Photos From Trip To Ayr

Ayr United 1, Dundee 2, Somerset Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 25-October-19

Dundee won 2-1 at Ayr on Friday night in what was a fine performance from the dark blues. Team wise I was happy to see Andrew Nelson back into the starting line up. Also in was Cammy Kerr for Josh Meekings. As expected Conor Hazard made his debut in goal.

Dundee started well and Dorrans went close with a free kick, just before that Moffat went close for the honest men. Andrew Nelson had a effort saved by the Ayr keeper.

But on 16 minutes Dundee opened the scoring Declan McDaid played a one two with Nelson and smashed the ball home from 25 yards. A wonderful goal for the dens park winger.

But on 30 minutes it was 2-0 Dundee, a Dorrans free kick found Forster who's effort was saved it broke out to Paul McGowan who smash the ball home for a fine goal.

Ayr pulled one back when McCowan headed home after a fine move. So far it has been a fine game of football.

The second half was still close with Ayr failing to take their chances, the last 20 minutes Dundee looked dangerous on the break. Nelson and Hemming could have added to the score. The dark blues finished the game strongly and never looked in danger of losing.

A fine result for the dark blues , myself l had a fine day in Ayr and it was good on meeting up with some fellow dark blues after the game. 

Dundee: Hazard, Kerr, McGhee, Forster, Marshall, Byrne, Dorrans, McDaid, McGowan (c) (Todd 87), Nelson (Mackie 76), Hemmings (Johnson 83). Unused subs: Ferrie (gk), Meekings, McPake, Robertson.

Att: 1,627.

Ref: Bobby Madden. 

Dundee Sign Conor Hazard

Dundee have signed Conor Hazard on a loan deal from Celtic, after Jack Hamilton underwent surgery to have his appendix removed last week. He will goes straight into the squad for the game at Ayr on Friday.

Dundee 1, Partick Thistle 3, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 19-September-19

Dundee lost 3-1 to Partick Thistle at Dens Park on Saturday. They started the same team which beat Arbroath two weeks ago. 

Reports of the first half and Dundee were much the better side. The Jags had only one attack in the first half. Dundee scored in 25 minutes when Paul McGowan scored after a clever pass from McDaid. Dundee did have a few chances but failed to add to their lead. 

Second half was totally different when Partick made two changes at half time and it was the Maryhill side which took control of the half. 

As Dundee looked to see the game out, they got caught on the break with five minutes left. Kenny Miller scored from 12 yards.

Worse was to follow as The jags scored twice more before the end. The final result mush have left the Dundee fans shell shocked. I'm glad that l missed the game!

It's a poor result for the club and really they should do better, myself I can't see the sense of not playing two strikers as we have three decent strikers at the club. 

Also with United getting thumped 4-0 at Queen of the South it was a missed opportunity to close the gap at the top of the league. Ayr United lost as well so not a good day for the club. Next up is a trip to Somerset Park on Friday night we certainly need a win to boost our season.

Dundee: Hamilton, McGhee, Forster, Meekings , Marshall, Byrne (Robertson 60), Dorrans, McDaid, McGowan (McPake 73), Mackie (Todd 65), Hemming. Unused Subs: Ferrie , Kerr, Todd, Nelson, McPake, Johnson, Robertson.

Ref: David Munro

Att: 5,010

Dundee 2, Arbroath 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 05-October-19

Dundee made four changes for the visit of Arbroath to Dens in came Josh Meekings, Shaun Bryne, Paul McGowan and Sean Mackie, with Cammy Kerr, Finlay Robertson, Josh McPake and Andrew Nelson dropping onto the bench. 

Dundee started slowly and their first chance was a Dorrans shot which flew over the bar, Arbroath close when Doris shot was just wide of the post. Soon after McGowan and Hemmings had headers one saved well by the Arbroath keeper, second one was just wide of the post.

In 38 minutes Dundee took the lead when Dorrrans found Declan McDaid and he smashed a 25 yarder of the post for a cracking goal, his first for the club. Right on half time Hemmings went really close with a overhead kick.

Second half and Dundee continued to dominate the game, it was no surprise when they got the second goal on the hour. From a corner McDaid played a short ball to McGowan who cleverly back heeled a return pass to Declan McDaid who curled a shot into the net for a wonderful goal.

