Motherwell 1, Dundee 5, Fir Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 25-February-17

Dundee produced a first half display at Fir Park you can only dream about, scoring 5 goals to sweep Motherwell out of sight. Manager Paul Hartley was able to name the same side that beat Rangers last Sunday.

They started well and put Motherwell under pressure and they got a wee break when a high ball was knocked back in the box, it was headed into his own net by defender Zak Jules with keeper Samson in no mans land. Motherwell did level when Moult fired home after his first attempt was blocked.

Dundee just kept playing one touch football and were rewarded when Marcus Haber turned neatly in the box to fire Dundee back into the lead, Mark O'Hara scored soon after great build up to put Dundee 3-1 up and well in command of the game.

The fourth goal came soon after good play by Ojamma and cut back found Craig Wighton smashed the ball home to send the Dundee fans wild with delight. Then right on half-time a great cross from Wighton to back post was headed home by Marcus Haber to totally stun Fir Park.

Happy Andrew at Half-time

Second half was always going to a bit tight with Motherwell digging in a wee bit with Dundee making sure they don't concede any goals. They did have a few efforts on goals on the break but could not add to the goal tally. Motherwell did force Scott Bain into two good saves and O'Dea cleared one off his own post. Dundee did give all the available  subs a wee run out as we finished the game comfy with the points safely in the bag.

A great three points for the club and it sets us for the game against Partick Thistle at Dens on Wednesday.

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr, Etxabeguren, O’Dea, Holt,  O’Hara (Williams 62), McGowan, Vincent, Wighton (El Bakhtaoui 87),  Ojamaa (Hateley 82), Haber. Unused Subs: Ferrie, Ross, Gadzhalov, Gomis.

Att: 4,002

Ref: Stephen Finnie.

More photos....

Dundee 2, Rangers 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 19-February-17

Manager Paul Hartley made three changes to the line up which faced Kilmarnock last week. In came Julen Etxabeguren, James Vincent and Craig Wighton, replacing Kevin Gomis, Kosta Gadzhalov and Tom Hateley, who were all on the bench. It was a more attacking formation 4-4-2 one I'm more happy watching.

Dundee started well and O'Hara could have headed the dee ahead in the firs few minutes his header just going wide after a fast flowing move. Dundee seemed well up for the game giving the Rangers players little time on the ball.

On 12 minutes Dundee took the lead with a well taken goal, a sweeping move involving Wighton and Ojamaa and Henrik's  cross was smashed home by Mark O'Hara for a tremendous  goal to sent dens park wild with delight.

Rangers struggled as Dundee kept pressing them and the only effort was from Kenny Miller but Bain saved easily at his post. Five minutes from half-time and it was 2-0 Kevin Holt fired home a free kick after O'Hara had been fouled. Minutes later Haber almost made it 3-0 shooting wide from 10 yards.

Just after the second goal

My son Andrew happy with the half-time score 

 Second half and Dundee started well again with the midfielders strong in the tackle and helping the defence out when needed. But against the run of play Garner pulled one back for the visitors when he shot home from the edge of the box. But it made little difference to the flow of the game.

O’Hara burst past Hodson on the right and ran along the byline, but he couldn’t find Haber with his cutback. O’Hara was then unfortunate not to win a penalty when he seemed to be tripped as he went past Wilson. I0 minutes from time and Danny Williams came on for Herik Ojamaa as Dundee  put on fresh legs to see the game out.

Wighton and Vicent had good efforts saved by the Rangers keeper as Dundee finished the game strongly. At the final whistle the happy Dundee fans applauded the players off the pitch they fully deserved this today with the performance of the season so far.

Dundee: Bain, Kerr, Etxabeguren, O’Dea, Holt,  O’Hara, McGowan, Vincent, Wighton,  Ojamaa (Williams 80), Haber. Unused Subs: Gourlay, Hateley, Ross, El Bakhtaoui, Gadzhalov, Gomis.

Att: 9,017

Ref: Craig Thomson.

Dundee 1, Kilmarnock 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 11-February-17

Dundee earned a point with a 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock at Dens, Kosta Gadzhalov came in for Julen Etxabeguren as the only change to the Dundee line-up. 

Kilmarnock took the lead after just 9 minutes when a long ball played in Kris Boyd and he knocked the ball past Scott Bain and despite the efforts of Kevin Gomis the ball ended in the net. Dundee had struggled to get going with too many passes going astray.

Mark O'Hara had a good chance after breaking forward but his shot was too close to the keeper. But on 27 minutes Kevin Holt levelled matters when the Killie keeper got caught in no mans land and the defender slotted home for a fine goal.

Dundee had a few chances before half-time, a low drive from 20 yards by Henrik Ojamaa was heading inside the keepers post, until he made a fine save to tip the ball wide. Another break ended with Paul McGowan shooting wide after Marcus Haber’s header had struck a defender.

