Livingston Photos..................

 

Livingston 1, Dundee 4, Tony Macaroni Arena, cinch Premiership, 27th January 2024

Dundee made several changes to their team with Trevor Carson who  had a niggling injury which meant he wasn’t risked on an artificial pitch. He was replaced in goal by Harrison Sharp, while Fin Robertson, Mo Sylla and Scott Tiffoney came in for Lyall Cameron, Malachi Boateng and Zach Robinson, who were all on the bench.

Dundee started slowly and Livingston forced the early play with several corners which the defence managed to clear.,

After 15 minutes and Dundee placed some nice one touch football, and 4 minutes later it led to the first goal. McCowan played after good play from Tiffoney and Luke tried a quick pass to Costelloe in on goal. James Penrice intercepted, but turned the ball into the path of Amadou Bakayoko, who smashed a 12 yard shot past McGovern in the Livingston goal.

Dundee had a good spell of play and could have added more goals. But close to half time Livingston were awarded a penalty when Holt went down outside the box. It looked a free kick kick. But after VAR review the Referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Shinnie but his spot kick was saved by Harrison Sharp to keep the score at 1-0 at half-time.

Second half and Dundee changed their system with Ryan Howley and Josh Mulligan coming on for Dara Costelloe and Fin Robertson. After a wee spell from the home team Dundee started to settle in and pushed for the second vital goal.

Then Ryan Howley got injured and was replaced by Malachi Boateng. Then Michael Mellon came on for Scott Tiffoney and it took him only two minutes to make his mark with a cool assist. Mellon ran into the penalty area onto a pass from McCowan. Instead of shooting he caught out the defence by rolling the ball back into the path of the better placed Luke McCowan who took a touch before passing his shot into the corner of the goal.

Soon after Luke McCowan was sent off for a silly tackle and seeing it was his second yellow card he had to go. 

Then more drama when Livingston were awarded another penalty it looked a good fair tackle but again VAR gave the spot kick. This time it was scored with ease. 

But a minute later it was 3-1 when after great work and play from Mellon he passes to Zach Robinson to score with a good finish. After that Sharp made a great save and followed it up with a good block to deny Livingston twice in a minute.

Then another quick break from Dundee and Michael Mellon  picked up the ball 25 yards from goal, shimmied across the face of the penalty area, and cracked a low shot inside McGovern’s right hand post. The flag went up for offside, but after a lengthy VAR review the goal stood, to the delight of Mellon and the Dees in the away stand.

Dundee seen out the last 10 minutes of injury time added on due to VAR and sealed a fine win for the dark blues. It also keeps my game record of games l have seen here in the league of never seeing Dundee lose. 

Dundee: Sharp, McGhee, Ashcroft, Shaughnessy (c), Dodgson, Robertson (Mulligan at half time) Sylla, Costelloe (Howley at half time (Boateng 59)), McCowan, Tiffoney (Mellon 60), Bakayoko (Robinson 71). Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Astley, Main, Cameron.

Referee: Ross Hardie

Att: 1,906

50 Years On ....................

 

Cammy Kerr Goes Out On Loan

Cammy Kerr has joined Inverness CT on loan until the end of the season. Cammy has been a great servant to Dundee Football Club and had his testimonial year last year which was celebrated with a testimonial match against Celtic in November 2023. 

Cammy made his competitive debut for Dundee at the age of 18 in January 2014, appearing from the bench as a second-half substitute against Livingston. In total Kerr has played 272 competitive matches for the club.

Cammy will return to the club as he has a year on his deal at Dens. 

Hearts 3, Dundee 2, Tynecastle, cinch Premiership, 23rd January 2024

 More to follow.................

Kilmarnock 2, Dundee 0, Rugby Park, Scottish Cup 4th Rd, 20th January 2024

Dundee made several changes to their team with Adam Legzdins and Lee Ashcroft came in for the injured Trevor Carson and Aaron Donnelly. Dara Costelloe made his debut, replacing the departed Owen Beck.

Dundee got of to woefully start losing a soft goal in the first minute when the ball should have been cleared. It got worse 2 minutes later when from a free kick Kilmarnock got their second goal when Marley Watkins headed home when the defence could have been tighter.

