Bob Davidson Signs New Deal..

DUNDEE MANAGER Alex Rae last night hailed the new deal agreed with Bob Davidson as a fine bit of business for the club. As the Dark Blues look ahead to what could be a decisive weekend for the first division championship race, they yesterday took time out of the build-up to secure Davidson’s services until May 2009. A good signing for next season what ever divition we are in..
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Dundee 3 Stirling Albion 0, Dens Park, 12/April/08

Dundee remain in the First Division title race thanks to a win over relegated Stirling Albion.
The home side broke the deadlock on 55 minutes when Gary McKenzie headed home from Freddie Daquin's corner. A few minutes later, Gavin Swankie lashed in his fourth goal of the season, with the visitors failing to clear their lines. In the final minute, Scott Robertson ran on to a Kevin McDonald pass and slipped a neat shot into the net. Dundee are four points behind leaders Hamilton with just two matches left and travel to Scottish Cup heroes Queen of the South next weekend. And we must believe we can do it...Time will tell..

Dundee: Samson, Worrell, MacKenzie, Malone, Dixon, Daquin (Robertson 75), Noubissie, McDonald, Swankie (O'Brien 71), Antoine-Curier (Lyle 70), McMenamin. Subs Not Used: Roy, Clark.
Booked: Lyle.
Goals: MacKenzie 55, Swankie 58, Robertson 90.
Att: 4,129
Ref: C Charleston

Morton 1 Dundee 2, Cappielow, 05/April/08

DEREK Lyle's late winner kept Dundee's lingering title ambitions alive and sunk Morton deeper into the relegation play-off position. Morton took the lead after eight minutes with their first chance. Jim McAlistair beat two Dundee defenders before firing low past Craig Samson. Captain Peter Weatherson could have doubled his side's lead after 15 minutes but he wasted the chance by blasting it off Samson's legs.Mikael Antoine-Curier restored parity in the 25th minute. A poor clearance was picked up by David O'Brien, who set up his team-mate. Nine minutes later Scott McLauchlin's thunderous free kick crashed back off the underside of the bar before being cleared by Dundee.Lyle's deciding strike came on 80 minutes from a Gary McKenzie knock-down. A well fought 3 points for the Dark Blues..with 3 games to go..we still have a chance..
Dundee: Samson, Cowan, Dixon, McDonald, MacKenzie, Malone, Daquin (Lyle 62), Noubissie, McMenamin, Antoine-Curier, O'Brien (Swankie 40). Subs Not Used: Worrell, Clark, Roy.
Booked: McDonald.
Goals: Antoine-Curier 25, Lyle 80.
Att: 3,478
Ref: B. Winter

Partick Th 1 Dundee 0, Firhill, 01/April/08

Substitute Mark Roberts fired a late winner as Partick Thistle damaged Dundee's First Division title hopes. Dundee, looking to close the gap on league leaders Hamilton to one point, went close to a first half goal through Mickael Antoine-Curier. Referee Steven Nicholls awarded Thistle a penalty when David Cowan fouled Stevie Murray, but reversed his ruling after consulting his assistant. Roberts sealed the win when he combined with Murray to beat Craig Samson. David O'Brien and Antoine-Curier had earlier spurned great chances for Alex Rae's side. Partick Thistle held on for victory to move up to fifth spot in the table, while the defeat leaves Dundee four points behind Hamilton. A bad result for Dundee.. But we must believe we can still make it....but no more slip ups...
What Dundee boss Alex Rae said after the game: "I thought the boys did ever so well. Thistle have snatched a winner at the end. We dominated throughout and probably had the chances earlier in the game to put it to bed. "With the penalty I actually thought our player got the ball. Thankfully, the linesman was big enough to make the right call. "I've given officials a lot of stick over the course of the season, but I have to give that fella bit of credit then. "Hamilton are in the driving seat now, but I'm encouraged by the way my players went about their business."
Dundee: Samson, Cowan, Noubissie, MacKenzie, Dixon, Daquin, McDonald, O'Brien (Swankie 66), Malone, Lyle, Antoine-Curier. Subs Not Used: Worrell, Clark, Sturm, Roy.
Booked: Lyle, Cowan, McDonald.
Att: 2,426
Ref: S Nicholls