Arbroath had a wee spell but Dundee weathered the storm but picked up two injuries with Marshall and Bryne having to leave the pitch. John Todd and Finlay Robertson came on. 

Dundee failed to add to the scoreline as the game ended with a two nil win and mostly important was the three points.

Happy enough with the three points and we gained 3 points on United who lost at Alloa on Friday night.

Dundee: Hamilton, McGhee, Forster, Meekings, Marshall (Todd 73), Byrne (Robertson 77), Dorrans, McDaid, McGowan, Mackie, Hemmings (Johnson 89). Unused Subs: Ferrie , Kerr, Nelson, McPake.

Att: 5,045

Ref: Alan Newlands

On this day in 1935 Dundee drew 1-1 in a league game at Albion Rovers, Gibby McNaugton scored for the Dee in front of a 4,000 crowd. 

Photos from Carlisle...............

Carlisle United 1, Oldham Ath 0, Brunton Park, Sky Bet League Two, 28-September-19

Oldham got off to a poor start losing a goal in 3 minutes , it was slack play from Latics, and Olufela Olomola finished it well. 

Both teams seem to struggle to create chances in the first half. Latics had a lot of the ball but failed to open up the Carlisle defence. Likewise the Oldham keeper had little to do. 

In the second half and Oldham started brightly and were unlucky not to score twice in as many minutes first Morais somehow missed when he was found at the back post, then Maouche put a decent effort just wide of the post. 

As in the first half Latics failed to create any clear cut chance, with their hosts were happy to sit deep and earn a vital win. 

It was a good day out for my Family who all enjoyed themselves , it was good to meet up with my Oldham mates Malc and John, good to see Dave from London and meet new Oldham fans on the day. 

We all enjoyed the beer at The Griffin and Rugby Club which was handy before and after the game. The day went really quick and in no time we were heading home. 

Oldham Ath : Woods, Mills, Iacovitti, Branger-Engone (73’ Fage), Morais (64’ Eagles), Maouche, Missilou, Azankpo (64’ Wilson), Sylla, Wheater (c), Hamer. 

Att: 4,321 

Ref: Marc Edwards

Queen of the South 1, Dundee 1, Palmerston Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 27-September-19

Dundee travelled to play Queen of the South last Friday night. The game was live on TV and as I was working until 6pm, at least I was able to watch the game. Queens scored in the 5th minute when Hamilton netted after a shot had come back of the post. 

At least Dundee came back quickly, first Nelson seen a shot well saved by the Queens keeper. But soon after Dundee levelled when a good cross from Dorrans was headed home by Jordan McGhee. Dundee played some good football but the final ball or getting the ball to the strikers was a big problem. 

Second half was much the same vein. The home side just about got the winner late on but Cammy Kerr made a great clearance on the line. Dorrans went close late on as the Dees had to settle for a draw. 

Another two points dropped and likely the teams at the top will gain more points on Dundee. It's been a poor start to the season with only one win in seven. We really need to start winning games nothing else will do. 

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, McGhee (c), Forster, Marshall, McDaid, Robertson, Dorrans, McPake (Byrne 50), Nelson (Johnson 67), Hemmings. Unused Subs: Ferrie , Meekings, Todd, Mackie, Moore.

Att: 1,249

Ref: Willie Collum. 

On this day in 1947 Dundee beat Airdrie 6-0 in a league game at Dens. Juliussen (3), Pattillo, Turnbull and Ewen got the goals. Crowd was 16,000.

Blast of the Past Pre-Season German Tour 1985

FC Villegen

FC Pforzheim 

Offenburger SV 

Morton 1, Dundee 0, Cappielow, Ladbrokes Championship, 21-September-19

Dundee lost 1-0 at Morton on Saturday, they seemed to have a lot of possession during the game, but could not turn it into goals. Morton scored right on half-time when Grant headed home. 

I missed the game due to work. A poor result and with both United's winning it puts the gap back to seven points.

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, McGhee, Forster, Marshall, Robertson, Byrne (Dorrans 56), McPake (Nelson at half time), McGowan (c), McDaid, Johnson (Hemmings 59). Unused Subs: Ferrie , Todd, Mackie, Moore.

Att: 1,901.

Ref: John McKendrick. 

