Dundee 0 Livingston 3, Dens Park, First Division, 20/Sept/08

Mickael Antoine-Curier should have put Dundee ahead after a mere nine minutes but wasted Bob Davidson's clever through-ball by smacking a half-hearted effort off the legs off Pierre Martini, Livingston's goalkeeper, when it seemed certain that he would simply curl a shot around him. Livingston, without injured top scorer Leigh Griffiths, proved they still have plenty to offer in an attacking sense and caused Dundee's goalkeeper Rab Douglas a moment of consternation on 21 minutes. Rocco Quinn, on loan from Celtic, switched the play with team-mate Joe Hamill on the edge of the area before collecting the ball again and sending a powerful drive towards goal. Douglas scampered along his line in an attempt to block and was relieved when the shot slipped just past the post. Livingston took the lead on 40 minutes, following some shocking defending. Dundee simply failed to mark up at Fernando Giarrizzo's corner kick, allowing Innes far too much space inside the penalty area to head the ball on target from 12 yards. His effort should have been routine for Douglas but the angled run of Murray Davidson through his eye line clearly distracted him and before he could reach it the ball had nestled in the back of the net. Alex Rae was unhappy with his players' efforts so made two alterations at the interval. Antoine-Curier, who was again ineffective, was sacrificed along with defensive midfielder Chris Pozniak, allowing Colin McMenamin and Colin Cameron an opportunity. Dundee went close on 76 minutes when Livingston failed to defend Paul McHale's corner kick but despite Gary MacKenzie appearing to have the beating of goalkeeper Martini, the defender could not turn the ball home. As Dundee stretched themselves in an attempt to find an equaliser, they were exposed at the back and paid a heavy price with five minutes remaining when Elliot flicked a shot beyond Douglas to make the points safe. The on-loan Hearts striker then compounded Dundee's misery in the final seconds by breaking free of the defence before slotting another low shot beyond Douglas. The Dundee fans reacted badly to events in the final minutes, with the team and manager loudly booed from the park at the end. A poor result and the next 2 games will see where our season is going. My fear is the squad is not deep enough and we have signed players who are not fit yet , and it's nearly October...
Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, McKeown, O'Brien, Posniak (Cameron 46), Davidson, Antoine-Curier (McMenamin 46), Gilhaney. Subs Not Used: Williams, Cowan, Roy.
Att: 3,631
Ref: A Muir

Dundee 0 Dunfermline Ath 0, Dens Park, First Division, 13/September/08.

Dundee started brightly and Curier twice missed the target early on before the Pars suffered a blow when Stephen Glass limped off with a groin strain. Sub Steven Bell replaced in the middle of the park. David O'Brien and Eric Paton tested Gallacher then Dunfermline survived a major scare seven minutes from the break as Dundee came close to ending the deadlock four times in an amazing 10-second spell in front of goal. O'Brien's shot was palmed away by Gallacher straight to Bob Davidson who saw his low drive blocked by Scott Wilson. The ball then fell to Dens defender Craig McKeown whose mis-hit shot struck the face of a post, rebounding to Mark Gilhaney who drove high and wide. Then Woods and Malone clashed after a meaty but fair challenge, although arguably Dundee suffered more from the decision as Dunfermline defended like men possessed from that minute on. Soon after the restart Gilhaney's cross was volleyed goalwards by Malone but Curier contrived to divert the ball away from goal with his head rather than towards it. Bell and Andy Kirk were off target for Dunfermline in rare ventures forward. However, Gallacher was the standout, making yet another fine stop from Davidson's rising effort and wisely opting to push the ball wide to safety in wet conditions. Paton then delivered a perfect cross to pick out the unmarked Curier but the striker headed well wide with the goal gaping. The Pars survived one final fright when Gallacher spilled a Malone free-kick but his defenders came to his rescue with a series of blocks that epitomised the spirit they had shown all afternoon. Thats the best we have played for a while, and I liked the look of McKeown who looked to be a very good defender. Next game is Livingston at Dens next Saturday which will prove to be vital.

Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, McKeown, O'Brien (McMenamin 82), Pozniak (Cameron 70), Davidson, Antoine-Curier, Gilhaney. Subs Not Used: Williams, Cowan, Roy.
Booked: McHale.
Att: 4,259
Ref: E Norris

Queen of the South 3 Dundee 1, Palmerstone, First Division, 30/August/08.

Dundee travelled to Dunfries hoping that Queen of the South were suffering from a UEFA Cup hangover, but that was dispelled over the 90 minutes that followed. Dundee scored first after 14 minutes. Mickael Antoine-Curier layed the ball off to Chris Pozniak, who took one touch before slotting home from seven yards.Queens came back into it in the 26th minute when a Stephen Dobbie shot from close range was well beaten away by Rab Douglas. From the resulting corner the Dundee defence failed to clear and Craig Barr was on hand to fire home from ten yards, levelling the match. The imperial Queens captain Jim Thompson was leading by example as the home team began to dominate. He came close to putting his side in front but his header in the 37th minute was saved by Douglas. A minute before half-time Queens went in front when clever work by Sean O'Connor set up Stephen Dobbie who fired low past Douglas. Dobbie came close to increasing his side's lead early in the second half, but Douglas kept the hosts at bay. Dobbie managed to get his second and his sides third in the 68th minute. A surging run by new boy David Weatherston created a great chance for the Queens hitman who made no mistake from six yards. At the other end, Dundee strikers Colin McMenamin and Curier had opportunities to haul their side back into it, but Queens held firm and were worthy winners.
Dundee: Douglas, Cowan, Malone, MacKenzie, Williams (McKeown 61), McHale, Paton, Pozniak (Gilhaney 71), O'Brien, McMenamin (Davidson 71), Antoine-Curier. Subs Not Used: Roy, Daquin. Att: 2,646 A poor result again for Dundee, who must pick themselves up. Hopefully Colin Cameron and Darren Young can get fit..cause it's the midfield area where we are struggling at the moment. At least Partick, Dunfermline and St.Johnstone all lost. Livingston go top after winning.

Vintage Dundee And Not Against The Arabs....

Dundee 1 Partick Th 2, Dens Park, Cis Cup 2nd Rd, 26/August/08

Dundee could have put themselves in the box seat with only four minutes gone as the ball broke to Freddie Daquin after Jon Tuffey blocked from Mickael Antoine-Curier. But Daquin completely miscued and Chris Pozniak’s attempt to spare the Frenchman’s blushes from the edge of the area flew inches over.However, although Dundee did most of the first-half pressing, it was by no means one-way traffic with the home side needing a piece of quality goalkeeping from Robert Douglas to avoid slipping behind—the former Scotland keeper thwarting Damon Gray after he’d been put through by Scott Chaplain. Tuffey came to Thistle’s rescue early in the second period without knowing much about it, blocking Antoine-Curier’s point blank header from Colin McMenamin’s cross.And as Dundee stepped up the pace Thistle had a further let off as McStay appeared to whip the pins from McMenamin just inside the box only for referee Willie Collum to wave play on.Partick stunned the Dens Park outfit and their fans on 76 minutes when Maxwell’s mishit’s cross sailed over the stranded Douglas and into the far corner of the net. Dundee showed their character with a rapid response, McHale lashing the ball home, just two minutes later, after finding himself with time and space 12 yards out. But with four minutes remaining Malone lunged in on Lennon leaving Collum with no option but point to the spot from where Harkins sent Douglas the wrong way and Rae’s side out of the competition.

Dundee—Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, Williams, Daquin (Gilhaney 62), Pozniak (Cowan 74), McMenamin, Antoine-Curier (Deasley 68), O’Brien. Subs not used—Davidson, Roy.

Dundee 1 Morton 0, Dens Park, First Division, 23/August/08.

Dundee maintained their position at the top of the First Division with a narrow victory over Morton. Defender Eric Paton's 28th-minute header was enough to seal all three points and extend the club's unbeaten start to the season. French forward Mickael Antoine-Curier impressed for the hosts and proved to be a thorn in the visitors' side throughout the game. The defeat leaves Morton struggling in ninth place in the league table. Another 3 points for The Dark Blues, but we did not play that well.
Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, Williams, Daquin (Gilhaney 63), Pozniak, McMenamin, Antoine-Curier (Deasley 81), O'Brien. Subs Not Used: Cowan, Davidson, Roy.

