Dumbarton 0, Dundee 1, C&G Systems Stadium, Scottish Cup 4th Round, 22-January-22

Dundee made three changes for this Scottish Cup tie at Dumbarton.  Goal keeper Ian Lawlor made his debut, replacing Adam Legzdins who was on the bench. Shaun Byrne and Josh Mulligan came into the midfield in the place of Charlie Adam and Paul McMullan who were both named as substitutes.

Dundee started well in the first 20 minutes and Mulligan was unlucky with a shot, Mullen and Mulligan both missed a dangerous cross. Soon after Sweeney headed wide of the post, it was a good chance.

After this Dumbarton came into the game but lucky for Dundee they defended well and no real clear cut chance came along for the Sons. Jordan McGhee was unlucky with a long range shot which the keeper had to tip over the ball. 

Just before half time Dumbarton were down to ten men when Ross MacLean received a straight red card, after a off the ball swipe at Cammy Kerr who went down to the ground.

Second half and a few changes were made as Dundee went into a 3-5-2 formation with Leigh Griffiths and Paul McMullan replacing Paul McGowan and Jordan McGhee. 

It changed the game as Dundee went forward and looked better as a team. Griffiths had a half chance and got his shot in, done well as the pass was too slow to the striker. Soon after and Charlie Adam replaced Josh Mulligan who had played well. 

Dundee finally took the vital lead on 63 minutes when the Referee pointed to the spot after a cross from Max Anderson was struck Sam Muir's arm. It did look soft but Dundee fans won't complain.

Leigh Griffth's scored from penalty spot to get the vital goal, the keeper got a good hand on the ball, but it was not enough.

Dundee looked to get the next goal and Cammy Kerr headed wide from the centre of the goal. Dumbarton battled to the end but never looked like scoring. 

So good to be in the next round and we wait to see who we get in the next round. 

Best player for me was Ryan Sweeney who played well, and good to see goal keeper Ian Lawlor having a good debut for the club.

Dundee: Lawlor, Elliott, Sweeney, McGhee (McMullan at half time), Kerr, Byrne, McCowan, Mulligan (Adam 59), Anderson, McGowan (Griffiths at half time), Mullen. Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Sharp (gk), Fontaine, Jakubiak, McDaid, Robertson. 

Att. 1,198 

Referee: Colin Steven 

Dundee Sign Zak Rudden

Dundee have the signing of Zak Rudden on a pre-contract. 21-year-old Zak has hit the net nine times for SPFL Championship side Partick Thistle this season. 

Zak will sign a deal until 2025 when his contract at Firhill expires in the summer. 

It looks a good signing for the club as for the games that l have seen the young striker play.

Livingston 2, Dundee 0. Tony Macaroni Arena , cinch Premiership, 18-January-22

Dundee were able to play a stronger team with Charlie Adam, Max Anderson, Paul McMullan and Danny Mullen all returned to the starting eleven. Their first game since Boxing Day defeat at Aberdeen. 

The game got off to a slow start and the first worry for Dundee was after just six minutes when Jordan Marshall had to be replaced by Christie Elliott. 

Dundee's first chance was soon after when McMullen forced a good save from the livi keeper to give Dundee a corner. Livingston was next to have chances but Dundee managed to clear their lines. 

As the game wore on Livi seemed more up for the fight for the vital points as Dundee had a lot of the ball, but failed to have the cutting edge up front.

At the end of the first half Cammy Kerr ran in from the left wing only to be fouled 22 yards from goal. It looked a promising position, but Luke McCowan’s free kick was several feet too high.

The opening 60 seconds of the second half were a nightmare for the Dee defence. Odin Bailey took advantage of defensive hesitancy to send Anderson through, but Legzdins made a fine save to divert the shot onto the bar and over for a corner.

The escape lasted only a few seconds. Dundee half cleared the corner, but James Penrice stuck out a boot to block the clearance. Anderson  picked up the rebound, turned and shot through Legzdins’ legs to give Livingston the lead.

Dundee kept struggling only effort at goal was a Mullen header which was saved by the Liv keeper. The game looked over when Livingston grabbed the second vital, again like the first one Anderson was able to score with ease with not tight enough marking from the Dundee defence.

