Hibernian 1, Dundee 0, Easter Road, Befred Cup Last 16 Tie, 28th November 2020

Manager James McPake made four changes for the visit to Easter Road. Jack Hamilton returned in goal, replacing the injured Adam Legzdins. Jonathan Afolabi came back into the starting line-up, while Liam Fontaine and Alex Jakubiak had their first starts for the Dee. Cammy Kerr, Jordan McGhee and Osman Sow moved onto the bench.

In a even first half Dundee played some nice football from midfield but failed to test the Hibs goalkeeper, Jack Hamilton had to make decent saves from Nisbet and Boyle

But just on half-time Hibs took the lead a good turn and pass from Nisbet released Jamie Murphy and he raced clear to score for the home side.

Early in the second half and Dundee were unfortunate not to equalise when Lee Ashcroft backheaded Liam Fontaine’s long throw to the near post. Alex Jakubiak’s flick came back off the crossbar and the Dee striker tucked the ball into the net only to be judged offside, a close decision.

But after that Hibs controlled the game as Dundee struggled to get forward, and only decent defending kept the home side at bay from adding to the score.

Dundee made two substitutions in the second half, sending on Declan McDaid for Max Anderson, then Osman Sow for Jonathan Afolabi. Neither changes affected the pattern of the game and the Hibs saw out the game fairly comfortably with Marciano still not being called upon to make any saves.

A better performance from the dark blues but they only had three shots on target. Hibs done enough to go through to the 1/4 final stage of the Betfred Cup.

Dundee: Jack Hamilton, Elliott, Fontaine, Ashcroft, Marshall, Anderson (McDaid 61), Byrne, Adam, McGowan, Afolabi (Sow 69), Jakubiak. Unused Subs: Ferrie (gk), Kerr, McGhee, Forster, Robertson, Nicholas Hamilton, Murray.

Referee: Willie Collum

Played Behind Closed Doors

Ayr United 2, Dundee 0, Somerset Park, Scottish Championship, 21-November-20

 Dundee's poor start to the season continued at Somerset Park on Saturday. Manager James McPake made four changes from the team that lost against Hibs last week. Adam Legzdins came in for his debut, while Lee Ashroft, Max Anderson and Osman Sow returned to the starting eleven. Jack Hamilton, Finlay Robertson and Declan McDaid moved onto the bench and Danny Mullen was unavailable.

Dundee started poorly and went 1-0 down after just 3 minutes, slack marking in the defence and Smith netted for the honest men. Worse was to follow on 16 minutes when Moffat made it 2-0 with another poor goal for Dundee to lose.

Although they came back into the game and the Ayr keeper had to make a couple of good saves to deny Elliott twice and McGowan also had a good effort.

Elliott had a great chace from close in back headed straight to the keeper from two yards out. The keeper saved well to deny Adam and then  Byrne from 12 yards out.

Ayr had a goal disallowed for off-side as the game ended. Another poor result and the defence is struggling, also finding scoring goals at the moment. A big few weeks for the dark blues. We go back to Easter Road on Saturday for the Bedfred Cup. We might get a right hiding if we keep this form up !

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr (McDaid 55), McGhee (c) (Fontaine 70), Ashcroft, Marshall, Anderson, Byrne, Adam, Elliott, Sow (Jakubiak 55), McGowan. Unused Subs: Jack Hamilton (gk), Robertson, Wilkie, Nicholas Hamilton.

Ref: Graham Beaton

Dundee Sign Liam Fontaine.........

 Dundee have signed ex Hibs, Ross County defender Liam Fontaine until the end of the season. Liam started at Fulham and he has played for Bristol City , Kilmarnock and Yeovil Town.

Lianm will wear no 4 and will be in the squad for the vital trip to Ayr this Saturday.

Hibernian 4, Dundee 1, Easter Road, Betfred Group B Game, 15-November-20

Dundee went down 4-1 to Hibernian at Easter Road in the final group game. Hibs took the lead when Mallan scored with a long range effort. Dundee did hit the bar on their odd chance created.

But with 20 minutes to go they levelled when Christie Elliot scored after a good pass from McGowan. But the defence totally fell apart in a six minute spell with Hibs scoring three times.

At least the club will be unseeded in the draw. But losing so many goals must be a worry for Manager James McPake.