Second half and both sides had chances but not clear cut, Marcus Haber headed over and Henrik Ojamaa had a shot cleared. Scott Bain had a couple of good saves to keep Dundee in the game. Last 20 minutes Dundee changed to 4-4-2 with Wighton coming on for Gomis.

The closest they came to was a Kosta Gadzhalov header at the back post was blocked by the Kilmarnock keeper's legs.

So in the end a draw was a fair result as Dundee did not play well enough to win the game.

Dundee: Bain,  Gomis (Wighton 72), Gadzhalov, O’Dea,  Kerr, Hateley (Klok 66), O’Hara, McGowan, Holt,  Ojamaa (El Bakhtaoui 85), Haber. Unused Subs: Ferrie, Vincent, Williams, Ross.

Att: 4,708.

Ref: Alan Muir.


I was very lucky on winning the second prize on the half-time draw, the winnings have been put towards this years holiday. Cheers DFC

Inverness Photos...

Not great photos but it was good for my son Andrew to keep his unbeaten run going at Inverness CT, it was also wonderful of Inverness Caley Thistle to give Andrew a free ticket for the game as they asked how old he was. Andrew is 4 years old so well done ICT. We as a family my wife Carmie, my  other son Alexander enjoyed our over night stay in Inverness.

Inverness Caley Thistle 2, Dundee 2, Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 04-February-17

Dundee travelled up to the Highlands with a fit squad looking to end their dreadful record at ICT. Paul Hartley made three changes with Darren O’Dea returned from suspension, Kevin Holt was available after being injured last week and Henrik Ojamaa came in for his debut.

Dundee started well and they knocked the ball about well and looked dangerous on the break. But the did have a scare when a header from Carl Tremarco hit the post. Scott Bain then made a great save to foil ICT again, but Dundee began to settled and opened the scoring on 36 minutes.

Kevin Holt burst infield from the left wing, pulling home players out of position. He found  Hateley in space and he swept the ball out to Kerr, who had time to swing over a perfect cross for Marcus Haber to score with a close range header at the far post. Then right on half-time Dundee got their second goal when Darren O'Dea headed home a Hateley corner.

So 2-0 up at the break it was looking good for the dark blues at half-time.

Dundee started the second half pressing the home defence, but  Caley Thistle broke and put Dundee under pressure from one of the corners the referee spotted  Etxabeguren pushing McKay and pointed to the spot. McKay took the penalty himself and rolled the ball home with Bain going the wrong way.

Dundee responded well and almost scored immediately. Henrik Ojamaa played the ball across goal and Paul McGowan fired against the post from eight yards. Just after the hour Caley Thistle had a controversial escape when Mark O’Hara showed neat skill to beat Tremarco on the right and run along the byline. His cross was met on the volley by Ojamaa, but Gary Warren managed to scoop the ball away, with the Dundee players claiming it had already crossed the goalline. Tom Hateley sent his follow up shot past the post.

As play swept from end to end only a fine double save by Scott Bain kept the Dee in the lead after Billy King’s cut back. First he blocked Ross Draper’s shot and then Iain Vigurs’ follow up. Within a minute Dundee should have put the game out of Caley Thistle’s reach when Ojamaa sent McGowan clear, but with only the keeper to beat the Dee midfielder sent his shot over the bar.

Dundee were looking dangerous on the break, but gave away a soft penalty when there seemed no real danger. Etxabeguren misjudged a high ball and clumsily came over the top of Henri Anier as they jumped. McKay sent his second spot kick exactly the same way as his first, but this time Scott Bain pulled off a great low save.

With 12 minutes left were again caught out in the wind when a long ball allowed Billy McKay ran clear. Bain saved his shot, but  Tansey followed up to equalise.

Both teams tried to win it in the final minutes with a Klok free kick being blocked by the Caley Thistle wall. Soon after the final whistle blew to end the game. It was 2 points dropped today and it felt like a defeat, but at least they created chances to seal the game in the second half.

Next week it the Kilmarnock game at Dens we need a win that is very vital in the dogfight at the bottom six at the moment.

Dundee: Bain,  Etxabeguren, Gomis, O’Dea,  Kerr, Hateley (Klok 83), O’Hara, McGowan, Holt
Ojamaa (El Bakhtaoui 85), Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Vincent, Williams, Ross, Wighton.

Att: 2,606.

Ref: Nick Walsh.

Loan Deal Update............

Dundee completed the signings of Henrik Ojamaa on loan from Go Ahead Eagles until the end of the season. He started his career at Derby County at the age of 16, he later played in Germany and Finland  before joining Motherwell in 2012. His form earned a move to Polish champions Legia Warsaw.
He had a spell back on loan with Motherwell before joining Norwegian club Sarpsborg 08 also on loan. In 2015, he joined Swindon Town and spent time in Austria before signing for Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles in the summer. He has earned 25 caps for his country Estonia

Also joining Dundee is Midfielder  Marc Klok. The Dutch midfielder Marc has impressed during a trial with the club. He has experience of Scottish football already having spent the 2013/14 season with Ross County.
After leaving the highland club he signed for Cherno More in Bulgaria and was with them for two years before joining Oldham Athletic in League One in the summer. Marc has joined up until the end of the season.