Airdrie 0 Dundee 0, Excelsior Stadium, 16/August/08

Airdrie goalkeeper Stephen Robertson earned his side a valuable draw against Dundee with a string of vital saves. Colin McMenamin, twice, and Mickael Antoine-Curier were both denied by Robertson as Dundee piled on early pressure against the hosts. Scott McLaughlin replaced the struggling David Nixon after 24 minutes and solidified the Airdrie backline. But Antoine-Curier came close to opening the scoring again with a low effort that Robertson turned away.
Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, Williams, Daquin (Davidson 83), Pozniak, McMenamin, Antoine-Curier, Gilhaney (O'Brien 70). Subs Not Used: Roy, Deasley, McKeown.
In a game which Dundee lacked the killer touch, maybe cause the Airdrie keeper played well, but St.Johnstone got beat 3-0 at home to Dunfermline. Let's hope Partick get beat tomorrow..

Airdrie Next...............

Dundee Manager Alex Rae has been told to expect a tough time against Airdrie United tomorrow. Assistant boss Davie Farrell watched the Diamonds win at East Fife in the Challenge Cup in midweek and his report contained plenty of praise for Kenny Black’s men. Defender David Cowan trained for the first time yesterday after suffering a head knock against Clyde, while Craig McKeown continues to make progress and is a couple of weeks away from a return. It will be another 3 massive points for Dundee..let's hope so as St.Johnstone play Dunfermline this weekend.

Dundee 1 Clyde 0, Dens Park, First Division, 09/August/08.

Dundee leapfrogged St Johnstone to move to the summit of the First Division following this hard-fought victory over Clyde. Mickael Antoine-Curier's excellent first-half strike made the difference, following a spirited performance from John Brown's side. Rab Douglas, Dundee's goalkeeper, produced excellent saves to deny Pat Clark, Alan Trouten and Billy Gibson. Both teams lost players to injury after a quarter-hour, Dundee having to replace David Cowan with Gary MacKenzie while Clyde saw Willie McLaren limp off so had to bring on Roddy MacLennan. MacKenzie missed two great chances to score by heading wide of the target but as the game looked to be heading to half-time goalless Antoine-Curier produced a spark of magic to split the sides. The Frenchman simply spun and blasted a fantastic shot high past David Hutton, Clyde's goalkeeper, after gathering a long ball 25 yards from goal. Clyde flew out of the traps in the second half, with Trouten going close before Gibson looked to have equalised with a header at the back post – only for Douglas to get in front of the ball.

Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, Cowan (Mackenzie 16), Williams, Daquin, Pozniak, McMenamin (Davidson 73), Antoine-Curier, Gilhaney (O'Brien 78).
Subs Not Used: Roy, Deasley.
Att: 4042
Ref: Steve Conroy

Dundee Sign Darren Williams

Dundee have signed versatile defender Darren Williams on a one-year deal. Williams, 31, impressed when partnering David Cowan in the centre of defence as Dundee kicked off the new season with a 2-1 victory at Ross County last week. And the former Sunderland and Bradford City player starred again as Dundee went top of the First Division with another single goal win, over Clyde. Williams made over 250 appearances for Sunderland from 1996-2004 and was a team mate of Dundee boss Alex Rae. He spent last season at Bradford City where he played 28 times before being released by Stuart McCall in April of this year. He will play in today's game v Clyde at Dens Park, kick-off 3pm.

Dundee Sign Up Pozniak and maybe more?....

Dundee have signed Canada international Chris Pozniak on a one-year deal. The Polish-born 27-year-old impressed as a trialist during last weekend's 2-1 win at Ross County. Pozniak, who has had spells in Sweden and Norway as well as the MLS in the United States, operates in central midfield but can also play in defence. Capped 21 times for his adopted country, Pozniak featured in the 3-1 defeat to Scotland at Easter Road in 2002. Meanwhile Darren Williams, the former Sunderland man, is also wanted by Dundee. They have agreed terms just remain what other options he has. Spanish midfielder Kiko Torres, though, has been told he can leave. He did play in the 4-0 win over junior side Violet on Tuesday night. Craig McKeown played for 45 minutes so that will do him good. 

