Dundee 1 Aberdeen 1, Dens Park, 4-May-13

Dundee were relegated on Sunday after drawing 1-1 with Aberdeen at Dens Park. They played well for most of the game, and were robbed by a dubious looking Penalty award with 20 minutes to go.

Team wise Gary Harkins was back in the side for Carl Finnigan, with Gary Irvine coming in to replace the suspended Kyle Bendictus in the middle of the defence. In a slow start to the game it exploded on 20 minutes when good play from Harkins who found Jim McAlister who cleverly flicked the ball up and turned to volley a great high shot to give Dundee the lead, it might have been slightly deflected but who cared as Dens went mad. Soon after a mistake let in John Baird and his pass found Harkins with just Langfield to beat from 6 yards or so but he somehow hit the keepers legs and the chance was saved and gone.

At the other end Steve Simonsen made a double save to deny Jack and Pawlett. Dundee had a couple of chances before half time but the shots were just wide of the target. They might have had a penalty when McAlister was fouled but the Ref waved away appeals from the Dundee players.

Second half and Aberdeen started brightly and forced Dundee back a bit with the introduction of Nicky Low making a difference to the Dons side. Then Gallagher went down off the ball with Fallon the Aberdeen striker was given a straight Red card after help from the linesman. Dundee pushed forward and Gallagher had a header saved by Langfield.

Then with 20 minutes to go Aberdeen were awarded a very dubious looking Penalty when Pawlett looked to taken a dive and to the horror of the Dundee players and fans referee Muir pointed to the spot. Niall McGinn scored with a perfect penalty kick high to give Simonsen no chance.

Dundee kept coming forward and McAlister's looping header was superbly tipped over the bar by Jamie Langfield who made a few good saves during the 90 minutes.

Four minutes of injury time was added but sadly Dundee could not find the vital winner, and will now play in the First Division next season.

Dundee: Simonsen, Irvine (Kerr (82), Easton, Lockwood (Conroy (74), Toshney, Gallagher, McBride, Davidson, McAlister, Harkins, J Baird (Finnigan(74),  Subs Not Used: A Baird, Nish, Barrowman, Thomson.

Att:6,441

Ref: Alan Muir

Dundee 1 Hearts 0, Dens Park, Premier League, 27-April-13

Dundee kept their recent fine form going with a well deserve 1-0 win over Hearts at Dens Park. Now with three games to go it gives the club a slim chance of staying in the premier League next season. St Mirren the only team we can catch drew 3-3 with Hibernian at Easter Road. Team news before the game let us know that Gary Harkins would miss out due to a rib injury. Carl Finnigan came into to the team.

Hearts started brightly and Simonsen had to be alert to save well from a Hamil free kick, it took Dundee a while to get going but after that they took control of the game after that. Soon after Andy Webster was booked for holding back Finnigan who had broke clear of the defender. Kyle Benedictus fired in a great free kick which forced the Hearts keeper to tip over the bar. But 10 minutes later a reckless challenge on Carl Finnigan and Webster was sent off. He looked surprized but can't have any complains l think. After this and to half time Dundee passed the ball about well and Lewis Toshney was unlucky with a shot which just went wide.

Second half and Manager John Brown replaced Matt Lockwood with Ryan Conroy to try and get the midfield going and be stronger to combat Hearts breakaways. A good early Conroy cross was headed onto the bar from Brian Easton's head and with a bit of luck it would have been a goal. Brown made further changes with Colin Nish and Nicky Riley replacing Ian Davidson and John Baird.

Then with eleven minutes to go Dundee gained a free kick some 40 yards from goal and up stepped Ryan Conroy to hit a fierce shot which took a deflection off Ryan Stevenson to sent the ball into the Hearts net to give Dundee the lead. Dens Park went mad with celebrations as it came through that St Mirren were winning 3-2 failed to put a damper on it as minutes later Leigh Griffiths had levelled things at Easter Road. Dundee seen out the game to claim the vital three points to keep our survival hopes going for another week.

Dundee players celebrate the winning goal.