Josh Mulligan came on for Charlie Adam, and then Alex Jakubiak and Leigh Griffiths replaced Paul McGowan and Paul McMullan. Nothing changed, and Livingston were able to see the game out.

For Dundee they struggled to find that cutting edge upfront and was down to the final pass. They really need to pick up form in the next four league games as they will tell the story if we are able to stay in the league. 

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Fontaine, McGhee, Marshall (Elliott 6), Adam (Mulligan 57), Anderson

McMullan (Griffiths 64), McGowan (Jakubiak 64), McCowan, Mullen. Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), Byrne, Robertson, Cummings.

Att: 1,612

Referee: David Dickinson.

Dundee Sign Jay Chapman

Dundee have signed Jay Chapman from  Inter Miami. Canadian international Jay, 28, comes with experience of playing in the MLS over the last six years. Hopefully he will arrive at Dens in the near future. 

Aberdeen 2, Dundee 1, Pittodrie Stadium, cinch Premiership, 26th December 2021

Dundee lost 2-1 at Pittodrie on Boxing Day. The game went ahead and Dundee tried to get the game off due to Covid-19 after they lost 5 players.

A squad of just 14 players made the trip and that included three goalkeepers. Dundee took the lead on seven minutes gone after they got a free kick 35 yards out. Striker Leigh Griffiths spotted a gap in the Dons wall and he smashed the ball home for a tremendous goal.

Unlucky for Dundee the home side levelled five minutes later when they scored after a good run from Hedges, both teams battled away and it came to half-time at 1-1.

Second half and it was all Aberdeen with Dundee struggling to get the ball forward to Griffiths. But with 20 minutes to go they got what proved to be the winner. The ball was played across the box it broke twice for Ferguson to score with a 20 yard shot.

Dundee could have levelled with minutes to a long ball into the box from McGowan was headed down and Fontaine just about forced the ball home, and lucky for the dons they cleared the ball.

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Marshall, Fontaine, McGhee, Sweeney, Panter, Jakubiak, McCowan, McGowan, Griffiths. Subs: Lawlor, Lamb, Sharp, and Assistant Manager Dave Mackay 

Referee: Nick Walsh

Att: 500

Photos From Hearts Game

 

Dundee 0, Hearts 1, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 18-December-21

Dundee starting eleven had only two changes, with Christie Elliott and Leigh Griffiths replacing Ryan Sweeney and Jordan Marshall. However, four of the players who started against Hibs had to move to different positions. Cammy Kerr switched from right to left back. Jordan McGhee dropped back into central defence. Dundee had only five players on the bench.

Hearts started well and attacked from kick off, for the good of Dundee their defence done really well to cope. Hearts did have a shot but it was well over the bar. As the first half was coming up Luke McCowan done well to get the shot in which the Hearts keeper had to save.

Second half and Hearts again took the game to Dundee but again they done well to defend. Dundee again attacked on the break but they did look a bit slower as the game went on. Dundee keeper Adam Legzdins had only a couple of crosses to deal with.

But on 75 minutes Hearts scored with a bit luck, the shot from McEneff  was weak and straight at Legzdins but Liam Fontaine stuck out a foot, diverting the ball onto the post. The rebound flew across goal for Walker to shoot high into the net at the far post.

Dundee brought on Alex Jakubiak in the place of Luke McCowan as they tried to hit back. They did try and had a couple of efforts which were just wide of the goals. The fog did come down quickly which did not help both teams as the game came to a close.

It was Cammy Kerr's 200th game for the club, so well done Cammy

Plenty effort from the Dundee players and all got pass marks from the Dundee fans. The club now need results in the next two games against Aberdeen and  Livingston in the next week and a half.

Dundee: Legzdins, Elliott, Fontaine, McGhee (c), Kerr, Anderson, McGowan, McMullan, Mullen, McCowan (Jakunbiak 81), Griffiths. Unused Subs: Lawlor, Panter, Donald, Lamb.

Referee: William Collum

Att: 5,874

Hibernian 1, Dundee 0, Easter Road, cinch Premiership, 14-December-21

Dundee had the same team as Saturday after Charlie Adam who is out injured. They started on the backfoot as Hibernian pushed forward. Ryan Sweeney picked up a early booking for a slight push on Boyle.

First effort on goal was a Paul McGowan shot which the Hibernian keeper saved, it was Dundee's only shot on goal as they struggled in midfield which put pressure on their defence.

