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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Ref: J. Beaton

Att: 4,318

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

Motherwell Photos




 

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

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

Aberdeen v Motherwell

Partick Thistle v Dunfermline Athletic

Kilmarnock v Queen of the South

Hibernian v Hearts

Airdrie United or Raith Rovers v Deveronvale

Turriff United v Albion Rovers or Morton

Rangers v Elgin City

Forfar Athletic or Nairn County v Ayr United

Ross County v Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Celtic v Inverurie Locoworks or Arbroath

Dumbarton v Hamilton Academical

Cowdenbeath v St Johnstone

Stranraer or Queen's Park v Dundee United

Stenhousemuir or Berwick Rangers v Falkirk

St Mirren v Brechin City or Bonnyrigg Rose

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

Dundee v Hearts Highlights

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

Hearts Programme

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

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

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

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

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

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

Team News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Injury Woes at Dens Park....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hibs v Dundee Highlights....

Player's prank.....

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

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

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

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

Ex Dee Leigh Griffths scores from the spot

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


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

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

Ref: Collum

 

Att: 10,163 

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

 

Photo Source; (C) Here

News From Dens Park......

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


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

Highlights from Dundee 1 St Johnstone 3.

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

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

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

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

Ref: Muir

 

Att: 6,158 

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

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

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

Ref: Beaton

 

Att: 41,073

Highlights From Motherwell Game

Photos From Motherwell Game....

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ref: Clancy

 

Att: 5,176

Team News For The Visit Of Motherwell....

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

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

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



Video Source: here 

Dundee Sign Mark Kerr.

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

Picture Source: Here