Nicky Riley made it 1-1 with a great finish after good play from McAlister who broke from midfield and passed to Riley. Then Tudor-Jones put the home side in front on 27 mins with a fine strike to make it 2-1 at half-time.

Second half and Caley Thistle sealed the game with 2 more goals from McKay (48) and Ex-Dee Andrew Shinnie scored a superb goal after making the room in the box for himself.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, Benedictus,Gallagher, Davidson, Riley (Conroy 83), McBride, Baird (Stewart 66), Nish. Subs Not Used: A Baird, Toshney, O'Donnell, Boyle, Easton.

Ref: K Clancy

Att: 3,003

News From Dens

Dundee will play Morton in the Scottish Cup after the Greenock side beat Turriff United 6-0 in the replay last night.

Handy Point Gained in the Highlands

Dundee earned a well deserved draw at Ross County on Saturday Iain Davidson put Dundee ahead after 37 minutes with a stunning 30 yarder, but The Staggies drew level with 5 minutes to go go when Glen scored following a corner. A good point for the Dark Blues.

Dundee lost this Dundee derby 3-0 the score line made it looked one sided, the game hinged on two penalty decisions from Ref Colum. Vital stages in the game on the highlights l have seen Dundee played well enough but we have to take our chances when we get them.

I missed both games due to work commitments a story of my season so far..

News From Dens...........

Dundee will play either Morton or Turiff United in the 5th Rd of the Scottish Cup which will be played on the 2nd or 3rd February 2013.

Nicky Riley is set to miss Sunday's home game against Dundee United, and Davide Grassi faces another knee operation after suffering a setback when he returned to training this week.

Quick Double Puts Dundee Thro To The Next Round.

Livingston 0 Dundee 2, Scottish Cup 4th Rd, 01-December-2012

Dundee strolled into the next round of the Scottish Cup with a 2-0 win, goals from Savo Milne on 9 minutes, and a penalty from Ryan Conroy (17 mins) after John Baird had been fouled. A good result which could have been a tricky tie for the Dark Blues.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, Benedictus, Gallagher, McBride, Davidson, McAlister, Baird (Toshney (85), Milne (Boyle (45), Conroy. Subs Not Used: Baird, McGregor, Webster.

Att: 1,432

Ref: C Allen

On This Day 1st December 1962

Dundee beat Queen of the South 10-2 at Dens Park in a League game, goals were scored by Gilzean (7), Penman, Houston and Ryden. The crowd was 12,000

On This Day.....1973

On Wednesday 28th November at Hampden Park Dundee beat Kilmarnock 1-0 to reach the Scottish League Cup Final, the winning goal was scored on the 55th minute by Tommy Gemmell with a shot.The crowd that day was a poor 4,382 likely a lot to do with the three day week due to the miners strike. I can remember this time as l would have 12 years old.

News From Dens Park.....

Dundee take on Livingston away from home on Saturday in the 3rd Round of the Scottish Cup, and prices are pretty good; Adults £15, U18's and Over 65's £5.  

Striker Colin Nish will miss the cup game and the Dundee Derby at Dens on the following Sunday, due to his sending off on Saturday.

Paisley Saints Down 10 Men Dundee...

St Mirren 3 Dundee 1, St Mirren Park, Premier Division, 24-Nov-12

The basement battle went the way of the home side when they beat Dundee 3-1, by reports Dundee took time to settle and were starting to take control of the game when Colin Nish got sent off for a reckless high tackle which left the Ref with no choice to give the striker a straight red card. This put Dundee on the back foot and Thompson put the Paisley Saints 1-0 up four minutes later. In the second half Dundee battled well and got their reward when Goodwin handled a Milne cross and Ryan Conroy scored from the spot to level the game. But with 19 minutes to go Thompson scored with a fine header. In the final minute Imrie made it 3-1 when he shot past Rab Douglas via a deflection off Conroy.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Benedictus, Gallagher, Conroy, Riley (Boyle (89), McBride, Davidson, McAlister, Nish, Milne ( J.Baird (78). Subs Not Used: A.Baird, McGregor, Toshney, Webster.

Ref: W.Collum

Att: 4, 825

From the highlights l seen Rab Douglas pulled off 3 great saves and it looked like the team battled well for the 90 minutes so we can take a lot of positives from this.

Action From the Hibs Game...

Dundee 3 Hibernian 1, Dens Park, Premier League, 17-Nov-12

Dundee produced their best performance for League leaders Hibs when they came to Dens Park Saturday. Manager Barry Smith was again able to put out the same team which played at Fir Park.