Michael Duffy has went back to Celtic after his loan deal ran out, and Yordi Teijsse has joined German side Wuppertaler SV on loan until the end of the season. Wuppertaler SV play in German Regionalliga West.

Young player Matty Smyth has joined Arbroath on a development loan until the end of the season.

Aberdeen 3, Dundee 0, Pittodrie, Ladbrokes Premiership, 27-January-17

Dundee lost 3-0 in what seemed to be a one sided game which the hosts were much better in all departments. Dundee did hit the bar early on when a cheeky lob from McGowan rattled the bar, but that was about Dundee could muster chance wise.

Aberdeen took the when Jack scored with a six yard header, then right on half time McGinn scored the second with a well taken volley from 25 yards off the post and in. Scott Bain kept Dundee in it with a string of fine saves.

McGinn scored again with a header to totally seal the game for the Dons. So again Dundee struggle to get going. I just hope we manage to get some players in before the deadline.

Dundee: Bain,  Etxabeguren (El Bakhtaoui 68), Gomis, Gadzhalov,  O’Hara, Hateley, Ross, McGowan (c), Kerr,  Wighton, Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Duffy, Williams, Waddell.

Att: 10,512.

Ref: Kevin Clancy.

Dundee 0, St Mirren 2, Dens Park, Scottish Cup 4th Round, 21-January-17

Dundee sadly kept up their woeful record in The Scottish Cup losing to struggling St Mirren at Dens Park on Saturday. Manager Paul Hartley started with same team which beat St Johnstone 3-0 before the winter break.

Marcus Haber could have put Dundee 1 nil up after just a few minutes but the striker hit the post from a tight angle. After that Dundee seemed to struggle to get going with their moves lacking pace and any cutting edge. St Mirren took the lead when John Sutton fired home after the ball broke kindly. Dundee did force the Buddies keeper into a couple of saves and Haber should have scored with a header.

Second half and only a couple minutes gone a slip from Wighton let St Mirren get into the box and Jack Baird scored with a fine finish to leave Dundee with a mountain to climb, and sadly it was one which was too high for the Dens Park Club. Hartley put on two subs which made them worse instead of improving the team.

After this defeat The Players and Manager have to have a long look at themselves as this kind of form will only lead us into a Relegation Dogfight which this current team does not have much fight about them.😠

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr Etxabeguren, Gadzhalov, Holt,  Hateley (Williams 57), McGowan (c),  El Bakhtaoui (Duffy 57), O’Hara, Wighton,  Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Vincent, Ross, Curran, Gomis

Ref: B Madden

Att: 3,622

News From Dens....

Striker Marcus Haber has signed for two more years at DFC. It's very good news as Marcus has done really well in his short time at the club.

As Expected Rory Loy has joined St Mirren on loan until the end of the season.

Rumour has it that striker Rory Loy is set to go out on loan to St Mirren, also Michael Duffy is expected to return to Celtic when  his loan deal runs out.

Arbroath 0 Dundee 2, Gayfield, Friendly, 10-January-17

Dundee beat Arbroath 2-0 at Gayfield last night in a friendly, manager Paul Hartley used most of his squad and field nearly two different teams for each half. It was the second half until the visitor finally scored when Marcus Haber headed home after good wing play from El Bakhtaoui.

Dundee scored the second with 6 minutes remaining when a quick throw in from Hateley found Haber and his pass let Craig  Wighton score at the back post. Arbroath made Dundee work for this win. It will be a good work out for the players.

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr, Gomis, O’Dea (c), Holt,  McGowan, Ross, Vincent, Williams,  Duffy, Teijsse

Second Half: Mitchell,  Kerr, Etxabeguren, Gadzhalov, Williams (Curran 56),  Hateley, Low
El Bakhtaoui, O’Hara, Wighton,  Haber

Dundee 3 St Johnstone 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 31-December-16

Dundee finished the year with a fine 3-0 win over Tayside rivals St Johnstone, they got off to the perfect start when good play from Etxabegerun, O’Hara and  McGowan quickly switched play forward to Haber wide on the right. The striker's cross was hit home by El Bakhtaoui to the delight of the home fans. The second goal came when  Hateley’s free kick was cleared only as far as  McGowan who knocked it back into the penalty area. Haber played a delightful pass with his chest to Gadzhalov who smashed the ball home for a wonderful goal.

St Johnstone did hit the bar and missed a couple of chance, but at half-time the Dundee fans will be happy.

Then on 56 minutes great tackle from O’Hara he got on his feet and played Hateley into space who drove a cross into the box and Anderson knocked the ball into his own net under pressure from Haber to put the Dee 3-0 up and seal the three points.

Afterwards both sides had chances but both keepers were up to form and saved well.