Hibernian got the break through when a good run by Boyle and he crossed McMullen tried to clear but headed into his own goal.

Second half and Dundee had a wee go and after a good move Mullen should have scored but put his shot well over the bar. Hibernian had a few more chances but failed to get a second killer goal.

Cumming and Griffiths came on for Dundee but they were left isolated as Dundee failed to get the ball into the box. Hibernian saw the game out which was not a problem.

Ryan Sweeney was sent off for dissent after petty decision from the Referee.

A poor game for Dundee over all, we really need to be more positive this coming Saturday when Hearts visit Dens Park.

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Fontaine, Sweeney, Marshall, Anderson (Griffiths 78), McGhee, McMullan (Cummings 77), McGowan, McCowan, Mullen. Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), Jakubiak, Elliott, Panter.

Referee: Gavin Duncan

Att: 13,516

Ross County 3, Dundee 2, Global Energy Stadium, cinch Premiership, 11-December-21

Dundee made one change for their line up, Max Anderson replacing Christie Elliott. 

Dundee started well and had put some pressure on the County defence. A blow for Dundee when Charlie Adam went down with a injury. Jordan McGhee came on for Adam. 

Soon after and Dundee took the lead when a long ball was headed into the path of Luke McCowan who shot home from 18 yards. A superb goal for the young striker.

Dundee were looking dangerous going forward, but it the home side who drew level when a Charles-Cook’s cross found Samuel six yards out. Adam Legzdins pulled off a miraculous stop from the header but the rebound struck Samuel and bobbled over the line.

But on 38 minutes Dundee went back in front with a beautifully worked goal. Max Anderson took the ball under pressure midway inside the Dee half. He turned skilfully clear of trouble and broke into space giving Danny Mullen the chance to send Jordan Marshall racing clear down the left. Marshall passed inside for Luke McCowan to take a touch and shoot across the keeper and score from 12 yards.

Ross County put another striker on for the second half to try and get back into the game, McCowan just about got his hat-trick but his shot was well saved. 

Then it was all level when Dundee lost a poor game, the keeper missed a cross and the ball came off Mullen to end up in the net to make it 2-2.

Dundee came forward and were unlucky when Mullen hit the post, but County got the winner with 12 minutes to go, a high ball was poorly cleared and it fell nicely for Charles-Cook to score.

Dundee went close but Griffith's header was too close to the keeper. Time ran out for the dark blues who must see this as points dropped. A win today would have opened a gap of 8 points. 

Next up is a tough game at Easter Road where Dundee must get some points to boost our festive fixtures.

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Fontaine (Cummings 88), Sweeney, Marshall, Anderson, Adam (c) (McGhee 13), McMullan, McGowan (Griffiths 68), McCowan, Mullen. Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), Jakubiak, Elliott, Panter.

Referee: Bobby Madden

Att: 3,122

Rangers 3, Dundee 0, Ibrox, cinch Premiership, 4th December 2021

Dundee lost 3-0 at Ibrox, 1-0 down at haft time it was 2-0 on 55 minutes which would have made the game tough. Rangers got a third with 20 minutes left to go. 

It was likely a score you would expect due to the difference in the playing squads money worth wise.

Next up is a trip to Dingwall next Saturday which will be a importance game for the club.

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Fontaine, Sweeney, Marshall, Elliott, Adam (c) (Griffiths 53), McMullan, McGowan, McCowan, Mullen (Cummings 61). Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), Jakubiak, Panter, Lamb.

Referee : Alan Muir

Att: 49, 628

Dundee 1, St Johnstone 0, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 1st December 2021

Dundee made one change from Saturdays game when Liam Fontaine replaced injured Lee Ashcroft.

Dundee started well and took the game to St Johnstone, Mullen and McMullen had efforts blocked by their visitors. McCowan is looking good as well with two efforts well blocked by the saints defence.

Dundee take the lead when a Fontaine cross field pass is headed down and after being headed down falls for McGowan, he plays it into Danny Mullen who takes a touch before a lovely turn and finish, giving Clark no chance. 

Minutes before half time Adam hits the post from about 25 yards out, but at least Dundee are winning at half time.

Again Dundee have three good efforts and saints seem to be out of the game at the moment. With 20 minutes to go Griffths comes on for McGowan who by reports has played well.

Leigh Griffths has a effort ruled out for off side as Dundee look for the second goal to finish this game, Perth Saints did have a few efforts but it did not turn into any chance of goal. 

Dundee ran the clock out and a massive result for the Dark Blues this puts the club up the table to being 9th in the tough league.

I missed the game due to my ill health just now, a lot better than a few weeks ago, but it does take it's toll. It's tough just now missing games being a season ticket holder. But hopefully things will change in a few months time. 

Next up for the dark blues is a wee trip to Ibrox, let's hope the club gets a result.

Dundee:  Legzdins, Kerr, Fontaine, Sweeney, Marshall, Anderson, Adam (c), McMullan, McGowan (Griffiths 76), McCowan, Mullen.  Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), Elliott, Panter, Cummings, Lamb.

Referee: Andrew Dallas.

Att: 5,196 

Dumbarton In The Scottish Cup Draw...............

Dundee will play Dumbarton away in the 4th Round of the Scottish Cup after the draw was made after the Brechin City game. The game will be played weekend of 22nd of January 2022

Dundee 3, Motherwell 0, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 27th November 2021

Dundee started well and might have scored early on but Danny Mullen effort was ruled offside. Motherwell put a effort in but were too busy looking to foul Dundee players. 

Dundee had went back to a back four and looked pretty solid as a team. They took the lead on 19 minutes when good play from Marshall his ball found Luke McCowan who took a nice touch and the young striker slotted home from 10 yards for a fine goal.

This settled Dundee and they could have added a few more but found the Motherwell keeper in fine form. The well had a few attacks but found the Dundee defence solid and they done well to set up Dundee attacks.

Dundee worked a sweet move down the left from a free kick when a high ball into the box was the obvious option. Marshall combined with McMullan who crossed for Max Anderson to hit a low drive that flicked off a defender and just past the post. Liam Kelly saved superbly from Lee Ashcroft’s header when the corner came over.

The pressure was relentless and McMullan’s fierce angled shot was pushed round the post by Kelly. From another corner Well could clear only as far as Paul McGowan lurking outside the penalty area. He quickly headed the ball back. Instead of shooting Adam fooled the defence by passing to McCowan who quickly moved the ball on for Danny Mullen to fire inside the post from eight yards.

Dundee could have added more up to half time, but it was a good half for them.

Second half and Motherwell made two changes to their team, but it made little difference and Dundee made it 3-0 when a good ball into the box fell kindly to Ryan Sweeney who knocked the ball home from 6 yards out to clearly finish the game.

Dundee kept going and the Motherwell keeper made two great saves to stop Dundee hitting five or more. The second half went quickly but it was a fine win for Dundee and the first time over the Steelmen in around ten games.

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Ashcroft (Fontaine 53), Sweeney, Marshall, Anderson (Elliott 68), Adam (c)

McMullan, McGowan (Griffiths 64), McCowan, Mullen. Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), Panter, Cummings, Lamb.

Referee: Craig Napier

Att: 4,747

Doug Cowie

Sad to hear of the passing of Doug Cowie who played a record 446 games for Dundee FC , he also won two League Cups with the club. Doug also played in two World Cups for Scotland in 1954 and 1958.

I was so lucky to sit at the same table as Doug at a Dundee FC player of the year. It was a wonderful night and Doug Cowie was a total gentleman and everyone had the highest regard for this player.

I will never see a player like this play for Dundee ever , and in my 40 plus years they has been a few, but to see the teams that Doug played in would have been just wonderful.

My thoughts and Condolences go to all of  Doug's Family and all his friends at this sad time. 

Dundee 2, Celtic 4, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 7th November 2021

Dundee lost this game 4-2 to Celtic at Dens park, who had their strikers in top form. They went 2-0 up in the first half. Danny Mullen  pulled one back when he headed home to make 2-1 at half-time.

At least Dundee fought well and Second half and it was 4-1 quickly as the game went Celtic's way. Lee Ashcroft headed home to make it 4-2 and they fought well to the end.

Dundee: Legzdins, Elliott (McGhee 63), Kerr, Ashcroft, Sweeney, Marshall, McMullan, Anderson, Adam (c) (McCowan 57), McGowan, Mullen (Cummings 71). Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), Fontaine, Panter, Lamb.