Dundee went at Hibs from the off and never gave them time to settle, but ex-dee Leigh Griffiths looked dangerous for the Hibees but luckily the defence kept him at bay. Early on both Milne and Riley could have scored as the Hibs defence looked a bit nervous, but on 21 minutes Kyle Benedictus scored from a McAlister corner to score with a stunning finish into the top corner from the edge of the box. It send Dens Park wild and Dundee pushed forward looking for the second goal and could have a penalty after Milne was fouled in the box, soon after Davidson headed wide with a header from another great cross from McAlister. Hibs did have a couple of chances with Witherspoon shooting wide and failing to connect with a header.

Into the second half and in the first minute is 2-0 to the Dee a great cross from Lockwood and it found Gallagher unmarked from his header down the ball was stabbed home by Savo Milne it looked a tight decision but both officials ruled a goal. Then as Hibs were trying to recover it was 3-0 a long ball from Gallagher sent Colin Nish into the box he was adjudged to be fouled and up stepped Kevin McBride to drill the ball home from the spot.

Dundee were now in total command the home fans in full voice it was a great feeling, Leigh Griffiths brought out two good saves from Rab Douglas, then Colin Nish just about made it 4-0 but the Hibs keeper saved his shot on the turn with his feet. Griffiths did score on the 90th minutes but it failed to take the shine off a fine home win. Again the whole team played well and it sets up the game at St Mirren next Saturday.

Dundee:Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, Benedictus, Gallagher,Davidson, Riley (Conroy 82), McBride, Milne (Baird (80), McAlister, Nish (Toshney (90).  Subs Not Used:   A.Baird, McGregor, Webster, Boyle.
 

Ref: Colvin

 

Att: 6,743

Motherwell Action

Motherwell 1 Dundee 1, Fir Park, Premier League, 10-Nov-12

Dundee returned to Fir Park for a league game for the first time in around eight years. The team carried on from last week with a very good performance. First there was a minutes silence for Remembrance Day which was not well planned with the players not standing around the centre circle, and with the tannoy system not very clear it took around 30 seconds for people to realise it had started. But thankfully it was well respected after that.

To the game and Dundee started brightly and forced Motherwell back with some neat attacking football with the midfield and defence playing well. Savo Milne was unlucky with a shot from the edge of the box. The home side did have some good chances with Rab Douglas saving well from Nicky Law, then Gary Irvine saved a certain goal when he cleared with a overhead kick near the goal line.

Dundee took the lead after some great interlinking play from Riley and McAlister, and when Nicky Riley burst into the box he finished the move with a brilliant finish across the keeper. This sent the Dundee fans wild in the away end.Motherwell scored with the last kick of the first half from a shot from Ojamma Rab Douglas made a great one handed stop, but Higdon was quickest to tap the rebound home for the equaliser.


Second half and as the first half it was end to end football with Dundee playing some great football, the defence is looking a lot better and that helps the whole team to perform better. Dundee did have one great chance but Colin Nish could not find the needed finish. Motherwell did have the ball in the net but it was ruled offside it looked the right decision.

In the end a draw was a fair result and I'm happy enough with the way the team played, it makes a big difference when the defence is settled and we are able to play with two strikers. The return of Kevin McBride has helped the midfield. The whole team played well which is pleasing to see from a fans point of view.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, Benedictus, Gallagher, Davidson, McBride, McAlister, Riley (Conroy 71), Nish, Milne (J.Baird 85). Subs Not Used: A.Baird, Toshney, Boyle, McGregor, Webster. 

Ref: J. Beaton

Att: 4,318

Next up is Hibs at Dens on Saturday which will be a tough game, but Dundee must have a go and see if we can produce the same level as the Hearts game 2 weeks ago.

Motherwell Photos




 

Livi in the Cup..........................

Dundee will play Livingston away in the Third Rd of the Scottish Cup, the tie will be played on the 1st of December. Of late we have a good record there so hope this continues.The other ties are listed below:

Aberdeen v Motherwell

Partick Thistle v Dunfermline Athletic

Kilmarnock v Queen of the South

Hibernian v Hearts

Airdrie United or Raith Rovers v Deveronvale

Turriff United v Albion Rovers or Morton

Rangers v Elgin City

Forfar Athletic or Nairn County v Ayr United

Ross County v Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Celtic v Inverurie Locoworks or Arbroath

Dumbarton v Hamilton Academical

Cowdenbeath v St Johnstone

Stranraer or Queen's Park v Dundee United

Stenhousemuir or Berwick Rangers v Falkirk

St Mirren v Brechin City or Bonnyrigg Rose

Matches to be played on the weekend of 1/2 December

Dundee v Hearts Highlights

Dundee 1 Hearts 0, Dens Park, Premier League, 03-Nov-12

Hearts Programme

What a difference a week makes with Dundee winning their first home game this season. A well deserved 1-0 win over Hearts who had reached the League Cup Final Semi-Finals in midweek.