Ross County 1 Dundee 2, Victoria Park, Division One, 02/August/08.

Dundee set out their title credentials with a hard-earned opening-day victory in Dingwall. In 90 minutes that crackled with energy, County troubled Alex Rae's depleted side but couldn't find a killer touch. The Dens men could – with Antoine-Curier netting from the spot and Eric Paton thundering home a header. But County, as well as being stung by a dubiously-denied penalty, struck the woodwork twice.Dundee were ravaged by injuries on day one, with new captures Colin Cameron, Jim Lauchlan and Darren Young among six absentees. That forced manager Alex Rae to lean on two trialists, 31 year-old ex-Sunderland defender Darren Williams and 27-year-old Canadian international Chris Pozniak.

The hosts were screaming for a penalty after 18 minutes when Richie Hart's driven free-kick deflected and David Winters was tugged down by Eddie Malone. The claim was waved away, but the visitors got a crucial decision after 34 minutes.Mickael Antoine-Curier was caught late by Andy Dowie and took the kick himself.Just before half-time, Adam Strachan struck the corner of the Dundee bar and post with a swirling 25-yard attempt.County fell two behind after 50 minutes,Eric Paton rising at the far post to thump a header high past Bullock.County's Scott Boyd saw a snapshot turned for a corner and Steven Craig also brushed the bar. Golabek's cross from the left was stabbed home by Daal on full-time, but it was just too late.

Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, Cowan, A Trialist, Daquin, B Trialist, McMenamin, Antoine-Curier, Gilhaney (O'Brien 70). Subs Not Used: Roy, Forsyth, Deasley, Mearns.
Booked: McHale, Cowan, Malone.
Att: 3,444
Ref: M Tumilty

A great result for Dundee, and I thought Rab Douglas will be a big signing for us..with his crucial saves will yield more vital points in the games ahead..The whole team done well..next up is Clyde at Home next Saturday.

Latest from Dens Park...Dingwall Next.....

Dundee's Craig McKeown has revealed how he is on the verge of returning to full training and eager to repay the Dark Blues for their treatment of him since he signed from Clyde earlier in the summer. Two years of injury misery for McKeown has been compounded by his missing the bulk of this pre-season after suffering a set-back in his recovery from a hernia operation.
But thanks to the medical support he’s had from the Dark Blues he’s hopeful those fitness woes are behind him. He will miss the visit to Ross County, in fact the dark blues have all three centre halfs out for the trip. Gary MacKenzie had no chance of making it, and now the experienced Jim Lauchlan has been ruled out because of a groin problem. And possible stand-in Eddie Malone is also struggling, Bob Davidson is also out this weekend. Spaniard Kiko Torres, who arrived on Tuesday on trial is not expected to feature at the weekend.

Alloa Ath 2 Dundee 1, Challenge Cup 1st Rd, Recreation Park, 26/July/08

Dundee failed to perform and they must be better next Saturday at Ross County. Jamie Stevenson made a fine return to Alloa Athletic by scoring one and setting up the other as they upset Dundee in the Challenge Cup. Stevenson, back at Recreation Park for the third time, this time on loan from Morton, sent in a fine cross that was headed home by Derek Townsley. The returning hero lobbed home the second after defensive hesitancy. Mickael Antoine-Curier stabbed home a reply after 88 minutes, but the Second Division side held on for victory.

Dundee: Roy, Paton, Malone, Mearns, MacKenzie (Forsyth 40), Cowan, Daquin (Deasley 72), McHale, McMenamin, Antoine-Curier, Gilhaney. Subs Not Used: Milne, Benedictus, Spence.
Goals: Antoine-Curier 88.
Att: 793
Ref: C Boyle

Latest From Dens Park........