Dundee: Jack Hamilton, Elliott, Kerr, McGhee (c) (Wilkie 88), Marshall, Adam, Byrne, Robertson

McDaid, Mullen, McGowan. Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Wilkie, Luke Strachan, Nicholas Hamilton, Blacklock

Ref: John Beaton

Dundee Sign Adam Legzdins..............

 Dundee have signed Adam Legzdins the goalkeeper has been on trial lately. Adam has played for Burnley for the last three seasons. He has also played for Birmingham, Leyton Orient, Crewe, and Derby County.

Adam has signed until the end of the season and will wear no 13.

Dundee 3, Cove Rangers 0, Dens Park, Betfred Cup Group Game, 10-November-20

Dundee played Cove Rangers in the second last game of the group, Manager James McPake made two changes Jack Hamilton and Max Anderson returned to the starting eleven replacing Calum Ferrie and Jonathan Afolabi.

Dundee got off to a great start and Paul McGowan scored after six minutes with a great finish after delightful build up play from McDaid. The midfielder fired home into the top corner from 15 yards.

After both teams going close Dundee missed a penalty Danny Mullen was fouled in the box, but Charlie Adam's spot kick came back off the inside of the post. Cove were also down to ten men as Yule stopped a goalscoring opportunity and was shown a red card.

Into the second half and ten minutes in the visitors were down to nine men after Masson was sent off after a foul on Marshall. Moments later McGowan missed a sitter from eight yards shooting over the bar.

Dundee were making hard work of finishing the game and it took to the last tens minutes for them to do so.

Firstly Danny Mullen took a pass from Adam with his back to goal, about six yards out. He showed some great skill to turn quickly and slipped the ball past McKenzie.

Dundee came  forward looking for another goal, and it arrived after a shot was McDaid was saved by McKenzie, with the loose ball heading to Mullen for a tap into the empty net. Ross Graham pushed him over, giving the Dee a second penalty. Charlie Adam made no mistake with this one and  smashed a low shot inside the post.

A comfy win for the dark blues and they lead the group, they face Hibernian on Sunday and a draw will win the group  on goal difference !. I think both teams will go through with the 9 points gained already

Dundee: Jack Hamilton, Elliott, Kerr, McGhee (c) (Wilkie 88), Marshall, Adam, Byrne (Robertson 74), Anderson (Blacklock 88), McDaid, Mullen (Nicholas Hamilton 88), McGowan. Unused Subs: Calum Ferrie, Luke Strachan, Danny Strachan.

Ref: Craig Napier

MoM: Max Anderson

BCD

Graham Dorrans Departs Dens Park.......

Graham Dorrans has left Dens Park after getting a offer too good to refuse. The move will be one to Western Sydney Wanderers FC in Australia. Graham has signed a two year deal. Graham played 27 games and scored two goals for the club.

The club thanked Graham for his efforts for his time at Dens Park. 

I hope that the younger players at Dens  have learned from playing with a great professional and if so that's great for the club. It comes as no surprize that Graham has moved on.

Manager James McPake can now look to strengthen the squad ahead of the next league game.

Alloa Athletic 3, Dundee 3, Indorill Stadium, Scottish Championship, 6th November 2020

Dundee fought back to earn a draw at Alloa last night. Manager James McPake made two changes from the draw against Raith Rovers. Christie Elliott and Paul McGowan started instead of Lee Ashcroft and Graham Dorrans, who were unavailable. 

The home side scored after 30 minutes after sloppy dundee defending failing to mark Thomson at the back post. Dundee struggled in the fog and Alloa looked better organised all over the pitch.

Dundee levelled the game within a minute of the second half with a very nice strike from Declan McDaid scoring from the edge of the box.

Alloa took the lead again soon after again poor play in the box and Trouten  netted  from close range. Soon after Trouten got his second after the Dundee keeper let the ball go under his body.

Dundee pulled one back after a superb Charlie Adam free kick came back off the post and went in via Cammy Kerr's bum. With just four minutes to go it was 3-3 when Charlie Adam scored from the spot after the referee gave a penalty for hand ball. It looked a bit harsh on the Alloa defender.

It ended 3-3 with maybe another 5 minutes might have won the game. I missed watching the game live due to work , but reports and what l have seen Dundee got out of jail. 