On this day in 1985 Dundee won 1-0 at Ibrox, Stuart Rafferty scored the winner in the second half. It was a league game and it should have been more what I remember from the game Graham Harvey should have scored with a header in the first half . Crowd that day was 23,600 which was poor for Rangers at home.

Dundee Sign Graham Dorrans

Dundee have signed Graham Dorrans on a deal until the end of the season. The midfielder has played for Livingston, West Brom, Norwich City, Rangers and has 21 caps for Scotland. He will wear number 14 and go straight into the squad for the Morton game.

Alloa Photos...........

Dundee 2, Alloa Ath 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Championship, 14-September-19

Dundee made six changes from the team that lost to Elgin last week. Jack Hamilton, Jordan Forster, Jordan Marshall, Finlay Robertson and Danny Johnson and Josh McPake  was given his first start. 

Dundee got off to the perfect start a great cross from Forster was headed on to the bar by McDaid, Danny Johnson was quick to score from the rebound. Dundee kept attacking and were looking good.

Alloa levelled on 10 minutes with a scrappy goal from Dundee's point of view, Liam Dick's shot was deflected into the net via the post. Alloa are a tough team to play against and that's what this division is all about. 

Dundee regained the lead when Robertson found McPake who beat the defender and found Jordan McGhee who scored with ease from close in.

Second half and Dundee started well, Alloa's keeper made a brilliant save to deny Forster who's header looked certain to find the net. Both teams had chances but both keepers were in good form. 

Then Alloa got a penalty when Byrne fouled Cawley and to the relieve of the home support Jack Hamilton made a good save from Trouten's spot kick.

Soon after Josh McPake was replaced by Josh Todd, Dundee kept at it and should have scored more before the end of the game. They could have also a penalty when Cammy Kerr went down in the box.

A vital victory for Dundee today, and even better United got beat 2-0 at Ayr so we gain points on the leaders.

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, McGhee, Forster, Marshall, Robertson, Byrne, McPake (Todd 55), McGowan (Nelson 83), McDaid, Johnson (Hemmings 65). Unused Subs: Sharp, Mackie, Moore, Anderson.

Att: 4,453

Ref: Alan Newlands. 

On this day in 1929 Dundee lost 1-0 to St Johnstone in a league game at Dens Park. Crowd was 12,000.

Dundee 1, Elgin City 2, Dens Park, Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup, 08-September-19

Dundee crashed out of the Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup on Sunday losing 2-1 at home to Elgin City. Manager James McPake put out a mixture of youth and experience for this game. Sean Mackie on loan from Hibernian for his debut, also second keeper Calum Ferrie came in for Jack Hamilton.

Can't really say how they played due to working on Sunday. Cammy Kerr gave Dundee the lead on 18 minutes with a left foot strike to give Dundee a good start. They failed to add to this in the first 45 minutes.

The game totally changed in a three minute spell Elgin City levelled when Omar hit a cracking shot home giving Ferrie no chance, then 2 minutes later Calum Ferrie clashed with Hester after a short pass back from Mackie,  the ball falls to Sutherland who nets. A minute later and Calum Ferrie is given a straight red by the Referee.

Dundee took off Mackie for sub keeper Harrison Sharp to make his debut for the remaining 31 minutes. Dundee failed to get level , and reports of the game suggest Elgin could have added to their tally.

Glad I missed this game, it is sometimes the desire to win that counts in Cup ties, and Dundee have been lacking this for a long time apart from the odd game. It will be a learning curve for Manager James McPake who might see the task ahead for the dark blues.

Dundee: Ferrie, Kerr, McGhee, Meekings (c), Mackie (Sharp 59), Ness (Nelson at half time), Byrne (Anderson 75), Todd, McGowan, McDaid, Hemmings. Unused Subs: Forster, Moore, Mulligan, Cunningham.

Att:1,619

Ref: Grant Irvine  

On this day in 1894 Dundee beat Dumbarton 3-0 in a league game at Dens. The goals were scored by Sawyers, Gillighan and Fleming. Crowd was 5,000.

Sean Mackie Signs on loan

Dundee have signed Sean Mackie on loan from Hibernian, the left back has played for the Hibs first team this season. He played for Raith Rovers before his move to Easter Road and is highly rated. Sean has signed up for the a full season loan. Hopefully it will add competition to the squad.