I missed the game due to work and was really happy when I got the score at 5pm.

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr Etxabeguren, Gadzhalov, Holt,  Hateley, McGowan,  El Bakhtaoui, O’Hara, Wighton,  Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Loy, Duffy, Williams, Ross, Curran, Waddell.

Att: 6,492

Ref: Don Robertson.

Partick Th 2 Dundee 0, Firhill, Ladbrokes Premiership, 28-December-16

Dundee lost 2-0 to Partick Thistle from the highlights that I have seen the team fought well enough but failed to create anything and The jags well deserved the victory two first half goals from Booth and Doolan right on half time.

It was a disappointing result and the team need to pick themselves up for the home game next against local  Tayside rivals St Johnstone.

Dundee: Bain, Etxabeguren (Loy 78), Gadzhalov, O’Dea (c),  Kerr, Hateley, Vincent (El Bakhtaouji 57), McGowan, Holt,  Haber, Wighton. Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Williams, Ross, Curran, Gomis.

Att: 3,758.

Ref: Alan Muir.

Dundee 3 Hearts 2, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 23-December-16

More to follow

Celtic 2 Dundee 1, Parkhead, Ladbrokes Premiership, 17-December-16

Dundee lost 2-1 at Parkhead in a game wher they might have snatched a draw after a late fight back.
Griffith put Celtic ahead right on half time with a well taken free kick it looked a bit soft free kick and O'Dea looked to have won the ball. Dundee had chances in the first half with Hateley and Holt going close with efforts.

The home side doubled their lead early in the second half. when Bitton scored after Holt had cleared off the line the Celtic player scored from 20 yards. Dundee managed to pull one back with 20 minutes to go. Marcus Haber was played in by O'Hara and the striker's shot was deflected into the net to give the visitors hope.

Dundee kept attacking and should have scored when El Bahktaoui was clean through but somehow put his shot over the bar to the anquist of the Dundee fans.

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr, Gomis, Gadzhalov, O'Dea, Holt,  Wighton, Hateley (El Bakhtaoui 86), Vincent, Williams (O’Hara 63),  Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Loy, Etxabeguren, Ross, Curran.

Dundee 0, Ross County 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 10-December-16

More to follow

Kilmarnock 2 Dundee 0, Rugby Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 03-December-16

More to follow

Scottish Cup Update............

Dundee will play St Mirren at Dens after the Paisley side beat Spartans 5-1 at New St Mirren Park last night. The game will be played on the 21st Of January 2017

Dundee 2, Inverness CT 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 26-November-16

Dundee ended a long hodoo over highland outfit Inverness Caley Thistle with a fine 2-1 victory. Before this Dundee only managed one win in the last 20 games, with ten draws and nine defeats. Not a good record at all.

Dundee stared brightly and played some good link up play, ICT looked dangerous as well going forward but found the Dundee rear guard in good form. Dundee took the lead in the 25th minute when Craig Wighton took a pass from Hateley drifted into the box and curled a beauty past the ICT keeper to send Dens Park wild. A truly wonderful goal from the young striker it settled Dundee down and they should have had a penalty when Wighton was tripped in the box but Dallas failed to give it.

With My Brother Before Kick-Off

Second half and again Dundee looked good when attacking and forced the ICT keeper into a couple of good saves, but on 57 minutes he was finally beaten when Kosta Gadzhalov headed home a Hateley cross. Dundee were on top now and McGowan forced the keeper into making a couple of great blocks to keep the score down.

But with 9 minutes to go ICT scored when Tremarco  headed home, a poor goal to lose and Scott Bain looked a bit slow in trying to stop it. The main thing is that managed to hang on to claim the three points.

It moved the club into seventh place so much better than being bottom, it's a very tight league with any club going on a run of wins will climb the table.

Dundee: Bain,  Gomis, Gadzhalov, O’Dea (c),  Kerr, Hateley, McGowan, Vincent (williams 63), Holt,  Haber (Etxabeguren 89), Wighton. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Loy, Duffy, El Bakhtaoui, Curran.
Att: 5,094

Ref: A Dallas.

Rangers 1, Dundee 0, Ibrox Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 19-November-16

Dundee came close to earning a point at Ibrox, but Rangers scored in the third minute of injury time to seal the three points. Going by reports the home side had a lot of the ball. But Dundee had a few chance and Hateley was unlucky with two free kicks in either half. Vincent went close as well.

Scott Bain had a few saves but nothing serious, until the winner when a hopeful punt into the box ended with Forrester directing his header home.

So with Inverness CT next up at Dens next Saturday the signs are that the team are playing well enough for us to take the three points.

Dundee: Bain, Gomis, Gadzhalov, O’Dea (c),  Kerr, Hateley, McGowan, Vincent, Holt,  Haber , (Williams 90), Wighton (El Bakhtaoui 78). Unused subs: Mitchell, Loy, Duffy, Etxabeguren, Ross.

Att: 48,733

Ref: W Collum.