Dundee 2 Clyde 0, Dens Park, 30/March/08

DUNDEE increased the pressure on Division One leaders Hamilton with an effective performance to defeat Clyde. Alex Rae's players comfortably saw off the Bully Wee, whose relegation concerns still linger, with goals from David O'Brien and Kevin McDonald but events at New Douglas Park, where leaders Hamilton were held by Partick Thistle, were of equal significance. Dundee play the Jags on Tuesday, their game in hand, and should they win the points gap at the head of the table – which was once as large as nine – will be reduced to a paltry one.The Bully Wee, who recorded a shock against St Johnstone in midweek, could last only until eight minutes before the home side streaked into the lead. David Hutton, their goalkeeper, looked to have done enough by pushing Derek Lyle's free-kick away from his top corner but none of his defenders checked the run of David O'Brien, who stole a few yards on them and stroked the rebound into the empty net. Jorg Albertz had his first chance to shoot on 32 minutes but his low free-kick cannoned back off the wall. However, another chance presented itself within a minute and, this time, the German showed he retains his old prowess by cracking a shot into Samson's back post which only the crossbar prevented from going in. Dundee ended the match as a contest on 72 minutes when Kevin McDonald raced through on goal to slot a low shot beyond the woefully exposed Hutton. A great result, but we must keep it going and really put pressure 0n leaders Hamilton..
Dundee: Samson, Cowan, MacKenzie, Malone, Dixon, Daquin, McDonald, Noubissie, O’Brien, Davidson (Swankie 62), Lyle (Clark 83).
Subs Not Used: Roy, Worrell, Rae.
Booked: Lyle, Dixon.
Goals: O’Brien 8, McDonald 73.
Att: 4,037

Kev Hits Winner...........

KEVIN McDonald's stunning strike eight minutes from time breathed new life into Scotland's Uefa Under-21 Championship qualifying hopes as Finland were handed their first defeat in Group Six.Scotland took the lead in the 29th minute when captain Steven Naismith struck following a well-worked free-kick, but just before half-time Kasper Hamalainen equalised courtesy of a beautiful curled effort.Finland were the better side for much of the second period, only for McDonald to thump a superb half-volley high into the net and push Scotland to within five points of table-topping Finland, while still holding a game in hand.When the contest began at a sparsely populated Pittodrie, goalscoring chances were at a premium. Scotland were at least able to take confidence from Tomi Maanoja's poor handling in the 19th minute, when the Finland goalkeeper spilled a cross from Ross McCormack while under pressure from Ross Campbell.Given the close nature of the match, it was no surprise it took a set-piece to break the deadlock and when the first goal came, it was thanks to a smart free-kick from Scotland.The opportunity arose after Ville Jalasto crudely scythed down Scott Arfield. Initially, it looked as if the ball was going to be laid off to McCormack, but clever play from Jamie Hamill and Arfield instead saw Naismith presented with the chance to shoot.The Rangers player smashed a powerful low 30-yard drive towards goal and a deflection helped the ball carry past Maanoja.Scotland grew in stature following the breakthrough, which was just the fourth goal their opponents had conceded in six qualifying games.McCormack gathered the ball on the edge of the Finland 18-yard box and lashed a shot wide.But from a similar range, Hamalainen showed Scotland how to finish in style. The midfielder received a pass from Pyry Karkkainen, shifted the ball on to his stronger right foot, and clipped a sumptuous shot past Jamie MacDonald.It was an impressive goal from Hamalainen, although Scotland Under-21 manager Billy Stark must have been disappointed about the amount of space afforded to the Finn by central defenders Garry Kenneth and Mark Reynolds.Kenneth suffered an injury just before half-time when he landed awkwardly, but the Dundee United defender recovered and began the second period in assured fashion.In the 51st minute, Ilari Aijala must have thought he was going to race onto the ball inside the Scotland penalty area, only for Kenneth to use his tall frame to produce a crucial interception.Finland's most threatening player continued to be Hamalainen and the TPS man once again reminded Scotland of his shooting prowess when he fired a drive past MacDonald's near post.Hamalainen then connected with a cross from Aijala and launched a volley straight at MacDonald, who demonstrated good handling skills.Finland remained on top, with Berat Sadik the next to try his luck, sweeping a right-footed shot over the crossbar from an acute angle.In the 78th minute, Naismith squandered a fantastic opportunity when he headed wide from close range having been found by McCormack's cross.But Naismith was to have his blushes saved by McDonald, who netted the winning goal courtesy of an outstanding strike.McCormack was again the architect, sweeping a superb left-to-right cross-field pass from a free-kick right into the path of Kev McDonald. The Dundee midfielder showed good control before powering a precision right-footed effort high into the roof of the net.A late blunder from goalkeeper MacDonald almost gifted an equaliser to Finland, but Jalasto was unable to reach the ball as Scotland survived an injury-time scare.

