Photos From Ayr Game

 

Dundee 3, Ayr United 1, Dens Park, cinch Championship, 22nd March 2023

Dundee made  two changes when Luke McCowan and Alex Jakubiak kept their places after coming on as subs on Saturday. They replaced Ben Williamson and Paul McMullan, who were on the bench.

Dundee started very well and looked good going forward, the keeper made a superb save to deny Zach Robinson's shot after lovely approach play by Lyall Cameron and Alex Jakubiak. A minute later McCowan had a shot blocked and from the corner Ryan Sweeney scored with a well placed header on 13 minutes.

Dundee were well in control but soon after Ayr broke and scored to level the game at 1-1. A few minutes later and McCowan and Cameron had good efforts saved to keep Dundee at bay.

The last twenty minutes were end to end with both teams failed to take the lead.

Second half and Dundee stepped up and forced Ayr into having no space to play their football. It was good to see.  A beautiful long pass by Cameron allowed McCowan to run in from the right but he fired over the bar. First Robinson and then Mulligan ran along the byline from the right and hit low crosses through the goalmouth with no Dark Blues able to get on the end.

After 59 minutes the Dee broke through. Robinson burst into the penalty area and, instead of shooting, unselfishly set up Alex Jakubiak to shoot past the keeper from 12 yards.

Both Hannant and Jakubiak had good efforts on goal but both went high over the bar. Then Paul McMullan replaced Luke Hannant as Dundee went for the third and killer goal.

And it arrived on 80 minutes when Jakubiak and McCowan quickly swapped passes before Luke McCowan cut inside and scored from 12 yards despite the efforts of a defender on the line.

Dundee saw the game out to get the three vital points, it was good to see them playing better and hopefully they can keep winning to put pressure on Queens Park.

Dundee: Legzdins, Mulligan, Ashcroft, Sweeney (c), Marshall, McCowan, McGhee, Cameron (Byrne 90+1), Hannant (McMullan 72), Jakubiak (Anderson 90+1), Robinson. Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), Sharp (gk), Robertson, Williamson, Fisher.

Referee: Steven Kirkland

Att: 4,007

Partick Thistle 0, Dundee 0, Firhill Stadium, cinch Championship, 18th Marrch 2023

Dundee made two changes to their starting line up. Josh Mulligan and Jordan Marshall came in at full back to replace the injured Cammy Kerr and Ryan Clampin. 

Dundee started well enough but failed with their fianal ball or cross into the box. Luke Hannant was the only effort of note. Thistle hit on the break but they failed to trouble the Dundee defence. 

Dundee forced a few corners in the last few minutes of the half but failed to make them count.

Second half  and Dundee were a bit better in attack but again failed with the final ball or cross. Dundee were far more effective in midfield after the restart. Ben Williamson was the dominant figure, dictating play until injury forced him off after 72 minutes. 

The Dark Blues had already stepped up a gear when Alex Jakubiak and Luke McCowan replaced Zach Robinson and Paul McMullan on the hour.

Dundee could have had a penalty late on when Luke Hannant was fouled in the box, but the referee did not give it. 

Both teams tried for a winner but it ended 0-0 Dundee will see it as two points dropped as now it will be a massive effort from Dundee to catch leaders Queens Park.

Dundee: Legzdins, Mulligan, Ashcroft, Sweeney (c), Marshall (Anderson 66), Williamson (Robertson 72), McMullan (McCowan 61), McGhee, Cameron, Hannant, Robinson (Jakubiak 61). Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), Sharp (gk), Byrne, Fisher.

Referee: Alan Newlands

Att: 3,656

Cove Photos

 

Cove Rangers 0, Dundee 2, Balmoral Stadium, cinch Championship, 04-March-23

Dundee made two changes to their team when Cammy Kerr and Barry Maguire both are injured and were replaced by Sam Fisher and Ben Williamson. Dundee started the game well in the first 20 minutes but over passed the ball in the final third of the pitch.

Paul McMullan had a good shot blocked and Lyall Cameron had a shot which hit a defenders and the ball went across the goal with pace. Cove attacked for a wee spell but never troubled the Dundee defence.

Dundee stepped up a gear and Scott Fox had to make two good saves McGhee's header looked a goal all the way. Fox saved again from Cameron who had a decent effort on goal.

The Dark Blues took the lead in first half injury time. McGhee went for Hannant’s cross, couldn’t win in but stopped the defence clearing. Lyall Cameron picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area and his shot took a deflection to loop over Fox and into th net.

Second half and Cove started well and had a good go, but after that Dundee got the vital second goal a slick move invoving McMullan who found Williamson who's low cross into the box found Lee Ashcroft who smashed the ball home to the delight of the Dundee fans.

After this Dundee took control and had a few chances to get a third goal, they also put  on subs when Jordan Marshall, Josh Mulligan and Alex Jakubiak for Ryan Clampin, Lyall Cameron and Zach Robinson.

Luke McCowan and Max Anderson came on for the last 10 minutes, adding fresh energy to the Dee. Anderson burst through the middle and fed Jakubiak who cut inside to shoot, but Fox saved well.