Dundee started very well and took the game to Hearts and were rewarded after 21 minutes when after a sweeping move Irvine was pushed which the ref had adjudged to be on the edge of the box. Up stepped Matt Lockwood who smashed the ball home for a wonderful free kick goal. It did set up Dundee who kept playing fast football with the defence playing well to keep Sutton and co under control. Rab Douglas did have a couple of saves with Declan Gallagher making a superb block to stop a certain goal. Just before half time and Colin Nish should have scored when a long Lockwood pass put him clear he rounded the Hearts keeper but his shot came back off the covering defender.

Second half and Dundee kept coming forward and might have scored two further goal with Nish,and Baird unlucky to see their efforts saved or blocked. Gallagher was unlucky to see his side footed finish go wide after making a great run into the six yard box.Hearts did have chances as well but nothing major withe t he Dundee defence standing firm to earn three very welcomed points.

I think the whole team played well and they all worked their socks off. Also l like the pairing of Benedictus and Gallagher the youngsters both done well.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, Gallagher, Benedictus,McAlister, Davidson, McBride, Riley, Milne (Conroy), Nish (J Baird). Subs Not Used: Baird, Webster, Boyle,Toshney

Looking forward to my trip to Motherwell next Saturday to see my Motherwell mates George, Paul, Calum and Jim. Have known these lads for 30 years or so.

Team News

More bad news on the injury front at Dens Park with the news that defender Brian Easton will be out for around two months. Good news is that Captain Stephen O'Donnell is close to fitness now and hopefully be on the bench tomorrow when Hearts visit Dens Park.

Let's hope that we rise and show fight as we need points now before the gap gets any bigger. With seven defeats in a row it's as bad a run as l can remember. In season 1982-83 we just had 9 points at this stage and went on to stay in the league with just 29 points, the mad thing is we finished 6th that season. Kilmarnock went down with only 17 points, Morton also went down with 20 points.

Aberdeen 2 Dundee 0, Pittodrie, 27-October-12

Dundee lost 2-0 at Pittodrie on Saturday again losing soft goals, and maybe too defensive in playing with one striker up front. My own views would be better to have a go and make Aberdeen work hard for their possible points. The first goal came after a poor kick from Rab Douglas was quickly played into the box for McGinn to score. Although it took the Dons until the 74th minute to seal the game when McAlister deflected a shot past Rab Douglas. Dundee were unlucky not to score when a clever run from Jim McAlister and the midfielder finished well, but he was ruled off-side. It looks like the officials got that one wrong.

Another poor result for the club with Brian Easton lasting only three minutes, it was good to see Declan Gallagher to get a chance. I missed the game due to work so can't really say how he or the team played.

Hearts next Saturday the last team we took points from which seems ages ago now....

Injury Woes at Dens Park....

Mark Kerr has been ruled out until next year after picking up a injury in training, it has been a tough time lately for the club with a long list on Karen Gibson's treatment table.

Mark along with Davide Grassi will miss the game at Pittodrie this Saturday, a vital game like most these days for the Dark Blues.

Dundee 1 Inverness Caley Th 4, Dens Park, 19th October 2012

After a mad dash from work l made the 19:45 kick-off with minutes to spare. That's all it took for the Highlanders to take a quick two goal lead after poor defending from Dundee side...A story of our season so far. Dundee did pull a goal back after 12 minutes when after good work from NickyRiley the ball fell kindly to Milne who's miss hit shot fell to Colin Nish who scored with a crisp shot to notch his second goal for the club. The rest of the half and both clubs had good chances and Dundee best fell to Nish only for the Caley Thistle keeper bring off a great save.

Second half was much the same vein with Milne could have scored but he had to stretch to get his shot in and the chance was gone. The visitor's sealed the game when they got a rather soft looking penalty. My thoughts only maybe but Andrew Shinnie scored from the spot. Minutes later it was 4-1 after a sweeping move McKay got his second goal.

Many Dundee Fans were now leaving for the exits, but l chose to stay to watch the rest of the game and try to take the positives from the game. I thought they played okay but slack defending had cost them the game.

Next up is Aberdeen in a fortnight a game which we must try and take something from to start our season again.