Motherwell Photos

From Left to Right: Dougie, Paul, George, Ben and Myself

Dundee 2, Motherwell 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 05-November-16

Dundee played hosts to the steel men of Motherwell who had a good result last week beating Ross County. Manager Paul Hartley make only one change to Dundee’s starting line up was Kevin Gomis replacing Julen Etxabeguren.

Dundee started well and striker  Wighton created an early chance when he took Haber’s flick, held possession superbly and found Cammy Kerr who hammered a low, angled shot just past the far post. It was close as Dundee continued to dominate play. But Motherwell sprung to life and Mitchell pushed a coner against his bar.

Then the Dundee keeper had a massive let off after 20 minutes a simple cross but Mitchell seemed to stumble and his feet landed behind the line the far side lines man never flagged to the horror of the Well fans behind the goal. To be fair it looked in from where l was sitting, and l sent a text to my Motherwell mate George at half-time to say it looked over the line.

The Dark Blues took the lead six minutes before the interval with a goal that summed up their performance. Scott McDonald had the ball on the half way line, but Cammy Kerr brushed him aside and galloped forward. On the edge of the penalty area he slipped Craig Wighton in to shoot, but Craig Samson stuck out a foot to save. The ball fell kindly for Cammy Kerr to hammer the ball home for his first goal for the club in the league.

Dundee started the second half very well and the Motherwell keeper had to make good saves from a Haber header which he tipped onto the bar then Holt and Wighton went close with good efforts. But Dundee sealed the three points when great wing play from Wighton and as burst into the box he passed to Marcus Haber to blast home from 10 yards.

Motherwell did have a wee spell of play but could not take their chances, so it a happy Dundee support heading home after the game. The whole team played well and a special performance from Craig Wighton who was the sponsors MOM well deserved from what l had seen.

Dundee: Mitchell,  Gomis (Williams 56 ), Gadzhalov, O’Dea,  Kerr, Hateley, McGowan, Vincent, Holt,  Haber, Wighton. Unused Subs: Bain, Low, Loy, Duffy, Ross, Teijsse.

Att: 5,471

Ref: John Beaton.

Hamilton Accies 0, Dundee 1, The Super Seal Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 29-October-16

Dundee came back from Hamilton with three well earned points thanks to a goal from Paul McGowan after 61 minutes. They were the better side over the ninety minutes and fully deserved the vital win.

Dundee played a 4-4-2 system which worked well, and the midfield really got stuck in and never gave Accies a chance to settle. David Mitchell was in goals after Scott Bain was ruled out with a groin injury. Julen Etxabeguren and Kosta Gadzhalov started at back for the dark blues with Craig Wighton and James Vicent coming in for Danny Williams and Rory Loy.

Hamilton had a spell in the first half but they never troubled the Dundee goalie, Wighton had a great chance but put his effort wide of the goal. The young striker should have done better, Etxabeguren was unlucky with a header which just missed the target.

Second half and Dundee pushed forward at every opportunity and it paid off after 61 minutes when the ball was knocked down to Paul McGowan who hit a low shot up the middle of the goal, it some how ended in the net after Marcus Haber dummied over to leave Woods helpless.

Dundee fought for everything and fully deserved the clean sheet. It was greeted by happy Dundee fans at full time. I though Hateley had his best game for the club, but the whole team played well the defence looked solid and midfield fought for everything with the strikers worked hard for the team.

Dundee: Mitchell,  Etxabeguren, Gadzhalov, O’Dea (c),  Kerr, Hateley, McGowan (Ross 77), Vincent, Holt,  Haber (Teijsse 90+1), Wighton. Unused Subs: Gourlay (gk), Loy, Duffy, Williams, Smyth.

Att: 1,853.

Ref: Stephen Finnie.

Dundee 0, Partick Thistle 2, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 26-October-16

Dundee lost 2-0 at home to Partick Thistle who fully deserved the win, scoring a goal in each half. New striker Marcus Haber made his debut in which was a tough one to come in to.

During the first half and Dundee struggled with Partick's long ball game and it paid off when they scored after a long ball into the box was headed home by Azeez. It looked a soft goal to lose and it gave the home side a mountain to climb in the second half. Dundee's only effort in the first half was a O'Dea header which was just wide.

It got worse on 61 minutes and it sealed the three points for the Jags,they  were handed a soft goal after 61 minutes. Kevin Holt took a short pass from Bain and was caught in possession by Azeez who rolled the ball across goal to leave Doolan with a simple chance.

That was game over and it leaves Dundee at the bottom of the league adrift now by 4 points and this was defeat no 6 in a row.

They must get their heads up for the tough trip to Hamilton on Saturday.

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr, Gomis (Gadzhalov 34), O’Dea (c), Holt,  Wighton, Hateley, McGowan, Williams (Teijsse 72),  Haber, Loy (Duffy 59). Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Vincent, Etxabeguren, Ross.