They saw the game out for three vital points in this tight league, it was a good day for myself for my first visit to this ground. 

Dundee: Legzdins, Fisher, Ashcroft, Sweeney (c), Clampin (Marshall 66), Williamson (Anderson 81) McMullan, McGhee, Cameron (Mulligan 66), Hannant (McCowan 81), Robinson (Jakubiak 66) Unused Subs: Sharp (gk), Byrne, Robertson.

Referee: Calum Scott

Att: 1,561

Photos v Partick Thistle

 

Dundee 1, Partick Thistle 3, Dens Park, cinch Championship, 28th February-23

Dundee made a couple of changes with Ryan Clampin and Luke Hannant both made their first starts, taking up the left back and left midfield positions. They replaced Jordan Marshall and Josh Mulligan who were on the bench.

Both teams started poorly with Thistle looking the better side close to the box, Dundee struggled and looked poor all over the field. It took 25 minutes for the first shot which did not trouble Legzdins in the Dundee goal. 

Paul McMullan had a shot saved was the closest Dundee came, but it was Thistle who scored on 40 minutes poor marking in the box and Graham scored with ease to make it 0-1.

Second half and Josh Mulligan replaced Paul McMullan as Dundee tried to step up a gear, they looked better but still failed to trounle the jags defence. 

With 25 minutes to go Dundee made three changes when Ben Williamson, Max Anderson and Luke McCowan replace Barry Maguire, Lyall Cameron and Luke Hannant. It made little difference.

Soon after it was 0-2 when poor marking again and Graham scored his second goal of the night, Dundee did have a couple of efforts on goal. Then on 80 minutes pulled a goal back Williamson done well and his cross was headed by Mulligan for Jordan McGhee to score from close range.

From the kick off Thistle scored again when Tiffoney was put clear and he scored with ease this finished the game. Dundee send on Jakubiak for Kerr and he had a decent shot saved as Dundee tried to score a second goal. 

But it was too late and Thistle held on with ease to claim the three points, Dundee were poor and they must now win at Cove on Saturday to have any chance of  winning the league. 

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr (Jakubiak 82), Ashcroft, Sweeney (c), Clampin, Maguire (Anderson 64), Cameron (Williamson 64), McMullan (Mulligan at half time), McGhee, Hannant (McCowan 62), Robinson.  Unused Subs: Sharp (gk), Marshall, Fisher, Tolaj.

Referee: Don Robertson

Att: 4,622

Paul join Dunfermline Ath on Loan

Paul McGowan has joined Dunfermline Athletic on loan until the end of the season. The Pars have James McPake as their Manager so he will know Paul well who has been great for Dundee over the years. It looks like the end of his time at Dens so l wish him all the best  for the future.

Dundee 1, Inverness Caley Thistle 1, Dens Park, cinch Championship, 25-February-23

Dundee made three changes to the starting line-up following last week’s defeat at Morton. Jordan Marshall, Josh Mulligan and Zach Robinson came in for Sam Fisher, Alex Jakubiak and Kwame Thomas.

Dundee started well and attacked but never cut out a good effort on goal util the Inverness keeper saved well from Robinson. But Dundee took the lead two minutes later when Robinson was fouled in the box, Zach Robinson stepped up and scored with ease to the delight of the Dundee fans.

Dundee looked to add to this score with every attack, and were unlucky when Lee Ashcroft headed home it looked okay but it was ruled out for a push. 

Into the second half and Inverness Caley Thistle levelled the game when Harper's shot took a big deflection and it landed in the net. The Dark Blues continue to pummel the Inverness defence. Ridgers pulled off a fine double save from Mulligan’s fierce shot and then Robinson’s follow up header.

After 78 minutes the Dark Blues made a triple substitution, sending on Luke Hannant, Luke McCowan and Ryan Clampin for Paul McMullan, Josh Mulligan and Jordan Marshall.

Just after that Dundee hit the bar twice as in many minutes, first McGhee with a header the keeper grabbed the ball, then Cameron hit the ball and from that Ridgers saved the rebound shot from Barry Maguire.

Dundee attacked to the end but had to settle for a draw usual result against the Highland teams. Big Big game on Tuesday when we play Partick Thistle at Dens Park. 

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Ashcroft, Sweeney (c), Marshall (Clampin), Maguire, Cameron (Anderson 86), McMullan (McCowan 78), McGhee, Mulligan (Hannant 78), Robinson (Thomas 86). Unused Subs: Sharp (gk), Jakubiak, Williamson, Tolaj.

Att: 4,447

Referee: Chris Graham

More Fife Dark Blues

 

Blast From The Past From The Fife Dark Blues

 

Morton 1, Dundee 0, Cappielow Park, cinch Championship, 17-February-23

Dundee made one change to the team when Alex Jakubiak came in for Luke McCowan as they took on Morton in the Friday night live game.

The home side started well and scored after 6 minutes when Baird headed home, it looked more defending from Dundee in the box.