Only down point was the soft sending off of Nicky Riley l think the linesman pushed Nicky harder than the foul.

Dundee: Simonsen, Toshney, Easton, Lockwood ( Conroy (46), Gallagher, Benedictus, McBride, Davidson (Nish (65) , McAlister, Finnigan, J Baird (Riley (65).  Subs Not Used: A Baird, Barrowman, and Irvine.

Att: 5,896

Ref: John Beaton.

More Photos From Paisley

St Mirren 1, Dundee 2, New Love Street, 20-April-13

Dundee came out on top again making it two away wins in a row. In a well deserved 2-1 win at New Love Street. I was happy to make the trip west with the Andy Penman's Dark Blues.

Manager John Brown started the team which won at Killie a couple of weeks ago and it worked a treat as the dark blues took the game to the hosts. Early on Baird was unlucky when Toshney played the striker in but Samson in the saints goal came out quickly and cleared the ball. Soon after a great cross caused havoc in the box and when it knocked back in McAlister's shot was blocked , it fell to McBride who's dipping shot came back of the bar. St Mirren had a lot of the ball but their final ball was poor and it did not trouble the Dundee defence.

Then with five minutes to the break Dundee opened the scoring great link up play from Baird played Jim McAlister into the box the midfielder flicked the ball up to set himself to finish to score a fine goal to the delight of the Dundee fans.

Second half and it took the home side seven minutes to level the match when Thompson scored with a fine placed header. But Dundee composed themselves and took control of the game, but needed the help of the Dundee keeper Simonsen who pulled of a great save to deny McGinn. Soon after that Goodwin was sent off, he had been already been booked in the first half a further fouls on Baird and Finnigan left the Ref with no option but to sent him off. Dundee took control and Harkins and Easton were unlucky with efforts, but with nine minutes to go great skill from Harkins and his cross was headed home by Carl Finnigan for his first goal of the season. Dundee had already made changes with Riley and Conroy to keep the team fresh and it worked a treat. Dundee held on to take another three vital points to keep relegation away for another week at least.

It was a very happy bus journey home and we look forward to Saturday's home game when Hearts come to town.

Dundee: Simonsen, Benedictus, Lockwood (Riley 68), Gallagher, Toshney, McBride, Davidson (Conroy 71), McAlister, Easton, Harkins, Baird (Finnigan 58). Subs Not Used: A Baird, Irvine, Kerr, Barrowman.

Ref: C Thomson

Att: 4,002

Kilmarnock 1 Dundee 2, Rugby Park, 06-April-13

Dundee recorded their second win of the season away from home with a fine 2-1 win to end Kilmarnock's hopes of a top six finish. Interim Manager John brown made several changes from the team that faced Motherwell.

Kilmarnock had the first chance when Simonsen made a fine save from Boyd, but it was Dundee who broke with a fine move that involved Lockwood, Harkins and Baird who found Gary Harkins who calmly side footed home to give the dark blues the lead. Soon after Boyd missed a sitter when right through on the Dundee keeper but shot widely wide of the goal.

Dundee took control as Killie struggled to trouble the Dundee defence and were booed off at half-time.

Dundee were unlucky not to make it 2-0 when Baird wriggled free to round the Killie keeper but was adjudged to foul the Killie defender, it did not look like it. Soon after Kilmarnock scored with Boyd scored with a simple finish after a back post cross found him unmarked.

But three minutes later a fine pass from McBride freed Lewis Toshney and his cross was superbly hooked home by Gary Harkins to give Dundee a very vital three points. Striker Andrew Barrowman came on for the last 20 minutes and done well, and linked up well with MOM Gary Harkins.

Dundee: Simonsen, Lockwood, Davidson, McBride, Baird, Barrowman (70), Gallagher, McAlister, Toshney, Easton, Harkins (Kerr 90), Benedictus. Subs Not Used; Baird, Riley, Conroy, Finnigan, Nish

Att: 4, 966

Ref: I Brines

Dundee Sign Striker..