Att: 4,783

Ref: Steven McLean

St Johnstone 2, Dundee 1, McDiarmid Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 23-October-16

I missed the game due to work, going by reports Dundee played okay in the first half, and had a great chance to take the lead after a great break away move play from Paul McGowan he then passed to Yordi Teijsse shot straight at the goalie from 12 yards out. It was a golden chance.

Second half and St Johnstone were the better side and scored twice, the first was a well taken volley from Anderson. The second one was a rather soft looking penalty scored by Swanson.

Although Rory Loy scored from the spot in the final minute after Teijsse was pushed going up for a header.

So another defeat for the dark blues I think they are missing Mark O'Hara who seems to be the only midfielder who goes forward. Big games follow now and we must start picking up points

Dundee: Bain,  Gomis, O’Dea (c), Holt,  Hateley (Loy 75), McGowan, Vincent, Ross (Wighton 62), Williams,  El Bakhtaoui (Duffy 41), Teijsse. Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Etxabeguren, Gadzhalov, Kerr.

Att: 3,646.

Ref: Andrew Dallas.

Hearts 2, Dundee 0, Tynecastle, Ladbrokes Premiership, 15-October-16

Dundee  made three changes for the visit to Tynecastle. Darren O’Dea and Nicky Low were injured and Cammy Kerr was dropped to the bench.  Kosta Gadzhalov, James Vincent and Tom Hateley came into the starting eleven.

Dundee started very well and played some neat football and were unlucky when Hateley hit the bar after El Bakhtaoui was fouled. Hearts were dangerous on the break and Scott Bain had to make a couple of decent saves to keep the jambos at bay. Hearts were the better side but Dundee have done well to go in at the break still level at 0-0.

Dundee started the second brightly and were unlucky when after good play from Teijsse the ball broke to Hateley who smashed a powerful shot off the far post. Then Hamilton made a good save from El Bakhtaoui, from the corner  Gadzhalov's header shook the bar. It was the 4th time Dundee had hit the woodwork.

But in so many games like this who have to take your chances and Hearts did when Paterson headed home a simple goal for Hearts and it change the game a wee bit. Dundee made changes putting on Michael Duffy and Cammy Kerr to replace James Vincent and Tom Hateley, then with five minutes left replaced Gadzhalov with Rory Loy.

But Hearts sealed the game when Johnsen scored with minutes to go, it was tough on the dark blues who had played well in spells.

It was a good day out in Edinburgh and it was great to meet up with Mike Taylor and his son Andrew and daughter Amy. Mike lives in Shetland so it was great to have a few beers before and after the game.

Dundee: Bain,  Gomis, Gadzhalov (Loy 85), Holt,  Hateley (Kerr 76, McGowan, Vincent (Duffy 76), O’Hara, Williams,  El Bakhtaoui, Teijsse. Unused subs: Gourlay (gk), Etxabeguren, Ross, Wighton.

Att: 16,512

Ref: Kevin Clancy.

Dunee 0, Celtic 1, Dens Park,Ladbrokes Premiership, 01-October-2016

Dundee Manager Paul Hateley made three changes to the side which lost in Inverness. Mark O’Hara and Kevin Gomis returned from suspension while Danny Williams started after coming on as a substitute last Saturday. Nick Ross and Julen Etxebeguren moved onto the bench and Tom Hateley misses due to injury.

Celtic started well and Scott Bain made two good saves to keep them at bay, the Dundee strikes were working hard with Jordi Teijsse winning a lot of headers. Dundee had a half chance near half time when El Bakhtaoui reached the byline with neat skill and his cross to the near post where Teijsse, under pressure, couldn’t get his header on target.

Second half and Celtic opened the scoring when Scott Brown started the move the ball fell back to him after Dembele's shot was blocked by O'Dea and he beat Scoot Bain from 10 yards.

Craig Wighton came on as a straight replacement for Faissal El Bakhtaoui. In the last 10 minutes Nick Ross and Rory Loy replaced Nicky Low and Danny Williams. Dundee did have a late chance a great run from Cammy Kerr his cross was just missed by Mark O'Hara.

Overall the whole team worked hard but Celtic are a well organised side and difficult to break down.

Dundee: Bain,  Gomis, O’Dea (c), Holt,  Kerr, McGowan, O’Hara, Low (Ross 80), Williams (Loy 83),  El Bakhtaoui (Wighton 64), Teijsse, Unused Subs: Mitchell, Vincent, Etxabeguren, Quigley.

Att: 8,827.

Ref: Andrew Dallas.

Inverness C T 3, Dundee 1, Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 24-September-16

Dundee lost 3-1 in the Highland with ICT scoring two goals in the first 20 minutes, worse was to follow when ICT scored early in the second half. Going by reports and what media I have seen the team struggled. Highlights did show they had half chances. But football you have to take them.

Nicky Low pulled one back with 7 minutes to go with a well taken free kick, but it did end up 3-1 for the home side.