Kwame Thomas took a head injury in the goalmouth scramble and was stretchered off after five minutes of treatment. Josh Mulligan replaced him, moving to the left wing with Alex Jakubiak going into the middle.

Minutes later Adam Legdzins made a couple of great saves as Dundee struggled to get going. But after 25 minutes onwards they came into the game with a few good moves which just lacked the final finish.

Mulligan had a great run but the Morton keeper saved well, soon after Cameron hit the post when the ball came back too fast for the young midfielder to net. 

Dundee sent on Zach Robinson and Ben Williamson for Alex Jakubiak and Barry Maguire at half time. but again Morton attacked but Dundee were able to clear the danger. Again Dundee broke a few times only the final ball was poor to finish the moves. 

Josh Mulligan again went close with a shot but the Morton keeper made a ggod save to tip the ball round his post. 

As time ran out Dundee failed to score from a few corners and they held out for a home win, Dundee can do better and will need to the coming weeks. 

Dundee: Legzdins, Fisher (Marshall 75), Ashcroft, Sweeney (c), Kerr, Maguire (Williamson at half time), Cameron (Tolaj 80), McMullan (Hannant 62), McGhee, Jakubiak (Robinson at half time)Thomas (Mulligan 11). Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), McCowan, Anderson.

Referee: Euan Anderson

Att: 2,118

Dundee 3, Cove Rangers 0, Dens Park, cinch Championship, 12-February-23

Dundee started well enough but found Cove Rangers happy enough to sit back and soak up any pressure that the dark blues were able to do. Cove seemed happy to take their time with goal kicks and it did not help Dundee in anyway.

They lacked a final ball and this did not help the crowds mood as they could only muster one shot on target in a poor first half. That was when Cameron hit a good shot which needed a good save.

Second half and Manager Gary Bowyer made two changes to the team when Zach Robinson and Alex Jakubiak came on for Luke McCowan and Kwame Thomas. Six minutes later and it was 2-0 Dundee when both subs scored.

The first goal after Zach Robinson made a wide run and cut in but instead of a cutback he managed to get his shot on target to score the first vital goal. The second came when Robinson made a great run beat two players to set up Alex Jukabiak to score with ease to put Dundee in control of the game. 

With 60 minutes gone Dundee got a penalty when Lyall Cameron was fouled in the box, he stepped up to take the kick but Fox saved to deny the midfielder. 

At least Dundee were attacking now with ease and it was no surprize when it was 3-0 Lyall Cameron shot home after a good pass from McMullan. 

Dundee finished the game well on top and could have scored five or six in the second half. A welcome three points for Dundee today.

Dundee: Legzdins, Fisher, Ashcroft (Williamson 81), Sweeney (c), Kerr, Maguire (Mulligan 81), Cameron, McMullan (Hannant 81), McGhee, McCowan (Jakubiak at half time), Thomas (Robinson at half time). Unused Subs: Sharp (gk), Marshall, Anderson, Tolaj.

Referee: Craig Napier

Att: 4,208

Raith Photos

 

Dundee 2, Raith Rovers 2, AET (Lost 4-3 on pens)Dens Park, SPFL Trust Trophy Semi-Final, 08-February-23

Dundee's starting line-up had four changes from Saturday’s draw at Hamilton. Harrison Sharp, Lyall Cameron, Paul McMullan and Alex Jakubiak came in for Adam Legzdins, Josh Mulligan and Ben Williamson, who were all on the bench, and Sam Fisher, who was cup tied. 

They got off to the perfect start scoring after just 4 minutes when McMullan raced clear and his cross found Lyall Cameron who shot home from 10 yards. In the next few minutes Thomas had two great chances to score his first shot saved his second was just wide of the goal.

The second goal came on 28 minutes a great smooth move involving McCowan, Jakubiak, McMullan, McCowan again before Lyall Cameron scored with a low cross shot from six yards. 

Soon after the game should have been finished when first Jakubiak somehow missed from 2 yard out in middle of the goal the ball went over the ball. Then McCowan was unlucky when his shot smashed off the bar.

Second half and Dundee sent on Zach Robinson for Alex Jakubiak as fresh legs would help, but Rovers came back into the game they changed their shape and looked much better.

Dundee kept missing chances when Rovers pulled a goal back, worse was to follow when they scored again to force extra time in what was a good cup tie.

Dundee had made more changes before the goals when Ashcroft had to go off Mulligan came on and Sheridan also replaced Thomas. 

Dundee then lost Cillian Sheridan to injury before extra time started. Max Anderson came on.

Extra time was the same vein as both teams went close to score with Dundee shots were just going wide to the despair of the Dundee support.

The game was settled by a penalty shoot out which put Raith Rovers into the final  they won 4-3.

Dundee: Sharp, McGhee, Ashcroft (Mulligan 66), Sweeney (c), Kerr, McMullan (Tolaj 72), Maguire, Cameron (Williamson 86), McCowan, Jakubiak (Robinson at half time), Thomas (Sheridan 66 (Anderson 90)). Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Byrne, Robertson.

Referee: Colin Steven

Att: 2,948

Photos From Fife Dark Blues Day Out