Dundee:Douglas,Irvine,Lockwood (Conroy (74),McGregor, Grassi,Davidson, Riley,Kerr,Milne (Baird (74),McAlister,Nish. Subs Not Used: Baird, Benedictus, Gallagher, McBride, Boyle

Hibs v Dundee Highlights....

Player's prank.....

I'm sure Lewis will get pay back for this prank, more details Here  
 

Hibernian 3 Dundee 0, Easter Road, Premier League, 06-October-12

Hibernian went to the top of the league this afternoon with a well deserved 3-0 win over bottom club Dundee. Dundee made four changes with Davide Grassi returning from injury,Brain Easton made his long awaited debut, Kyle Benedictus and Kevin McBride also came in to the side.

Hibs started brightly and  Dundee's first chance fell to Jim McAlister who was unlucky when he turned well and his shot was turned round the post by Williams in the Hibs goal. But the home side took the lead when Eoin Doyle headed high past Rab Douglas. Dundee should have levelled just before half time but somehow Colin Nish shot wide after good play from Davidson had set up the chance.

Ex Dee Leigh Griffths scores from the spot

Hibs again started brightly in the second half and doubled their lead from the penalty spot after McAlister fouled Cairney in the box. Up stepped Leigh Griffths to score with help from the post. As the second half progressed Dundee struggled and Hibs could have scored a few goals, Manager  barry Smith then put on Riley, Milne and Boyle to try and change things. Hibs added a third goal when Wotherspoon cut inside to fire past Douglas to score a fine goal. 


Another poor result for Dundee l would rather see us start in a 4-4-2 formation and at least have a go at teams, the alarming lack of goals is becoming a worry, and we are conceding far too many goals. Also the team giving away too many penalties.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Benedictus, Grassi, Easton, Davidson (Boyle (68), McBride (Riley(54),  Conroy, Kerr, McAlister, Nish (Milne (68). Unused Subs: A.Baird, Lockwood, Gallagher, J.Baird.
 

Ref: Collum

 

Att: 10,163 

Next up is Inverness Caley Thistle at Dens a week on Friday, l hope the players work hard in training  and some of the injuries  clear up to boost the squad.

 

Photo Source; (C) Here

News From Dens Park......

Dundee head for the Capital on Saturday to face Hibernian at Easter Road, rumour has it that Davide Grassi might be fit enough to play. It will be a bonus if that is the case. Lewis Toshney however will miss the game due to injury.


Dundee FC have announced a exciting commercial partnership with AC Milan. It will see AC Milan sent coaches to share their experience in coaching. It will hopefully be worthwhile to the future of the club's youngsters, they are the future and that goes for the rest of Scottish football.

Highlights from Dundee 1 St Johnstone 3.

Dundee Round Up....................

Dundee 1 St Johnstone 3, Dens Park, Premier League, 29-September-12

Dundee lost again at home this time to St Johnstone by three goals to one. By match reports it could have been more and judging by the video highlights manager Barry Smith will not be happy with his defence. Perth saints scored first when Tade scored, soon after Dundee levelled when Ryan Conroy scored from the spot after Martin Boyle had been fouled. Craig put the St Johnstone ahead again with a fine finish. Second half and Saints made sure of the points when MacLean scored the third killer goal.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, Conroy, Toshney (Benedictus (60), Davidson, McAlister,  Boyle, Kerr, Baird (Riley (52), Nish. Unused Subs: Baird, Gallagher, Easton, McBride, Milne. 

Ref: Muir

 

Att: 6,158 

Celtic 2 Dundee 0, Parkhead, Premier League, 22-September-12

Dundee went to Parkhead to play Celtic and in the end lost the game 2-0. Dundee should have scored but both Colin Nish and John Baird could not compose themselves to finish. Rab Douglas then made a superb penalty save saving Brown's spot kick. But Mark Hooper put the home side ahead just before half time. Then Celtic made sure the points were safe when Wanyama shot home from 30 yards with the help of the post. Dundee did not create a lot  with Celtic scoring at vital times in the game.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, Benedictus, Davidson, Conroy, Kerr, Baird (Riley - 71), Milne (Boyle - 66' ), McAlister, Nish. Unused Subs: Baird, Gallagher, Easton, Webster.

Ref: Beaton

 

Att: 41,073

Highlights From Motherwell Game

Photos From Motherwell Game....

Dundee 1 Motherwell 2, Dens Park, Premier League, 15-September-12

Dundee entertained top of the table Motherwell in what proved to be a good enough game. Despite the loss l thought Dundee played okay in spells but must take their chances as Motherwell proved to be vital in this league.