Dundee have been forced to drop their interest in trialist Makhtar N’Diaye after it was confirmed he broke his arm against Bradford and will be out for a prolonged period. Despite more reports to the contrary, Freddie Daquin has not been freed and is in tomorrow’s squad. The Dark Blues have again been linked with Steve Lovell, but the club were adamant no transfer business was set to be done before tomorrow. Dundee have enlisted the help of local MSP Joe FitzPatrick in their bid to get the SFA to reconsider their decision to demote the Dens Park club from their youth performance league. Mr FitzPatrick has also written to Stewart Maxwell, the Scottish government’s minister of sport asking him to investigate. Dundee were punished on a technicality concerning a second youth licence holder not being in employment when the SFA conducted an audit at the club. This was due to an employee moving on from Dens and a new licence holder not being recruited for several weeks.

Dundee 0 Bradford City 1, Dens Park, 23/07/08

Dundee lined up without striker Mickael Antoine-Curier, who injured his ankle during Sunday’s defeat by Wolves, so that meant a starting slot for Bryan Deasley. The Dark Blues fell behind early when Conlon out-muscled the home defence with ease to head home Paul McLaren’s corner. Only a super saving tackle from Gary MacKenzie on 18 minutes stopped Kyle Nix from bursting the net as the Bantams put the pressure on. There was concern over trialist midfielder Makhtar N’Diaye just before the half-hour mark, when he came off the park clutching his arm. He had to be replaced by Paul McHale and later went to hospital for an X-ray. The Dark Blues came closest to getting a goal back when the lively Deasley played the ball across goal but it was just a few inches beyond Colin McMenamin. Bradford suffered a blow six minutes before half-time when McLaren was stretchered off with what appeared to be a serious leg injury after trying to block a clearance from Dundee’s Eric Paton. Stuart McCall’s men made a change at half-time, with the exotically-named Willy Topp replacing Chris Brandon. The Dark Blues nearly fell further behind on 55 minutes when sub Bullock found space inside the box but home keeper Robert Douglas saved well. Two minutes later, Colin Cameron had his strike blocked by full-back Paul Arnison after Deasley had a claim for a penalty turned down. Jim Lauchlan did well to stop Conlon in his tracks, before McMenamin could only bundle the ball past the post following a good cross from Mark Gilhaney. Gilhaney seemed the likeliest source for a breakthrough and from his cut-back in 76 minutes McHale shot just over. A great reverse pass from McMenamin then released Gilhaney only for his cross to just miss Cameron’s outstretched boot. The Dark Blues had the ball in the net two minutes later but MacKenzie was correctly ruled to be in an offside position as he converted a mis-hit shot from Cameron.
Attendance—1239.
Dundee—Douglas, Cowan (O’Brien 70), Malone (Forsyth 70), Cameron, MacKenzie, Lauchlan, Paton, N’Diaye (McHale 28), McMenamin (Mearns 81), Deasley, Gilhaney. Subs not used—Roy.

Dundee Sign Jim Lauchlan............

Dundee manager Alex Rae secured the signature of central defender Jim Lauchlan just before kick-off on Sunday. Jim has signed a one year deal, and will add experience to the defence. He has played for city rivals Dundee Und, as well as Kilmarnock, Ross County and lately Queen of the South. Dundee play Bradford on Wednesday night at Dens Park.