I missed the game due to work and was quite glad when l got the result and report from the game. With Celtic next in the league I just hope the team are really up for it. Go for a win as really we have to.

At least Kevin Gomis and Mark O'Hara will be back and just hope the fans back the team as we need a result to boost our season, and we are long overdue to beat Celtic at Dens. The last time a Tommy Coyne goal gave Dundee all three points.

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr, Etxabeguren, O’Dea (c), Holt,  Hateley (Loy 54), Ross (Williams 75),  Duffy (Teijsse 60), McGowan, Low,  El Bakhtaoui. Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Vincent, Gadzhalov, Wighton.

Ref: K Clancy

Att: 2,884.

Aberdeen Photos...........

Dundee 1, Aberdeen 3, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 18-September-16

Dundee entertained struggling Aberdeen to Dens park on Sunday, Darren O'Dea made the team after injury, Julen Etxabeguren replaced the suspended Kevin Gomis, and Danny Williams came in for Craig Wighton on the left wing.

Aberdeen started brightly and attacked from the kick -off. But it was Dundee who scored on 12 minutes when Kevin Holt scored with a well placed shot after a smooth ten passing movement from the Dee. But soon after Aberdeen levelled when Maddison scored with a low drive, a shot which Scott Bain should have saved.

Paul McGowan rolled the ball across for Mark O’Hara, whose shot from 16 yards was charged down. A fast break from a corner ended with El Bakhtaoui curling a shot narrowly past the post from 20 yards. Aberdeen did have possession but failed to get through the Dundee defence.

Second half and Scott Bain had two great saves from Shinnie and Maddison, Dundee broke forward and El Bakhtaoui was bundled off the ball and could have been a penalty.

Late on Aberdeen scored when a Hayes cross was headed home by Stockley, Dundee then made changes with Duffy and Loy replacing Ross and Hateley. Earlier Wighton had replaced Williams.

In the final minutes Aberdeen got a penalty when Etxabeguren was adjudged to foul Burns, it looked to me that the defender played the ball first. McLean scored from the spot to make the final score 3-1.

It is clear Dundee need a big striker and soon they can't play with one upfront at home and if they do it's going to be a long season.

Next up is a trip to Inverness which is not a happy hunting ground for the Dee..

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr, Etxabeguren, O’Dea (c), Holt,  Hateley (Loy 86), Ross (Duffy 80),  O’Hara, McGowan, Williams (Wighton 68),  El Bakhtaoui. Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Vincent, Low, Gadzhalov.

Ref: S McLean

Att: 6,321.
Referee: S McLean.

More Killie Photos.............

Dundee 1, Kilmarnock 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 10-September-16

Dundee gave Tom Hateley his debut instead of Danny Williams, with Craig Wighton coming in for the injured Michael Duffy.

Cammy Kerr was brought down at the attacking corner flag and when new boy Tom Hateley fired the free kick into the 6 yard box, Faissal El Bakhtaoui fired the ball into the roof of the net from close range to give Dundee the lead and score his first goal for The Dee. It was the good start that Dundee needed and they quickly created some half decent chances.

Kilmarnock levelled on 32 minutes when Coulibaly scored with an overhead kick on the far corner of the six yard box which sent the ball back the way it came and past Scott Bain. A great goal for the visitors. That was the score at half-time a quick half as time just seemed to fly in.

Second half and Dundee did attack and McGowan set up Wighton but the young striker had his two shots saved by McDonald maybe the second one Craig should have done better. Then Hateley had a long range effort which just flew over the bar.

Loy and Teijsee  both came on with 15 minutes left as Dundee looked to win it, but a few minutes later Kevin Gomis was sent off after a two footed tackled earned the Dundee player a straight red.

Teijsee had a couple of chances but missed both, El Bakhtoui was then just wide with a shot from outside the box.

It ended 1-1 in a game where Dundee should have won, but one thing is pretty clear we need a striker just to take the chances we created.

Dundee: Bain, Holt, O’Dea (Etxabeguren 36’), Hateley (Loy 73’), O’Hara, Ross, McGowan, El Bakhtaoui, Kerr, Wighton (Teijsse 73’),  Gomis. Subs: Mitchell, Low, Williams, Smith

Ref: D Robertson

Att: 5,111

Tom Hateley Signs.................

Dundee FC have signed Tom Hateley on a two year deal. Tom has been without a club since ending a two year spell with Polish side Śląsk Wrocław in the summer.

Tom has already got experience of playing in the Scottish top flight. After starting his career at Reading, he move North of the border in 2009 when he joined Motherwell. In a four year period at Fir Park he played over 150 times.

In 2014, he moved back down South for a short spell with Tranmere Rovers before a move to Poland where he joined Śląsk Wrocław. A really good signing for the club, and well worth the wait.

Motherwell 0, Dundee 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 26-August-2016

Dundee earned  0-0 draw at Fir Park, in a first half  Motherwell were far the better side and had a lot of the ball. New signing Kevin Gomis looked cool and settled in to the game at ease.

Dundee's first real chance came on 20 minutes when El Bakhtaoui found space in the right hand side of Motherwell’s box but his shot was saved by the feet off Samson. The ball rebounded straight back to the striker and it took a brilliant block from McManus to stop a certain goal. Motherwell kept up the pressure but the Dundee defence kept them with some good defending.

Dundee started the second half better forcing a early corner and when the ball broke to Duffy the strikers shot was just wide. McDonald came close for the home side with a shot which was just wide.

El Bahktaoui and Tait clashed when the Motherwell defender fell over the advertising boards as they chased a long ball into the box and  the referee had to step in to calm them down.

Paul Hartley put on Rory Loy for Williams, Motherwell threw a few crosses into the box before Lasley tried a shot from the edge of the box but O’Hara through his body on the line to block.

In the end however both sides had to settle for a point as an entertaining game finished goal less and the Dark Blues might be slightly the happier after a much improved second half.

Dundee: Bain, Holt, O’Dea, Duffy, Williams (Loy 65’), O’Hara, Ross, McGowan, El Bakhtaoui, Kerr, Gomis.  Subs: Mitchell, Extabeguren, Gadzhalov, Curran, Quigley, Smith

Ref: Andrew Dallas

Att: 4,708

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

Dundee Midfielder Mark O’Hara has been called up for the Scotland under 21 squad for the upcoming UEFA European Championship Qualifiers against FYR Macedonia and Ukraine.

The first match will take place at Tynecastle on Friday, 2nd September and the following week the squad fly to take on Ukraine in Obolon, Kyiv on Tuesday, 6th.

Dundee have been linked with ex Motherwell player Tom Hateley reports say he was having talks with Paul Hartley yesterday, he has also been linked with a move to Hibernian and Partick Thistle.

Dundee U20's earned a 2-2 draw with Aberdeen at Glebe Park, Mark Smith headed home on 65 minutes and in injury time Matthew Henvey headed home to earn the draw.

Dundee included trialist Lynel Kitambala in the side. He's 27 year old and of French nationality. His last club was with Union SG who play in the Belgium 2nd division.

Dundee 1, Hamilton Academical 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 19th August 2016

Dundee drew 1-1 with Hamilton at Dens Park on Friday, at the a rain sodden Dens Dundee started well , but it was Hamilton scored first when Lyon scored a cracker from 30 yards out which gave Scott Bain no chance. But Dundee hit back to level on 16 minutes when Mark O'Hara scored at the back post from a Danny Williams corner.

Going by reports Dundee struggled after the first 15 minutes and Hamilton in the second half should have won it.

A point is good if that was the case, we need to start playing for 90 minutes, and hopefully McGowan will be back for the trip to Fir Park. I missed the game due to my Holiday in London.

Dundee: Bain, Etxabeguren, O’Dea (c), Holt,  Kerr, Vincent (Teijsse 62), O’Hara, Ross, Williams
Loy, El Bakhtaoui. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Gadzhalov, Curran, Quigley, Smyth.

Att:5,287

Ref: Kevin Clancy

Defender Signs............................

Dundee have signed central defender Kévin Gomis on a deal until the end of the season. 27 year old, Kévin has been with Nice in Ligue 1 in his home country of France over the past five years. He joined Nice in 2011 from the Portuguese top flight where he had played for Naval for two seasons.

He was also on loan with Nottingham Forest in 2014. Kévin will wear No 55 this season and should be in the squad for the trip to Motherwell on Saturday.

Other photo v Rangers

Dundee 1, Rangers 2, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 13th August 2016

Dundee started with just Rory Loy upfront with five across the midfield to face a shaky looking Rangers if last weeks result was anything to go by. Dundee seemed to give Rangers too much respect and as a result struggled to play passes to each other in a packed midfield.

Rangers scored twice before the first half ended first when Forrester scored on the turn when the Dundee defence struggled to clear, and then Miller scored after the ball fell nice I'm and he smashed it home pass a helpless Bain. But Mark O'Hara headed home from a Danny Williams corner just before half time to give the home fans some hope.

 

Second half and Paul Hartley finally changed Nick Ross, Yordi Teijesse and Faissal El Bakhtaoui for James Vincent, Rory Loy and Michael Duffy. It was the change to two strikers and finally Dundee looked more dangerous going forward. Rangers did have some break away but could not add to their score line. Dundee did have a few chance but sadly they could not score with Teijesse and Holt going close with headers. Time ran out and Rangers held on to their 2-1 win. I was disappointed with the tactics used today at the start, I think we need to attack teams as Rangers are not world beaters.

My MoM goes to Mark O'Hara

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr, Etxabeguren, O’Dea (c), Holt,  Vincent (Ross 58), McGowan,  Williams, O’Hara, Duffy (El Bakhtaoui 68),  Loy (Teijsse 68). Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Gadzhalov, Wighton.

Att: 9,702

Ref: C Thomson