Dundee have signed striker Andrew Barrowman on deal to the end of the season. The striker was released from Dunfermline Ath after the club made cutbacks in their  fight to survive, a battle of what us Dundee fans know enough about.

More Motherwell Photos.........................

Dundee 0 Motherwell 3, Dens Park, Premier League, 30-March-13

Dundee were well beaten on Saturday when a slick Motherwell side scored early and went on to score two more goals in the second half to seal the game.

Motherwell took the lead when Higdon headed past Simonsen a poor goals for the defence to lose marking in the box has poor this season. Dundee did have a great chance when a bit of skill gave Harkins space to force the well keeper to make a good save, John Baird shot wide of the far post when he should have scored.

Both teams played some good football with Motherwell looking the more dangerous in front of the goal. Second half and Nicky Law scored twice the first with a header on 62 minutes, his second goal was a cracker when he placed a shot high and away from Dundee keeper Simonsen.

Dundee kept plugging away but were beaten by a quality side who will finish second in the SPL this season.

Dundee: Simonsen,Benedictus, Grassi, Toshney, Easton, Riley, Davidson, McAlister, Conroy (Finnigan 67)Harkins, Baird (Cowan 80). Unused subs; Alex Baird, Gallagher, McBride, Kerr, Milne.

Att ; 4.836

Ref; Steven McLean.

Bust Up at Dens......

Rumour has it the Rab Douglas has had a bust up with Manager John Brown after the signing of new keeper Steve Simonsen. Things like this happen all the time in football, l hope once the dust settles things can be sorted for the good of everyone.

Dundee Derby Ends In A Draw..............

Dundee drew 1-1 with Dundee United on Sunday and came close to winning the game with Und scoring in the last few minutes. Dundee had Gary Irvine sent off after just 20 minutes gone. Ryan Conroy scored half way through the second half with a great turn and shot, after a good run forward from Brian Easton. New keeper Steve Simonsen made his debut and seemed to do well with everything he had to deal with.

Dundee: Simonsen, Irvine, Grassi, Toshney, Easton, Riley (Benedictus 22), Davidson (McBride 77), McAlister, Conroy, Harkins (Cowan 80), Baird. Unused subs; Alex Baird (gk), Finnigan, Gallagher, Nish.

Att: 10,731

Ref: B Madden

I missed the game due to work.

Dundee Sign Keeper

Dundee have signed goalkeeper Steve Simonsen who has played for Everton, Stoke City, Sheffield United, and Preston North End who he left in January. The 33 year old has been brought in as Rab Douglas has a thigh injury which prevented Rab from taking his own goal kicks during the Inverness Caley Thistle game.

Photo Source: Here

The Future is Dark Blue

Andrew's DFC Top

 

Inverness Photos

Dundee 1 Inverness Caley Thistle 1, Dens Park, Premier League, 09-March-13

John Baird Scores Dundee's Goal

Dundee drew 1-1 with Inverness Caley Thistle in a close encounter at Dens Park. The home side took the lead with a well worked goal, good play from Harkins and Conroy and John Baird finished with a neat shot from 18 yards or so. Soon after Nicky Riley fired just over the bar as Dundee created a few chances. But it was ICT who nearly scored when Irvine cleared under pressure and some the ball came off the bar to safety. Soon after Andrew Shinnie hit the bar from about 20 yards out.

Second half and Davidson so nearly scored with a header but Esson managed to save and knock the ball over the bar. Dundee then had a good spell of pressure but just lacked the composure to finish off their moves. But as the game came to a close Caley Thistle scored to level things when a deep cross was headed home by small striker Billy McKay. Both teams went for a winner, but a draw was about right.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Grassi, Toshney, Easton, Riley, Davidson, McAlister, Conroy, Harkins,  (Finnigan 85), Baird. Unused subs; Alex Baird (gk), Benedictus, Gallagher, McBride, Stewart.

Att: 4,114

Ref: C Thomson

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

A pitch inspection will take place at 10am due to the recent heavy rain over the past few days has left the pitch very wet.

Dundee play Inverness Caley Thistle today at Dens Park who have not lost on their last five visits. Let's hope that changes today with Dundee continuing the attacking football in the last three games. Team news Declan Gallagher returns after his suspension, and Carl Finnigan will also be in the squad.

It would be great to get the three points today just to close the gap at the bottom of the league. But we need to mark Billy McKay well as he has scored twice in the two meetings between the clubs with ITC winning both games 4-1.

Dundee 2 St Mirren 1, Dens Park, Premier League, 6-March-2013

On Wednesday Dundee entertained St Mirren who had been on a good run of results of late, the League Cup Finalists started a lot better than the home side and it was no surprise when they took the lead when after a good move was finished by Imrie with a stunning volley to give Rab Douglas no chance. Dundee had a lot of the ball but could not create nothing to trouble the Saints keeper. Rab Douglas made two wonderful saves to keep Dundee in the game, the one from a Parkin header must of had the striker shaking his head in disbelief.

Manager John Brown made two changes at half time with Ryan Conroy and Nicky Riley replaced Kevin McBride and Steven Milne. It was a formation change as well to give the team some width and to protect the full backs. St Mirren nearly scored at the start of the second half but somehow Parkin's header went over the ball. But slowly Dundee came into the game and  Riley had a shot which did not trouble Samson. But with 68 minutes gone John Baird got a break when he tried to beat a defender the ball came back to the striker and he curled a beauty past Samson to level the game.



The winning goal at Dens Park

With 15 minutes to go Carl Finnigan came on for the injured John Baird and straight away the winning second goal was scored excelled skill from Conroy he passed to Gary Harkins who beat 4 defenders with fabulous ball skills his cross was knocked on to Riley at the back post and he knocked the ball to Jim McAlister who finished across the goal to finish a superb move to the delight of the Dundee fans inside Dens Park.

Dundee kept coming forward and Conroy was unlucky with a shot which flew over the ball. Dundee played out the game to earn a very vital three points.

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Grassi, Toshney, Easton, Davidson, McBride (Riley 45), McAlister
Harkins, Mline (Conroy 45), John Baird (Finnigan 76). Unused subs; Alex Baird (gk), Benedictus, Stewart, Morgan

Ref: S Finnie 

Att: 3,674

Cup tie photos

Dundee 1 Dundee Und 2, Scottish Cup 1/4Final, Dens Park, 03-March-13

Dundee just failed to reach the semi finals stage of the Scottish Cup after losing 2-1 to local rivals Dundee United. Gary Harkins was cup tied which was a blow and Declan Gallagher was also missing, Davide Grassi and Brian Easton both returned after injury.

Dundee started very well and took the game to United, but it them who opened the scoring MacKay-Steven seemed to carry the ball out close to the linesman, but he waved on play and the United player was then fouled. From the free kick McLean headed home from six yards. But Dundee levelled matters five minuted later when after good play from Milne found Baird who layed the ball to Jim McAlister to smash the ball home from 16 yards to end a fine move. Dundee forced United back and they did not look comfy. Dundee should have taken the lead when a cross was half cleared and the ball found Baird but some how he hit the keepers legs. But as the first goal United scored when a quick break and the ball was fed to Mackay Steven to shoot under Douglas for a fine finish. Dundee kept at it but it ended 1-2 at half time.



Second half and Dundee forced a few corners but failed to take advantage as the crosses were too close and easy for the keeper. Grassi did have a free header but headed down and the chance was gone, McAlister put one over the ball as time run out, late on Rab Douglas made a great save when fellow defender Grassi headed it back towards the goal. Time run out as United were content to play the ball into the corners to run down the clock.


Manager John Brown put on Mark Steward and Colin Nish earlier but it failed to grab the vital second goal.


Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Grassi, Toshney, Easton, Riley (Stewart 72), McAlister, Davidson, Conroy
John Baird, Milne (Nish 79). Unused subs; Alex Baird (gk), Benedictus, McBride.

Ref: I Brines

Att: 10,191

Second half pressure from Dundee