Dundee 0 Wolves 1, Dens Park, 20/July/08

DUNDEE were out-foxed by Wolves in the dying seconds of their pre-season friendly, with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake securing a last-gasp victory for the visitors. The Dark Blues appeared to be about to record a decent draw against the English Championship side but had to grin and bear it when the former Manchester United man netted with almost the last kick of the match. New boy Colin Cameron, making his debut against his old club, was joined in midfield by Senegalese trialist Makhtar N’Diaye (26), who had a spell at Rangers. The Midlands side used the fixture to field two distinct line-ups, playing a half each. The hosts opened up the Wolves defence on 14 minutes when Eric Paton’s deep cross from the right found Colin McMenamin at the back post, but the striker’s volley went a couple of feet past. Up at the other end, Paton crashed the ball off his own bar but ref Stephen Finnie ruled he had been fouled by frontman Sam Vokes, and play was pulled back for a free kick. The game fell flat after that but N’Diaye broke clear on 35 minutes, only for far-side assistant Jeff Banks to raise his flag, much to the disappointment of the Dundee fans. N’Diaye was clearly enjoying his run out and, when his shot was deflected on 41 minutes, it broke to Paul McHale, who had a chance to shoot but chose to cross and the danger was cleared. Paton clashed with Vokes inside the Dundee box and there was an appeal for a penalty, but the ref waved play on. Wolves’ half-time changeover wasn’t exactly smooth as, with Dundee ready to re-start, their “new” opponents were still having a training kickabout. The visitors nearly took the lead on 51 minutes when Michael Kightly was given loads of time in front of goal but could only shoot past the post. Dundee, trying to find a spark, brought on three subs with Bryan Deasley, Bob Davidson and Eddie Mearns replacing McMenamin, Mickael Antoine-Curier and N’Diaye. Antoine-Curier had picked up a leg injury. Wolves should have taken the lead on 69 minutes but, instead of bursting the net as he should have done, striker Chris Iwelumo smashed his close-range header against the post. Matt Jarvis then had a golden chance to give Wolves the lead on 81 minutes when he sneaked in at the back post but his effort went across goal and out. Iwelumo then pounced on a Jarvis corner with just two minutes remaining but the angle was too tight for the header to trouble keeper Rab Douglas. Just as the home side seemed to have held on, poor defending saw the ball fall to the feet of Ebanks-Blake, who blasted his shot home via a post to give Wolves victory.
Attendance: 2091.
Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone (Forsyth 75), N’Diaye (Mearns 62), Cowan, Lauchlan, McHale, Cameron (Daquin 79), McMenamin (Deasley 58), Antoine-Curier (62), Gilhaney (O’Brien 75). Subs not used: Roy.
Referee: Stephen Finnie.

Latest from Dens Park...........

Dundee have dropped their interest in one central defensive target and it’s now not certain the other will be making his Dens stay permanent. George Santos has been told he isn’t what was required, but the surprise today was that Jim Lauchlan had not put pen to paper on a deal.
Lauchlan remains on trial and could feature in Sunday’s Dens friendly against Wolves. There were no injury worries from Tuesday’s draw against Aberdeen and longer term injury victims Darren Young and Craig McKeown are making progress, though neither are nearing a return just yet. Dundee will have more trialists for the Wolves game.

Dundee Sign Colin Cameron

New Dundee signing Colin Cameron has set his sights on promotion with the Dens Park club.
"Promotion is the main goal," said the veteran midfielder. "They were neck and neck with Hamilton last season right to the end. "Hopefully, with acquisitions like big Rab Douglas, myself and the youngsters at the club, it can be the right blend to get us promoted. The 35-year-old former Scotland international, who is under contract to MK Dons until 31 July, is looking forward to working with Dens Park manager and former team-mate Alex Rae. Cameron also hopes that, despite his advanced years, he still has a couple of seasons left in the game. Great news for the club, and will push us back to hopefully the SPL..

Dundee 0 Aberdeen 0, Dens Park, 15/July/08

Dundee struggled to make much of an attacking impression in the first half last night. Their only effort of note was Mickael Antoine-Curier’s 30 yarder that Jamie Langfield clawed round his left-hand upright. A strong Aberdeen side didn’t exactly carve out loads of chances either, but they did go closest to scoring when Lee Miller looked to have headed home Stuart Duff’s cross only for the ball to come back off the post. The Dark Blues had summer acquisitions Eric Paton, Mark Gilhaney, Eddie Mearns and Mickael Antoine-Curier involved from the start along with trialist George Santos, who looked solid alongside Gary MacKenzie and a potential threat at set-pieces. But it was two survivors of last term who combined to almost break the deadlock after the interval, Colin McMenamin flicking Eddie Malone’s cross just wide as Dundee enjoyed the better of the second period.
Attendance—2422.
Dundee—Roy, Cowan, Malone (Forsyth 83), McHale, MacKenzie, Santos (Lauchlan 63), Paton, Mearns (O’Brien 68), McMenamin (Davidson 72), Antoine-Curier (Daquin 77), Gilhaney (Deasley 77). Sub not used—Douglas.

Referee—Stephen Finnie.