New signing Mark Kerr made his debut and worked hard in the midfield. Dundee could have scored early on but Toshney's effort was well saved by the keeper.  Dundee took the lead after 19 minutes when after a good build up found Baird out wide and his cross was superbly headed home by striker Colin Nish. A really fine goal which delighted the Dundee fans inside Dens Park. The game swung from end to end and the closest Dundee came to getting a second goal was when McAlister shot was straight at Randolph in the well goal.

Iain Davidson had to be replaced by Kyle Bendictus after he had picked up a injury, then as Dundee struggled to keep the ball Motherwell scored what was a pretty soft goal when Higdon scored fwith a six yard tap in. Barry Smith then put on  Mark Stewart for John Baird. then Motherwell scored from a corner a great cross was headed home powerfully by Mignonne again to Give Rab Douglas no chance. Martin Boyle replayed the tiring Mark Kerr as Dundee pushed forward looking for the equaliser and Colin Nish was unlucky not to score in the last frantic minutes. But Motherwell survived to take the points back to Larnarkshire.

Dundee deserved a draw today but got a harse lesson on taking your chances.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, McGregor, Toshney, Davidson (Benedictus - 74' ), Conroy,  Kerr (Boyle - 90' ), Baird (Stewart - 79' ), McAlister, Nish. Unused Subs: Baird, Easton, Riley and  Milne.
 

Ref: Clancy

 

Att: 5,176

Team News For The Visit Of Motherwell....

Dundee take on high flying Motherwell at Dens Park today in what should be a good attacking game of football. After the win at Tynecastle the players will be in confident mood. Sadly more bad news on the injury front with defender Davide Grassi will be out for around six weeks after having a knee operation, this will explain why the club had ex-Hibs defender Sean O'Hanlon on trial during the week. Manager Barry Smith won't be following up his interest in the player.

The other players still out are Stephen O'Donnell, Nicky Riley, Kevin McBride, Carl Finnigan, Mark Stewart, and Jamie McCluskey remain out. New signings Brian Easton and Mark Kerr are both in contention to make their Dundee debuts against Motherwell. 

Blast from the Past.... We can only hope for this kind of display and result later today.....



Video Source: here 

Dundee Sign Mark Kerr.

Dundee have signed midfielder Mark Kerr the 30 year old has played for various clubs including Dunfermline Ath, Aberdeen, Hibernian, Dundee Und and Falkirk. He was linked with the club a few weeks ago.

Picture Source: Here

Blast From The Past

Blast From The Past

Dundee Sign Brian Easton.......

Dundee have complete the signing of left-back Brian Easton on a free transfer from English side Burnley. Brian who started his career with Hamilton Accies before moving to Turf Moor in 2009. He will be a very good signing for the Dark Blues, and will add competition for the left-back position.

Image Source: http://www.clarets-mad.co.uk

Tynecastle Highlights......

Source: splofficial-YouTube

Dundee Win at Tynecastle....

Hearts 0, Dundee 1, Tynecastle Stadium, Premier League, 02-September-12



Dundee started well at Tynecastle this afternoon and got their reward after only 3 minutes when Nish was fouled in the box. Up stepped Ryan Conroy to score Dundee's first SPL goal of the season. The Dark Blues have looked very dangerous and have hit Hearts on the break. McAlister shot over from 20 yards. Hearts have had chances in a end to end game and Rab Douglas has had a couple of good saves. then in 27 minutes gone penalty to Hearts when Paterson has been fouled. Up steps Sutton he shoots to the right and Rab Douglas brings off a superb save to the delight of the Dundee fans. Hearts keep the pressure up and Douglas makes a great save to his left to deny Carrick. The Dundee defence has done well with Grassi looking cool at the back. Up front Colin Nish has lead the line well and Davidson has been very good. Dundee reach half-time still 1-0 and look forward to the second half to hopefully add to their lead.

Into the second half and Hearts pinned Dundee back with Lockwood and Davidson  picking up yellow cards for fouls. Then Conroy clears one off the line when it looks a certain goal for Hearts. Manager Barry Smith then replaced Nish with Savo Milne after 73 minutes with Hearts still attacking the Dundee goal. Dundee have hit on the break when possible and the Hearts fans are getting frustrated. Dundee hold out to take the three points to take them off the bottom of the league.





Well done to the players for their efforts today shows you when they get written off  is when Dundee are dangerous.

Dundee: Douglas, Toshney, Lockwood, McGregor, Grassi,  McAllister, Irvine, Davidson, Conroy, Baird, Nish (Milne 73). Subs: Baird, Webster, Gallagher, Boyle, Reid

Att: 12,446

Ref: C Thompson.

Picture Source: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk