Dundee United 1, Dundee 0, Tannadice, League Cup 3rd Rd, 24-September-14

Dundee attacked their hosts from the kick-off and forced the pace and create a few chances. Manager Paul Hartley made a few changes with Tankulic and Boyle starting for Harkins and Roberts who dropped out.

Early on and after a good Boyle run and shot forced a good save from the United keeper, from the corner the ball fell to the back post and Tankulic's shot was blocked on the line by the United keeper. Dundee kept up the pressure with some slick football and soon after a ball into the box and Rankin recklessly fouled McGowan and it was a penalty to Dundee. Greg Stewart took the kick and put it up the middle and it hit Cierzniak's leg to save a certain goal. Soon after and United broke away and after Armstrong broke clear Martin Boyle tangled with the United player and Referee Craig Thomson gave the Dundee winger a straight Red Card, a bit tough on Dundee as l don't think he was the last man.

From the free kick United hit the bar it was United's only second effort on goal so no goals in the first half. Dundee made a change putting Roberts on for Tankulic.

Second half and it was clear Dundee would keep it tight and hit on the break, again United hit the bar and soon after Letheren pulled off a good save tipping the ball onto the post to deny Armstrong. Dundee had two good chances first McGowan was unlucky with a wee chip shot which just cleared the cross bar, and a good free kick put Roberts clear and his cross into the box was just missed by McPake a touch would have been a certain game. The game looked to be going into extra time when United grabbed the winner after a move McPake blocked a MacKay-Steven shot, from the corner Fojut headed home to the despair of the Dundee players. Time ran out soon after Dundee had kicked off.

Dundee: Letheren, McGinn, Irvine, Konrad, McPake, Ferry, McGowan, McAlister, Stewart, Tankulic(Roberts), Boyle. Subs Not Used: Bain, McBride, Wighton, Harkins and Clarkson.

Ref: C Thomson

Att: 13,041

Special mention for the Dundee Fans who supported the players from the start to the end of the game, the players gave everything and no one can fault them on the night. Our day will come in the Dundee Derby and hopefully it will be the next one. Keep it Dark Blue

Got My Ticket for Cup Game

News From Dens...

Ray Farningham has left the club by mutual consent. Ray has been a player, assistant Manager and lately in charge of the youth set up. He has served the club well over the years and the club wishes Ray all the best in his future.

Iain Davidson, Willie Dryer, Peter McDonald and Kevin Thomson will miss the game at Tannadice tomorrow due to various injuries.

Photo From Sunday

Dundee 1 Dundee Und 4, Dens Park, SPFL Premiership, 21-September-14

Dundee lost their unbeaten status on Sunday losing 4-1 to city rivals Dundee United. It was a below par performance from the Dark Blues and they looked a yard off the pace during the 90 minutes.

They never got going and United led at half-time thanks to a soft looking penalty after Konrad was adjudged to have fouled MacKay-Steven and Bilate scored from the spot. United looked the better side as Dundee gave the ball away too easily and hopefully the second half would be better for the dark blue fans.

Second half and United scored twice in 5 minutes to seal the win first Dundee gave the ball away and Dow scored with a low shot, the third was poor defending letting Morris score with a header. Manager Paul Hartley made changes with Tanklugic, Wighton on for Roberts and Harkins. Soon after Watson made it 4-0 scoring at the back post with a header. Boyle came on for Ferry and he nearly scored but his shot was cleared in United six yard box. Thomas Konrad was sent off near the end for a second yellow card. Dundee did pull one back in injury time when Greg Stewart scored with a powerful drive from the edge of the box.

A bad day at the office for Dundee we need to regroup and get ready for Wednesday's League Cup tie at Tannadice. I expect a better performance from the Dark Blues.

Dundee: Letheren, McGinn, Irvine, Konrad, McPake, Ferry(Boyle), Roberts(Tankulic), McGowan, McAlister, Harkins(Wighton), Stewart. Subs Unused: Bain, Clarkson, McBride, Kerr.

Ref: S McLean

Att: 11, 447

Ready For Sunday

Dundee Win At Perth.....

St Johnstone 0, Dundee 1, McDiarmid Park, SPFL Premiership, 13-September-14 

Dundee kept their unbeaten status going at Perth on Saturday with a well deserved win over hosts St Johnstone. They won the game 1-0 thanks to Thomas Konrad goal after 26 minutes. From the highlights I have seen they looked pretty well in command for most of the game.

The Dundee Fans at Perth on Saturday Great Support

Manager Paul Hartley will be very pleased with this performance and sets the squad up for the two upcoming games against city rivals Dundee United, first in the league next Sunday. Then in the League Cup at Tannadice on the Wednesday. The Dundee fans will be looking forward to these with a lot more confidence than the last time we were in the top league.

Dundee: Letheren, Irvine, McGinn, Konrad, McPake, McAlister, Ferry, Roberts, Harkins, McGowan, Stewart. Subs: Bain, Tankulic, Wighton, Boyle, Clarkson, McBride, Davidson.

Dundee Sign Dave Clarkson

Dundee have signed striker David Clarkson after he impressed in training in the last few weeks. The Ex Motherwell man will be a good addition to Paul Hartley's squad. He has been in England since leaving Fir Park in 2009. He has played for Bristol City he spend time at Brentford on loan before joining Bristol Rovers who he left at the end of last season. Welcome to Dens David

Dundee 1 Celtic 1, Dens Park, SPFL Championship, 31-August-14

Dundee entertained current League Champions Celtic at Dens Park Stadium last Sunday and really played well to earn a 1-1 draw. It was well deserved as the Dens men made some great chances in the last 15 minutes to seal a victory.

Manager Paul Hartley named a attacking line up with Phil Roberts keeping his place and Greg Stewart playing in the midfield. It worked a treat as Dundee took the lead in the first minute when after a run from Roberts forced a corner. The winger took it and his perfect cross was met by James McPake who headed in to score his first goal for the club. Dens went wild as the fans liked what they were seeing as Dundee continued to create chances with MacDonald going very close in one great move. Dundee were in control and Roberts was very unlucky when he burst into the box and his shot was turned onto the post by Celtic keeper Craig Gordon. MacDonald was also unlucky but his lob just went too high and as the first half closed Ambrose nearly scored but Letheren puled off a brilliant save to deny the Celtic centre half.

Second half and Dundee continued to attack Celtic who had made chances with ex-dee Leigh Griffiths coming on. He made a impact straight away as Celtic looked more dangerous on the break. Dundee tried to attack but likely needed fresh legs in the midfield as the whole midfield has worked so hard. Celtic levelled the game on 55 minutes when Griffiths spun to sent  shot at goal it took a deflection off Konrad and this was enough to beat Letheren to make it 1-1.

Paul Hartley made changes Ferry and Tankulic coming on for Harkins and MacDonald soon after and Boyle came on for the tiring Roberts. It put life back into Dundee's attack and Boyle was causing the visitors defence lots of problems Gordon pulled off a good save to deny the winger and later on Tankulic was just wide with two good efforts. Stokes did hit the post for Celtic and Letheren made a good save from Griffiths. But Dundee had a wonder chance to win it Boyle raced clear instead of passing to Tankulic he went for the shot and it just flashed past the far post.

A very good game end to end stuff and Dundee will think it should have been three points from my own thoughts on my MOM goes to Paul McGowan who had a great game and has showed real quality in his play today. The whole team done well today and we can now look forward to better times at Dens Park.

Dundee: Letheren, McGinn, McPake, Konrad, Irvine, Roberts(Boyle 67), McAlister, McGowan, Stewart, Harkins(Ferry 57), MacDonald (Tankulic 57). Unused Subs: Bain, Davidson, McBride, Wighton.

Ref: C Thomson

Att: 9,276.

Dundee 4 Raith Rovers 0, Dens Park, League Cup, 26-August-14

Dundee beat Raith Rovers 4-0 at Dens Park on Tuesday night. They got off to the perfect start scoring on three minutes when Greg Stewart headed home a Roberts cross. Paul McGinn made it 2-0 when he curled a beauty into the top corner. Second half and Peter MacDonald made it 3-0 when he flicked home after good play from Boyle. Martin Boyle made it 4-0 with 70 minutes gone after scoring after a MacDonald shot was blocked. 

A fine win for the Dark Blues who made six changes from Saturday it was also good to see that they had 20 shots at goal. 

Dundee:  Bain, McGinn, McPake, Konrad (McGowan 46), Irvine, Boyle, Davidson, McAlister (Harkins 66), Roberts, Stewart, MacDonald (Tanklulic 70). Unused Subs: Letheren, Carreiro, Kerr, Wighton.

Ref: K Clancy

Att: 2,645

Photos...from Saturday

St Mirren 0 Dundee 1, St Mirren Park, SPFL Premiership, 23-August-14

Dundee got their first win in the league with a fine win over St Mirren, a late strike from Peter MacDonald who had come on from the bench. It was a braw sunny day for football as was the weather in Glasgow for a pre match pint with some fellow Fife Dark Blues. 

Simon Ferry missed the game due to injury Kevin McBride took his place both team had early chances as the game opened in a frantic pace. Dundee settled and played some nice football but it was St Mirren maybe should have lead at half time but their finishing was pretty wild. 

Second half and game started much as the first half had ended Dundee had a good chance but McAlister headed over from a good Irvine cross. St Mirren remained dangerous on the break and Drury blasted over when really he should have scored. Paul Hartley made changes and Harkin and Tankulic made way for Boyle and MacDonald. It proved to be the right decision when McAlister found Konrad and his long ball found Peter MacDonald who's first touch put himself clear and he finished to the great delight of the Dark Blue fans behind the goal. The Buddies nearly scored soon after but Dundee were unlucky when good play from Wighton put Boyle into the box but the young striker put it just wide. Dundee held on to win the game and claim all three points. 

It was a happy journey home and l had a few beers in The Bull in Paisley meeting up with some of the Capital Dark Blues good to see some well known faces.

Dundee: Letheren, McGinn, Irvine, McPake, Konrad, McBride(Davidson 64), McAlister, Wighton, Harkins (Boyle 71), McGowan, Tankulic (MacDonald 62) Unused Subs: Bain, Stewart, Kerr.

 Ref: J Beaton 

Att: 4,517

Dens Park Round Up

Dundee 1, Partick Thistle 1, Dens Park, SPFL Premiership, 16-August-14.

Dundee drew 1-1 at Dens on Saturday in what was a poor performance on what the club has shown so far this season, they were lucky not to be 3-0 at half time. The jags scored with a great strike from youngster Fraser. Just before that Thistle should have scored but some how Bannigan missed a sitter when he headed wide from inside the six yard box. Dundee did very little in the first half with only a MacDonald effort which went wide. 

Second half and Craig Wighton came on to replace Tankulic and he played a bit part on getting the dark blues back into the game. A good run from McAlister into the box he slipped the ball to Craig Wighton and the youngster kept his cool and finished like a veteran to light up Dens Park. Five minutes later and Dundee had a great chance to go ahead McPake was fouled in the box and after a mini melee Thistle keeper Fox got a red card for a silly wee slap on McGowan. Up stepped Harkins but Gallagher saved the midfielder's poor spot kick. Near the end and MacDonald nearly won it but his header was well saved.

Dundee: Letheren, McGinn, McPake, Konrad, Dyer (Irvine) Ferry McAlister, McGowan, Harkins Boyle) MacDonald, Tankulic (Wighton) Subs Unused: Bain, Stewart, Davidson, Benedictus. 

Ref: C Charleston.

Att: 6,453

Inverness Caley Thistle 0, Dundee 0, Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, SPFL Premiership, 13-Aug-14 

Dundee travelled up to the Highlands last week to record a 0-0 draw against Inverness Caley Thistle a very good result at a tough venue. Captain Kevin Thomson had to go off early on with a calf knock Jim McAlister replaced the midfielder. Dundee had chances and Peter McDonald should have scored late on. Paul Hartley will be happy enough with the point.

Dundee: Letheren, Dyer, Konrad, McPake, Thomson (C)(McAlister) Ferry, Stewart, (Boyle), McGowan, McGinn, Tankulic (MacDonald), Harkins. Subs: Bain, Irvine, Davidson, Wighton. 

Ref: S Finnie

Att: 3,082.

Dundee 1 Kilmarnock 1, Dens Park, Premier League, 9th August 2014

Dundee started their league campaign with a well deserved 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock at Dens Park on Saturday. They started very positively and put the Killie goal under pressure. But it was the visitors who had the first real chance when a Magennis header was well saved by Letheren. Dundee did take the lead on 16 minutes when after a great passing move put Harkins into the box he was fouled and the referee pointed to the spot. Gary Harkins got up and scored with ease sending Samson the wrong way.

Soon after and Killie nearly levelled when their new striker hit the bar with Letheren well beaten. Kilmarnock looked the more dangerous side and Dundee had to defend well to keep them at bay. But McPake gave away a free kick at the edge of the box and up stepped Slater to curl one into the top corner leaving the Dundee keeper rooted to the spot. Both teams continued to play open attacking football until half time. 

Second half and Dundee took control of the game and only some great goalkeeping from Craig Samson kept them out twice saving early on from good Harkins efforts. Dundee did have a wee scare when Letheren tried to head the ball away and missed it, good fortune for Dundee that the Killie player put the ball tamely past the post. After this Samson had moe saves from McGowan and Tankulic and in the last minute sub Peter MacDonald hit the bar with a great free kick a inch lower and Dundee would have taken all three points.

Next up is Inverness Caley Thistle away on Wednesday a tough game for the Dark Blues but one the fans will enjoy.

Dundee: Letheren, McGinn, McPake, Konrad, Dyer, Thomson , Ferry (McAlister), McGowan, Harkins, Stewart (MacDonald), Tankulic (Wighton). Unused subs: Adam, Irvine, Davidson, McBride

Ref: S McLean

Att: 7,588

Dundee 4 Peterhead 0, Dens Park, League Cup, 2nd-August-14

Dundee done a very professional job on visitors Peterhead on Saturday, two goals in each half sealed a very good win for the new look Dark Blues. Simon Ferry put Dundee ahead on 22 minutes finishing after the keeper had parried Tankulic shot. Then just before half time Greg Stewart fired home after delightful play from McGowan. In between the goals Peterhead nearly levelled but Thomson headed the ball clear on the line.

Two further goals from Dundee followed on 78 minutes Peter MacDonald headed home after a superb cross from Tankulic, then 4 minutes later Luka Tankulic scored with a low drive after a delightful chip-cross from Harkins.

A great start for the new look Dundee side who played with flair pace and they look to have goals coming various players. The real test will be on Saturday when they play Kilmarnock at Dens in the first League game of the season.


Dundee: Letheren, McGinn, Benedictus, Konrad, Dyer, Ferry (McBride 66), Thomson, McGowan
Harkins,Stewart (MacDonald 61), Tankulic (Boyle 83) Unused subs: Adam (gk), Kerr

Ref: W.Collum

Att: 3,079

Trialist at Sheffield

Dundee had Trialist Adam Dodd who played the second half at Sheffield United on Friday, he has been released by Blackpool. He has been on loan to Ayr United and played 16 games scoring two goals he play on the left side of midfield. Adam played left back on Friday.

Sheffield United 4 Dundee 2, Bramall Lane, Friendly, 25-July-14

Dundee lost 4-2 at Bramall lane on Friday night, they went behind early when a short pass back let  Murphy in and he scored to put the Blades 1-0 up. Dundee came back into the game and Luka Tankulic scored a fine goal with a nice turn and finish from the edge of the box to level the match which was the half-time score.

The home side came out and took control and took the lead after 50 minutes. A Harris cross bounced off a Dundee defender perfectly for Basham to slide in and direct the ball into the corner of the net, giving Letheren no chance.

Basham then turned provider as United added a third on 65 minutes. A mix up between Letheren and McAlister saw Basham in the clear but he found Baxter who tapped the ball into an empty net.

 Sub  McNulty handed his debut and the Scottish striker took just two minutes to make an impression. The ball was loose in the box from a Davies corner and McNulty flicked the ball home from a yard, despite a crowded goal-line.

With six minutes left Thomas Konrad pulled one back when he forced the ball home after a corner to make the final score 4-2.

Likely the changes at half-time changed the game Manager Paul Hartley will be happy enough with the first half performance. Next up is Peterhead at Dens Park on Saturday in the League Cup.

Dundee: Letheren, McGinn, Dyer, Benedictus, Konrad, McBride, Thomson, Harkins, Roberts, McGowan, Tankulic.  Subs: Adam, Ferry, McAlister, Dodd, Boyle, Kerr, Wighton.

Att: 3,207

Dundee 3 Hearts 0, Dens Park, Friendly, 22-July-14

Dundee kept up their fine Pre-Season form with a 3-0 win over Championship side Heart of Midlothian. New signing Thomas Konrad made the starting line up with new striker Luka Tankulic on the bench.

Dundee opening the scoring from the penalty spot after Gary Harkins had been fouled in the box, and Harkins got up and scored with ease to put the dark blues 1 nil up, before this Peter MacDonald had hit the post. Dundee had also missed a few chances as they played in a 4-4-2 formation. That was the half-time score with Manager Paul Hartley making six changes for the second half.

Straight away Luka Tankulic made his presence felt as he missed a chance but the striker scored soon after when he robbed Holt and Tankulic smashed the ball low into the net from 22 yards to the delight of the Dundee fans. Dundee's front three were causing Hearts all kinds of problems with Wighton playing well, he was fouled just outside the box and up stepped Tankulic to blast the ball home for a great goal. Dundee controlled the last 25 minutes and could have scored more. But 3-0 nil is a fine win and sets up the team for the visit to Sheffield Und on Friday night.

Dundee: Letheren, McGinn (Kerr 65), McPake (Benedictus 46), Konrad, Dyer, Ferry (McBride 46), McGowan (Riley 65), McAlister (Roberts 46), Harkins (Boyle 46), MacDonald (Tankulic 46), Stewart (Wighton 46). Sub not used: Adam.

Dundee Sign Two New Players...

Luka and Thomas

Great News for Dundee fans that Thomas Konrad and Luka Tankulic have agreed two year deals with club. Both looked very good against Manchester City after doing well at the Pre-Season camp in Budapest. Manager Paul Hartley is delighted to add to the squad which is looking very strong.

 

Morecambe 2 Dundee 4, Globe Arena, Friendly, 19th-July-14

Dundee earned a superb win at Morecambe on Saturday beating the hosts 4-2 in what seemed a tough game. In the video l have seen Dundee looked quick on the break scored some really good goals, but lost two bad goals with the middle of the defence not looking clever. But it's still pre-season and a lot of time to get it right.

Morecambe scored after only 1 minute on the clock gone when a quick ball  from midfield and it caught the defence flat footed and Amont went on to scored with ease. Dundee got level on 25 minutes with a great goal from  trialist Kieron  Cadogan took a fine touch knocked the ball forward and with pace finished it with a superb shot into the bottom corner. Dundee then took the lead when great play from Gary Harkins and he went on to slide foot the ball home.

Fife Dark Blues Left Their Mark in Morecambe

Second half and The Shrimps drew level when Edwards headed home after 66 minutes. The game went from end to end and then Martin Boyle made it 3-2 Dundee with a great run and finish on 71 minutes. More chances fell to both sides but Peter MacDonald sealed the win in the 90th minute with a cool finish after good play from McGinn. That would have send the Dundee fans home happy and bet they had a few beers to celebrate.

Dundee: Letheren, Irvine, Davidson, McPake, Dyer, McBride, Thomson, Cadogan, Harkins, McGowan, Roberts.

(Second Half): Letheren, McGinn, McPake, Benedictus, Dyer, Ferry, Thomson (Riley 58), McGowan (Boyle 58), McAlister, Stewart, MacDonald.

Referee: S. Duncan

New Strips For 2014-15

I have the home one on Pre-Order. and l like the away one as well, and will get it once l save up for it.

News From Dens....

Dundee drew 0-0 at Glebe Park on Wednesday night in a close fought match Dundee failed to score but at this stage of the season it's about fitness and getting game time under their belts. Manager Paul Hartley made a lot of changes at half time. Going by match reports and fans view was that the team played some neat football but failed to create any clear cut chances.

Dundee: Adam, McGinn, Benedictus, Davidson, Kerr, Boyle, Riley, Thomson, Roberts, Stewart, MacDonald

Second Half:  Adam, Irvine, Benedictus, Mcpake, McGinn, Cadogan, McGowan, Harkins, McAlister, Wighton, MacDonald.

Att: 1,012

Ref: C Charleston.

Next up for the Dark Blues is a trip to play Morecambe on Saturday. The club will play Sheffield United  at Bramall Lane next Friday with a 7pm kick-off.

More Photos From Man City Game..

Blast From The Past ......The Brandon Three

Dundee 2 Manchester City 0, Dens Park, 13th July 2014

Dundee returned from a weeks training in Budapest in the squad to play Manchester City were German trialists Defender Thomas Konrad and striker Luka Tankulic, also playing was winger Kieron Cadogan who has played for Crystal Palace.

Both teams started well without troubling both keepers, but the game changed on 26th minute when Boyata barged Gary Harkins off the ball to give the home side a dream penalty. Up stepped Gary Harkins who scored with rebound after Caballero saved the first effort. City attacked straight away but McPake done well to force the striker wide and the shot hit the side netting.

Eight minutes from half time and it was 2-0 for the home side, a Harkins corner was met by Luka Tankulic and his side foot effort was deflected off the unlucky Boyata to the delight of the home fans.

Second half and both teams made a load of changes Manchester City came more into it but Dundee played well kept it simple with some neat football. On loan keeper Grant Adam only had a couple of saves to make and in the end Dundee ran out well deserved winners to pick up the sponsors trophy.

DUNDEE: Adam, Irvine (McGinn 45), McPake (Benedictus 60), Konrad (Wighton 75), Dyer (Kerr 75), Cadogan (Riley 60), Thomson (Davidson 45), McBride (Boyle 60), McAlister (Roberts 45), Harkins (Stewart 60), Tankulic (MacDonald 60), Letheren.

MANCHESTER CITY: Caballero, Bossaerts (Richards 45), Boyata (Rekik 45), Denayer (Nastasic 45), Kolarov (Leigh 45), Fernando (Garcia 45), Huws, Rodwell (Nasri 45), Navas (Sinclair 45), Guidetti 
(Zuculini 45), Jovetic (Negredo 45).

Att: 6,859

Ref: B Madden

 

Gary Harkins Back For A Third Time

Gary Harkins has joined Dundee for a third time after his St Mirren contract was cancelled by mutual consent. The 29-year-old attacking midfielder has penned a two-year contract with Paul Hartley's Scottish Premiership newboys, becoming their ninth addition of the close season.

 

Harkins started his career as a centre back at Blackburn Rovers and after a series of loan spells down south he returned to Scotland with Partick Thistle.

He switched to Dundee in 2009 and scored 22 goals before moving to Kilmarnock in 2011. After two years at Rugby Park he returned to Dens Park but left for St Mirren six months later.

Harkins scored twice for the Buddies but spent the second half of last season on loan at Oldham Athletic.

News From Dens Park..

Dundee have revealed chief executive Scot Gardiner will leave the club at the end of June. Gardiner was recruited in 2012 to help stabilise the club and build a solid platform for the future. Dundee also revealed that as part of a restructuring process, director John Nelms will serve as their managing director, director Ian Crighton has taken an executive role as chief financial officer and director Steve Martin will be commercial director.

 

Dundee have signed former St Mirren midfielder Paul McGowan and ex-Dumbarton defender Paul McGinn on two-year contracts. Paul Hartley said he was delighted to get both players. I think they will add much needed strength to our squad.  

Holiday In Manila

While on Holiday with my Wife Carmie and Son Andrew we spend nearly three weeks in the Philippines which we visited family and friends. Also we were able to meet up with fellow DFC Neil Wallace who has lived in the Philippines for the last six years. It was great to spend some time together below are some photos:

News From Dens

Dundee will play Kilmarnock at Dens park on the opening of the SPFL Premiership. The club will get the SPFL Championship Flag after winning it last season. It will be another great day for DFC fans.

Gary Irvine is set to sign a new 1 year deal to stay at Dens Park it will be his fifth season at the club, meanwhile Ryan Conroy has left the club he done well enough in his time at Dens, he leaves with best wishes in his future career.

Signing target Kane Hemmings  has signed for Barnsley likely money talks in this move.