Dundee: Ferrie, Elliott, Kerr, McGhee (c), Marshall, McDaid, Byrne (Anderson 78), Adam, McGowan

Afolabi (Sow 40, Robertson 88), Mullen. Unused Subs: Jack Hamilton, Wilkie, Luke Strachan, Nicholas Hamilton.

Ref: Alan Muir

BCD

MoM: Charlie Adam

Blast From The Past...................

 

Dundee 1, Raith Rovers 1, Dens Park, Scottish Championship, 31-October-20

Dundee started with same team as last week as they entertained league leaders Raith Rovers to Dens Park.  Due to the wind and rain lately the Dens pitch is looking good.

Raith kicked the game off and they look like they will hit on the break at speed, it was good to see Dundee looking positive and the midfield looked  well balanced. 

Dundee had a few chances and Jordan Marshall shot into the side netting when he might have done beteer from a great pass from Danny Mullen. Rovers put plenty of dangerous balls into the box but thet failed to trouble dee keeper Calum Ferrie.

Dundee opened the scoring with a great goal from Charlie Adam  took the ball from Declan McDaid, made space for himself and arrowed a perfect low shot into the corner of the net from 22 yards.

Dundee could have added before half time and finished the half well on top.

Second half and it was all Dundee and were unlucky when a Marshall cross/shot was smashed onto the bar by Rovers defender Hendry. 

Dundee made two changes with Mullen and Adam being replaced by Elliott and McGowan and it was the last 20 minutes that Rovers got back into the game. 

With only three minutes to go they levelled a simple cross fell kindly for Musonda to bundle home from six yards.

The game ended and it was like a defeat, two points dropped, they need to kill off teams when leading  1-0. With Adam and Mullen going off both had knocks it did effect the team. 

Fair play to Raith Rovers who went forward and they will feel they deserved the draw.

Dundee: Ferrie, Kerr, Ashcroft, McGhee (c), Marshall, McDaid (Anderson 84), Byrne, Adam (McGowan 75), Dorrans, Mullen (Elliot 69), Afolabi. Unused Subs: Hamilton , Robertson, Luke Strachan, Blacklock

Ref: Alan Newlands

My MoM: Charlie Adam 

Played Behind Closed Doors

Dundee 1, Morton 0, Dens Park, SPFL Scottish Championship, 24-October-20

 Dundee took on Morton at Home this afternoon in what was the second game of this season's Championship. Manager James McPake made the following changes to the team which lost at Tynecastle last week. Calum Ferrie, Shaun Byrne, Declan McDaid, Danny Mullen and Jonathan Afolabi came into the starting line-up. Jack Hamilton, Finlay Robertson and Paul McGowan moved onto the bench while Jordon Forster and Osman Sow were injured.

Dundee started well and took the lead after just 4 minutes when a Declan McDaid’s cross from the right was headed clear as far as Jordan Marshall, just outside the penalty box. He took a touch, drove the ball back into the danger area. Jonathan Afolabi  scored  with a perfectly struck volley from 10 yards.

Dundee continued to play attack football and forced a lot of corners which were not turned into goals, the midfield looked good going forward. Calum Ferrie made a decent save to deny Cameron Blue. 

Dundee started the second half well and Charlie Adam just about to shoot for goal, but was crowded out and the chance was gone. 

Morton came back into the game and twice went close with headers from close range, both teams made changes. Dundee kept attacking but just failed to deliver the final touch in front of goal. Morton was down to ten men when Muirhead was send off after getting booked he clapped the Referee who then send him off.

The last 10 minutes and Dundee were happy to soak up any pressure from Morton and Calum Ferrie made a fine save in injury time to seal the points for the home side.

Dundee: Ferrie, Kerr, Ashcroft, McGhee (c), Marshall, McDaid, Byrne, Adam (Elliott 69), Dorrans

Mullen (McGowan 75), Afolabi. Unused Subs: Hamilton, Robertson, Anderson, Blacklock, Danny Strachan.

Ref: Gavin Ross

Played Behind Closed Doors

MOM: Cammy Kerr

Hearts 6, Dundee 2, Tynecastle, Scottish Championship, 16-October-20

 Dundee played at Tynecastle in the first league game of the season. Manager James McPake goes with just one striker with Osman Sow upfront with likely Paul McGowan giving a helping hand in a midfield five for the Dark Blues.