Dunfermline Ath 0 Dundee 1, East End Park, 22/March/08

THE quintessential game of two halves, the first on the bland side of nondescript, the second more entertaining and Dundee marginally deserved all three points with an ugly win to keep pace with league leaders Hamilton Accies. Early on, the lack of quality on show was plain for everyone including a large travelling contingent from Tayside. Entertainment it most certainly was not until first-half stoppage time when Mark Burchill's 20-yard drive forced Craig Samson into an excellent save. Dundee emerged from the interval with a sense of purpose and it paid dividends when Freddie Daquin, languidly disinterested in the first half, collected a loose ball on the edge of the six-yard box and hit his shot under Paul Gallacher and in off the far post. That stung the Pars into life and they almost equalised straight away – a deft cross by Stephen Glass headed on to the post by Stevie Crawford. Suddenly goalmouth action was back in vogue and Gallacher did well to prevent Colin McMenamin doubling Dundee's lead, tipping over the striker's 12-yard shot. McMenamin then missed the target with a close-range header from a Derek Lyle cross then with 12 minutes remaining Gallacher kept the Pars in the game with a brace of point-blank saves, first from substitute Bob Davidson and then from Kevin McDonald. A massive result for Dundee..next up is CLYDE at Dens next Saturday

Hamilton Accies 1 Dundee 0, New Douglas Park, 15/March/08

HAMILTON struck a major blow in the First Division title race with this narrow but vital 1-0 victory. James McArthur's first-half strike sealed the win to move Accies six points clear of Dundee, who still have a game in hand, though they do still have to visit Dens Park on the last day of the season. This game certainly didn't lack competitive edge, nine bookings and one red card were proof of that, and there was no shortage of action for the 5,078 in attendance. Both sets of players defended doggedly and it was going to need a bit of luck for either side to score. The home side managed it in 18 minutes and it came courtesy of midfielder McArthur. Tony Stevenson is turning into a set piece expert for Accies and it was he who whipped in the ball for yet another assist. David Graham was unlucky to see his flick-on saved by Craig Samson but McArthur was on hand to divert the ball home. Dundee were very active in their attempts to find an equaliser and Colin McMenamin missed the target twice. So, 1-0 to the league leaders at half-time and Dundee now had to find a goal though you have to go back ten years for the last time the Dens Park men won away against Accies in the league. Their plight was not helped by indiscipline, and Frenchman Mickael Antoine-Curier was given his marching orders in 53 minutes for an apparent gesture made to one of the officials.However, Accies failed to capitalise on their extra man advantage and instead defended their lead tremendously to remain top of the table. I missed the game due to work, just hope now that we bounce back, and next game is Dunfermline away..MON THE DEE