Referee: Alan Muir

Att: 8,604

St Mirren 0, Dundee 1, SMiSA Stadium, cinch Premiership, 30th November 2021

Manager  James McPake made three changes from the Ross County defeat. Max Anderson, Luke McCowan and Cillian Sheridan started, replacing Jordan McGhee, Leigh Griffiths and Jason Cummings, who were all on the bench.

Dundee played well for the 90 minutes and a great response from the the Ross County game. Max Anderson scored after 11 minutes with a fine finish after a tremendous move going forward by the dark blues. 

Dundee should have got a second soon after but some how the buddies cleared their defence. 

Dundee played some fine stuff with the subs that came on all done well. Going by the reports it was a fine support today at Paisley which would have helped the team.

A great three points which was well needed in this tough season back in the top league.

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Ashcroft, Sweeney, Marshall, Anderson (McGhee 75), Adam (c), McGowan (Elliott 85), McMullan, Sheridan (Mullen 55), McCowan Unused subs: Lawlor (gk), Fontaine, Griffiths, Cummings.

Referee: John Beaton

Dundee 0, Ross County 5, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 27th October 2021

Dundee lost this home game 5-0 to Ross County, they were unlucky not to score when Charlie Adam's shot was knocked over the ball by the County keeper, when on on a other night it goes into the net.

After seeing the County goals they deserved their win scoring some fine goals, for Dundee it was night to forget. Pretty glad l missed this game given the score line.

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Ashcroft, Sweeney, Marshall, McGhee, Adam (c), McGowan (McCowan 56)

McMullan (Mullen 37), Griffiths, Cummings (Sheridan 56). Unused subs: Lawlor (gk), Fontaine, Elliott, Panter.

Referee: David Dickinson. 

Att: 4,883

Hearts 1, Dundee 1, cinch Premiership, 23rd of November 2021

Dundee got a fine 1-1 draw at Tynecastle on which they had to battle hard all the way to the end. John Souttar put the home side in control scoring after 36 minutes. 

They put Dundee under a lot of pressure. But it was sub Jason Cummings who headed home with seven minutes to go to get a fine point.

Tynecastle is always hard going so a fine point for the dark blue on the road.

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Ashcroft, Sweeney, Marshall, McGhee, Anderson, Adam (c), McMullan (Cummings 61), Griffiths (Sheridan 68), McCowan (Mullen 61). Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), Fontaine, McGowan, Elliott.

Att: 17,677

Referee: Gavin Duncan

Dundee 2, Aberdeen 1, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 16th October 2021

Dundee were rewarded with three fine points after beating Aberdeen 2-1 at Dens Park. James McPake made three changes to the starting eleven. Charlie Adam, Leigh Griffiths and Luke McCowan came in for Liam Fontaine, Paul McGowan and Jason Cummings.

Dundee got got off to a fine start and took the game to their visitors who have been struggling this season. Luke McCowan was really unlucky and forced Woods into a fine save to keep it 0-0 at half-time. Dundee had some fine play but missed the final ball.

Second half and it took Dundee just four minutes to take the lead with a fine goal, great lead up work from McInatosh, McCowan the ball fell to Paul McMullen who floated a fine high pass to Leigh Griffths who scored his first goal after returning to Dens with a fine low finish. 

Aberdeen did come back into the game but Dundee defended well and made it 2-0 on 62 minutes when Luke McCowan took down the ball well and curled a great sot past Woods to put the Dee into the driving seat.

Aberdeen came back and scored to make the game tighter, Dundee battled well defended well and seen out the 11 minutes of injury time due to injuries to Lee Ashcroft and Shaun Byrne, Shaun had to go off injured.

A fine three points for the dark blues and one l hope they can build on.

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Ashcroft, Sweeney, Marshall, McGhee, Byrne (Anderson 90), Adam (c)

McMullan, Griffiths (Sheridan 57), McCowan (Mullen 71). Unused Subs: Sharp (gk), Elliott, Cummings, Lamb.

Referee: Colin Steven

Att: 6,876

Dundee Catch Up

 I have missed the last 5 games or so due to being in Hospital and off my work. The good news is I'm on my way back. I'm happy it's likely down to my fitness that has helped and l look forward to the Motherwell game in a week. I will do small match reports Happy we were able to keep Aberdeen's good run going.