Hearts get off to the perfect start scoring after only four minutes when Smith nets. Dundee tried to come back, but the midfield seems to be over loaded. Charlie Adam does well and Gordon has to make a smart save.

Hearts go two up when after slack play from the Dundee defence and Ginnelly scores. Dundee come back and Charlie Adam makes a surging run into the box and lashes the ball home for a great goal.

Hearts went up 3-1 from the spot when Marshall handled in the box, Boyce scored with ease.

Dundee kept going but it was 4-1 in injury time when Kingsley scored from a free kick which gave Hamilton no chance.

Dundee made changes second half with Danny Mullen and Jonathan Afolabi coming on and they made a difference to the shape of the Dundee side when Dundee had several efforts on goal. They did pull one back when after good play from Afolabi the ball breaks to Danny Mullen to net with a neat chip over Craig Gordon.

Two late goals from Hearts sealed the three points for the home side. Next week Dundee face Morton at Dens in a must win game as it's a short season and bouncing back after a defeat is so important.

Dundee: Hamilton, McGhee, Forster (Afolabi at half time), Ashcroft, Kerr, Adam, Robertson (Anderson 77), Marshall, Dorrans, Sow (Mullen 51) , McGowan. Unused Sub: Ferrie (gk), McDaid, Elliott.

Ref: David Munro

A bad start for the dark blues and for me started the game with the wrong line up and formation. We need to start with two strikers. We must let other teams worry about a attacking Dundee side!

Dundee win at Brora...............

 Dundee beat Brora Rangers 2-0 this afternoon in the Betfred Cup. Goals from Graham Dorrans and Danny Mullen in the first half sealed the win for the dark blues. They top the table from Hibs on goal difference. 

Dundee: Hamilton, McGhee, Forster, Ashcroft, Elliott (Kerr 78), Adam (Byrne 78), Anderson (Robertson 78), Marshall, Dorrans, Mullen (Sow 58), McGowan (McDaid 78) Unused Subs: Ferrie (gk), Cunningham, Blacklock, Danny Strachan.

Forfar Game called Off

 Dundee's game v Forfar Athletic was called off after one of the Forfar players tested positive for Covid 19. It was the best thing to do at this present time. Dundee were awarded a 3-0 win keeping in line of what happened to the Kilmarnock v Falkirk game.

Dundee will travel to Brora this Saturday for the next Betfred Cup game.

Osman Signs................

Osman Sow has signed a one year deal with the club, the Ex Hearts, Dundee United striker looks to kick start his career at Dens. He may prove to be a good signing for the club. He started his career in Sweden before moving to Crystal Palace. Then on to Hearts, loan spells at MK Dons, Kilmarnock and Dundee United.

Osman will wear number 21 this season. 

Good To See...........

 It was good to see Dundee playing a game at Dens for the first time in six months, they beat Peterhead in a closed door friendly. Paul McGowan scored after 40 minutes. Manager James McPake was happy with the performance and it will help the fitness of the players.

Dundee Sign Charlie Adam

 Dundee have signed Charlie Adam on a two year contract, a very good signing for the club. Charlie has played for Ross County, St Mirren, Rangers, Stoke City, Liverpool, Blackpool and Reading. He has also played for Scotland. 

The Midfielder will wear Number 26 this season, and Charlie trained with the club this morning after signing yesterday.

Charlie did play for Dundee as a guest for the Julian Speroni Testimonial.

Betfred Cup Games....

 Dundee will start the Season with two Betfred Cup games, first they play Forfar Athletic at Dens on Tuesday 6th October.  Next up will be a visit to play Brora Rangers at Dungeon Park. 

The other two game will be played in November Cove Rangers at Dens and a visit to Easter Road to play Hibernian which will be live on Premier Sports.

Blast From The Past

 

Great team really enjoyed watching them during season 1981-82.

Betfred Cup Draw

Dundee will play Hibernian (Top Seeds), Forfar Athletic, Brora Rangers, and Cove Rangers. We have been drawn into Group B as 2nd seeds for the 2020/21 Betfred Cup Group stage.

Tough getting Hibernian as they have started the season well, but a good group of games which will test Dundee and their new look team.

Dates and games will be announced later this week.