Dundee 2 Livingston 0, Dens Park, 11/March/08

Mickael Antoine-Curier struck twice in the second half at Dens Park to dump Livingston and set up a top of the table clash between Dundee and Hamilton at New Douglas Park this weekend. The Frenchman, on loan from Hibs, made it eight goals in just five appearances since January for the Dark Blues. The home side had the better of the early stages and in seven minutes David O'Brien saw a deflected effort fly just wide of Colin Stewart's goal, but that was about it for a disappointing first half. The opening four minutes of the second half saw more action than the entire first period.First O'Brien saw a six-yard shot well saved by Stewart, but there was nothing the keeper could do in the 48th minute when the home side took the lead. What looked a poor Craig Samson clearance reached Colin McMenamin who released Antoine-Curier and the Frenchman unleashed a fierce effort high into the back of the net.As Livi tried to hit back just a minute later 20-year-old Murray Davidson dived when challenged by Paul Dixon in the home box. He'd already been booked for a tackle on O'Brien and his second yellow card saw red shown as well.Furious at seeing his side reduced to ten men, Almondvale boss Mark Proctor spoke out of turn to the assistant referee and was sent packing as well.In 61 minutes the points were secure as Dave Mackay was booked for a foul on O'Brien 22-yards out and Antoine-Curier got his second with a low drive from the free-kick. Massive game now on Saturday..will go a long way on who wins the League..

Queen of the South 2 Dundee 0, Palmerston Park, Scottish Cup 1/4 Final,08/03/08

PALMERSTON shook, the Doonhamers' hordes rattled, and Queen of the South rolled into the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup for the first time in 58 years. Back in 1950, Queens faced Rangers, this time it will be Aberdeen or Celtic. When the draw came through, the almighty roar from the home dressing room said it all. The outstanding Stephen Dobbie had brought Queens the lead with a well-taken goal. The decisive goal at the end was incredible.Desperate Dundee had thrown everyone forward for a free-kick, including goalkeeper Craig Samson. When the ball came out, Queens right-back Ryan McCann collected it near the touchline, well within his half. He looked up. Samson started racing back. McCann knew what he was doing and he launched the ball into the air. It flew 70 yards and landed and bounced into the empty net. The home fans behind the goals went nuts. Queen of the South became the first side to reach the last four of this season's competition.Dundee were so short of fit personnel yesterday that player-manager Alex Rae named himself on the bench. Colin McMenamin and Mickael Antoine Curier were both cup-tied, Gary MacKenzie and Kevin McDonald were suspended, striker Derek Lyle was both cup-tied and injured. All in all, six who featured in last weekend's league victory over St Johnstone could not be called on. So it was inevitable that Patrick Noubissie, the young Frenchman on loan from Hibs, should make his Dundee debut. So shorn of players were Dundee that Rae had billed Queen of the South as favourites to reach the semi-finals. Of course it suited Rae to say such a thing too. And those favourites won.The first goal was the turning point. It was poor defending to say the least.Queens had knocked Dundee out of this competition last season, following a penalty shoot-out at Palmerston. In addition to that, they had beaten Dundee twice within the past three months in the First Division. Dundee are involved in their promotion push but Queens have been climbing up the table lately and had gone nine games unbeaten.There was a cracking atmosphere about Palmerston before kick-off. The old ground lends itself easily to such occasions and the Queens fans were in full rattle mode too with their old-fashioned racket-makers.Dougie Doonhamer whirled his rattle as the teams ran out; Queens' dog-eared border collie had a bigger occasion than Crufts this weekend.This was Dundee's third appearance in the last eight in the past six years but Queens applied the early pressure against the retreating visitors. The hosts forced a second minute corner and their fans roared. At the other end, a Noubissie cross found Freddie Daquin whose hanging header dipped over the home crossbar. Then Dundee's Eddie Malone tested the home keeper, Jamie MacDonald, who saved the effort.In the best piece of play so far, Queens striker Dobbie turned Dundee defender Paul Dixon one way and then the other before catching sight of goal and unleashing a low drive to the far corner. It whizzed not far wide of the target.The rain fell heavily. Then stopped. Extreme weather and no breakthrough in this cup tie as it edged towards half-time. Just before the interval Dixon shot over the bar from distance. And shortly after the break, the visitors' Bob Davidson had a go from some way out but that was stopped by MacDonald whose next act was to set up the home side's opening goal, a route one affair with a clever finish.MacDonald pumped a high kick deep into Dundee territory and Dobbie latched on to it, outpacing the Dundee rearguard. Samson tried to narrow the angle and put him off. But the Queens striker kept his calm and expertly angled the ball into the corner of the net. Dobbie then split Dundee with a cross-field pass to Steve Tosh, who forced a save from a busy Samson.Tosh had another later blast and a Davidson header was saved by MacDonald. Queens substitute John Stewart was clean through but could only drive into the arms of Samson. Dundee remained in the game as the home fans clamoured for an end to this contest. Queens had one foot in the next round until McCann ensured that both feet were planted there.

Build up to Dunfries...

Dundee’s First Division promotion bid was handed a boost today when it emerged in-form striker Colin McMenamin will not miss the big clashes with Hamilton and Dunfermline through suspension. The Dark Blues feared his booking for leaving the pitch to celebrate his winner against St Johnstone had pushed him over the penalty points limit and earned a two-game ban, starting with the visit to the division leaders on Saturday week. Word from the SFL, however, has confirmed the man who’s hit five goals since joining up at Dens in January remains a point short of a ban. That means that, even if he picked up a booking against former club Livingston next midweek, the resulting ban would not kick in for another fortnight. Mean while winger Gavin Swankie remains 50-50 of being involved in the cup tie, he is suffering a calf knock. All Dundee tickets are now sold out..some remain on the forum with some fans unable to go.. Taking over in attack won’t be Derek Lyle. He has been ruled out of this tie and Tuesday’s game after falling through a glass table at home. That’s left him with 16 stitches in a gashed stomach, though he could be back running by the middle of next week.

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

Dundee look set to be without Scott Robertson for the remainder of the season.The midfielder had to be stretchered off during Saturday’s 3-2 win over St Johnstone amid worries he had torn a hamstring. And those fears were confirmed today when a scan revealed the 22-year-old had, indeed, suffered a tear. Barring a quicker-than-expected recovery, Robertson’s season is over and, with the club chasing promotion and still in the Scottish Cup, it’s undoubtedly a major blow for the Dark Blues.

Dundee have signed Patrick Noubissie from Hibernian on an emergency loan ahead of the Scottish Cup quarter final at Dumfries on Saturday and the midfielder is eligible to play in the tie. Patrick played against Dundee as a trialist for Livingston on the opening day of the season before signing for Hibs, he was loaned back to Livingston and made a further eight appearances for the West Lothian club, he’s also made four first team appearances for Hibs this season.

Dundee 3 St.Johnstone 2, Dens Park, 01/March/08

Dundee grabbed all three points courtesy of a Colin McMenamin winner deep into injury time to close the gap on Hamilton. Dundee were almost a goal to the good straight from the kick-off, Mickael Antoine-Curier's cross fumbled by Main with Scott Robertson just failing to score. He missed an even better opportunity four minutes later, blazing Freddy Daquin's pull back over the bar.Antoine-Curier thought he had given the home side the lead 10 minutes before the interval but a late off-side flag cut short the celebrations. It simply delayed them as the Frenchman shot on the turn in the 41st minute for a deflected but deserved goal. Midway through the second half ex-Chelsea star Jody Morris was given a less than cordial welcome to Scottish football but stunned the home fans with a bullet header from 12 yards out from an excellent Goran Stanic cross. In quick succession, ex-Gretna striker Colin McMenamin restored Dundee's lead, then Andrew Jackson curled the ball past Samson to level again. An afternoon of high drama was not over before McMenamin's header deep in stoppage time gave Dundee their three most vital points of the season so far. Delighted Dundee coach Alex Rae said: "It was a crucial victory and I was pleased the way we kept going right to the very end." His opposite number Derek McInnes was dejected, saying: "I thought at one stage we were going to win it but good sides like Dundee never give up. It's a hard one to take." What a Tayside derby..plenty action, goals and a brilliant last second winner for The Dee...Hamilton drew 2-2 at Queen of the South..

Latest From Dens Park

Dundee defender Gary MacKenzie has signed a new contract which keeps him at Dens Park until 2010. which is good news for the club. DUNDEE have decided not to make a move for Trinidad and Tobago international defender Avery John. John, who has been capped over 60 times for his country, was on trial at Dens for the past week but the Dark Blues have decided he is not ready to go straight into their first team. The Dark Blues, meanwhile, are in the dark over a report from the Caribbean that Trinidad and Tobago champions San Juan Jabloteh will be facing them in a Dens Park friendly next month. Jabloteh, who are managed by former England international Terry Fenwick and faced Dundee in a friendly in Trinidad in 2003, are touring Scotland next month and will face Arbroath.

Stirling Albion 1 Dundee 6, Annfield, 23/Feb/08

DUNDEE hit relegation strugglers Stirling Albion for six with a clinical performance which underlined the Taysiders' championship credentials.The visitors took the lead in the 14th minute when Paul McHale's cross, which seemed destined for the arms of goalkeeper Myles Hogarth, brushed off the head of defender Alan Lithgow and into the path of Antoine-Curier, and with the goal at his mercy, the French striker swept the ball into the net for his third goal in three games.Not for the first time this season, Stirling's frailties at the back saw them come unstuck and the situation became worse as Dundee stretched their advantage nine minutes before the break.Hogarth could only palm away Antoine-Curier's drive and Colin McMenamin was perfectly placed to finish the job from close in.Stirling almost pulled one back two minutes after the break but were unlucky as Chris Aitken's 35-yarder came off the underside of the bar and was then headed over by David McKenna.Stirling were to pay dearly and Dundee made it 3-0, Antoine-Curier's clip at goal coming off Laurie Ellis.Antoine-Curier inflicted more damage, leaping up to head in McMenamin's cross from the left and substitute Bob Davidson's bundled drive increased their lead to 5-0.But there was a crumb of consolation for Stirling as sub Colin Cramb tucked away an Aitken corner before Derek Lyle's header completed the rout. A massive result for Dundee, it sets up next Saturdays home game against St.Johnstone..Antoine-Curier took the match ball..so it's looks like it was his goal..

Dundee 2 Morton 0, Dens Park, 16/Feb/08

Dundee narrowed the gap on leaders Hamilton with an unconvincing victory over basement strugglers Morton. Despite Morton being reduced to 10 men, they dominated most of the game and were unfortunate to leave pointless. Mickael Antoine-Curier headed Dundee into the lead after six minutes and Gavin Swankie made it 2-0 with an opportunistic strike. But after that we stopped playing and even have to change goalkeepers after Ludovic Roy picked up a knock. Derek Lyle came on and done well, Morton had a lot of the ball but failed to trouble Craig Samson into any real saves....not good to watch but massive result with Hamilton losing at St.Johnstone 2-1. The gap is now down to 4 points..my wish is for all Dundee Fans to Back the Team as we push to win Promotion..

Motherwell 1 Dundee 2, Fir Park, Scottish Cup, 11/Feb/08..

DUNDEE put their recent first division difficulties behind them last night to claim the scalp of SPL Motherwell and set up a Scottish Cup quarter-final meeting with Queen of the South next month. The Dark Blues headed for Fir Park with just one win—a defeat of Highland League Huntly in the last round—to their credit this year, a run that has left them seven points adrift of leaders Hamilton in the title race. But goals from Paul McHale and Scott Robertson and a smashing second-half performance saw off the Steelmen and sent Alex Rae’s side into the last eight. Dundee’s evening was marred, though, by the late dismissals of Kevin McDonald and Gary MacKenzie, both for double yellow cards. McDonald was hard done by, but MacKenzie could have no complaints. The Scotland under-21 midfielder walked eight minutes from time for catching Stephen Hughes, having earlier picked up a soft looking caution, and MacKenzie followed five minutes later. Having already been booked for a clash with Motherwell keeper Graeme Smith, MacKenzie lunged in on Stephen Craigan, leaving referee Eddie Smith with no real option but to send him packing. Rae had made three changes to his starting line-up following the weekend draw with Livingston, drafting in Swankie, Derek Lyle and Bob Davidson for David O’Brien and ineligible pair Colin McMenamin and Mickael Antoine-Curier. But goalkeeper Ludovic Roy featured despite his wife having given birth to son Oliver—the couple’s second child—earlier in the day. When the first half fell miles short of a classic it seemed justified to blame a surface which had led to the tie being postponed on two occasions. Despite extensive remedial work the park, around 20% of which had been relaid, was in rather desperate condition and all too often promising moves broke down through misplaced passes or players simply losing control of the ball. But after Dundee lit the blue touch paper by scoring early in the second period these two proceeded to ignore the difficult underfoot conditions and produce a rip-roaring cup-tie. Motherwell had looked the more likely side to score in that untidy first half but their best chance fell to Steven McGarry who, having nicked the ball off David Cowan inside the box, passed up the opportunity by having a fresh air swipe. Dundee put a lot of effort into the opening period without ever threatening to score. Within four minutes of the restart, however, they’d broken the deadlock. Roy’s goal-kick was controlled just inside the Well half by Davidson before he released Swankie on the left hand side. Swankie sprinted to the bye-line and fired in a cross that Graeme Smith spilled into the path of McHale. The former Rangers midfielder took a touch and steadied himself before firing into the roof of the net from 10 yards. And six minutes later it was 2-0 as Lyle failed to connect with a McDonald cross at the near post but Robertson arrived to slot the ball into the empty net. Following the introduction of Darren Smith and Simon Lappin, Motherwell hit back. Lappin, sliding in at the far post, narrowly failed to connect with a David Clarkson cross before, on 61 minutes, Smith bulleted in a header from Steven Hammell’s corner to reduce the deficit. Dundee should have dampened home spirits when Smith miscued a clearance straight to Davidson only for the recalled front man to lash the ball high over the crossbar. Being reduced to nine men ensured Dundee spent the remainder of regulation time and five additional minutes firmly on the back foot, but when a misdirected Paul Dixon header looked like producing an own goal Roy responded with a fantastic tip-over save. Apart from red-carding McDonald and MacKenzie, referee Smith booked Motherwell’s Smith (for his part in the bust up with MacKenzie) and Craigan, along with Milan Palenik and Eddie Malone. A vintage performance from the Dark Blues....

Livingston 1 Dundee 1, Almondvale, 09/02/08

Dundee boss Alex Rae has warned his faltering stars they can wave goodbye to their title dream unless they stop hiding on the pitch.Rae saw his stuttering side fall seven points behind Hamilton in the race for the SPL after the draw with Livi. Dee were unfortunate not to take the lead in seven minutes when Gary McKenzie's header smacked the post. But it was Livi who edged ahead in 26 minutes as Dundee's static defence failed to deal with Craig James' corner to allow Snodgrass to head home. Dundee were being outplayed but a minute before the interval were thrown a lifeline when ref Scott MacDonald awarded a penalty. Ex-Livi striker Colin McMenamin tumbled under pressure from Lee Makel and James McPake. Although home defender McPake won the ball the spot-kick was given. The decision incensed Livi but on-loan Hibs striker Antoine-Curier kept his cool to slot past Colin Stewart. Dundee rarely threatened after the break and had to rely on some fine saves from Ludovic Roy to deny Snodgrass and sub Leigh Giffiths. With four minutes to go Dundee lost Czech defender Milan Palenik when he collected a second booking for a foul on Steven Craig. A poor display from Dundee, and with Hamilton winning 3-0 the gap is now 7 points..at least StJohnstone got beat at Queen of the South..

Motherwell Game Off Again...

After two pitch inspections Dundee's game v Motherwell at Fir Park was called off, the new date is now Monday 11th of February. Won't make it now as down to work.

Scottish Cup Draw....

The winners of Tuesday’s Scottish FA Cup Fifth Round tie between Motherwell and Dundee will have a trip to Dumfries to face Queen of the South in the quarter finals.Full draw:
Queen of the South v Motherwell or Dundee
Ross County or St Johnstone v St Mirren or Dundee United
Hibernian or Rangers v Livingston or Partick Thistle
Aberdeen v Celtic
Dundee's game at Motherwell will have a pitch inspection at 09:00am tomorrow.