It gave dundee a massive mountain to climb and it was them that needed the next goal. They did have the ball in the net on six minutes when Luke McCowan shot home but the flag was up for offside. It looked tight but you have to get on with it.

After 37 minutes Dundee’s defence was disrupted when Adam Legzdins had to go off with an injury. Harrison Sharp came on to replace him. Losing a keeper is always worrying, but Sharp was impressively calm and safe for the remainder of the match.

At least Dundee had a go at Kilmarnock but failed to create anything clear as chances went. In first half injury time the Dark Blues put together their best move of the game when McCowan played neat exchanges with Josh Mulligan and Bakayoko to run clear, only to screw his shot wide.

Second half and it was much the same Kilmarnock happy enough to keep things tight and hit Dundee on the break. Dundee kept at it but too many long balls failed tp produce anything of note.

Curtis Main and Owen Dodgson came on for their debuts. Both fitted in, but the pattern of the game was already well set. Charlie Reilly put in a lively cameo for the last quarter of an hour, showing pace and skill to trouble Kilmarnock in wide areas, but the defence always dealt with his crosses.

So as the game ended Dundee were out the cup again early and we can only hope they push forward in the league games coming up.

Dundee: Legzdins (Sharp 37), Ashcroft, Shaughnessy (c), McGhee, Howley (Dodgson 57), Mulligan, Sylla, McCowan, Costelloe (Reilly 77), Tiffoney (Main 57), Bakayoko (Robinson 77). Unused Subs: Astley, Cameron, Robertson, Boateng.

Referee: Don Robertson

Att: 5,425

News From Dens Park.

Dundee have signed Owen Dodgson on loan from Burnley, the 20 year old left back has been on loan at Barnsley at the start of the season. He also played on loan to Rochdale during his time at Turf Moor. Owen will wear No 3 for the club.

Dundee have signed defender Ryan Astley from Everton for an undisclosed fee on a two-and-a-half year deal. The 22 year old done well on loan at Accrington Stanley in League One. Dundee have watched Ryan for a wee while and Manager Tony Docherty feels he will fit into his squad.

Dundee have signed striker Curtis Main on a 18 month deal, he has played for Motherwell, Aberdeen and St Mirren before going to India in the summer. In England he played for Portsmouth and Middlesboro scoring 69 goals in 420 games during his career.

As expected with rumours Owen Beck has been recalled by Liverpool, his form and doing so well it was no surprize to fellow Dundee fans. Owen has been tremendous on and off the pitch and will have a big future ahead in the game. I will keep a eye out and hope he goes on to have a fine career. 

Dundee sign Dara Costelloe on loan from Burnley until the end  of the season. The  winger had been on loan at St Johnstone earlier in the season where he played 12 games scoring once.

Dara started his career at Galway United before he sined for Burnley where he made is debut against Huddersfield Town and made three appaerences for Burnley. He then joined Bradford City on loan and played 11 games. 

Kilmarnock 2, Dundee 2, Rugby Park, cinch Premiership, 30th December 2023

Dundee made four changes to their team when Josh Mulligan, Ryan Howley, Mohamed Sylla and Scott Tifffoney came in for Cammy Kerr, Lyall Cameron, Malachi Boateng and Zak Rudden, who were all named as substitutes.

The game started slowly and it was Killie had the first chance but Carson made a good save. The next 30 minutes Dundee took control and they played some nice football. 

It was no surprize when Luke McCowan scored it was a great goal he took the ball on the right from Josh Mulligan, burst infield past David Watons, and curled a beautiful low shot around keeper Will Dennis and inside the far post. 

Ryan Howley and then Scott Tiffoney went close to scoring the killer second goal. 

Second half and it started in the same mode and again when close to scoring. Then Killie woke up and went close twice, Dundee defended well and looked to see the game out. 

To try and bring more composure to the Dee midfield Malachi Boateng came on or Ryan Howley, with Josh Mulligan moving to right wing back.

Cammy Kerr came on for Mulligan to provide more experience in defence. But then lost a sloppy goal, and just after that Owen Beck hit the ball off the bar after a great run into the box.

Worst was to follow when Killie scored again what looked like the winner. But two minutes later Dundee forced a corner and Beck swung the ball in for Joe Shaughnessy a free header and the skipper powered home the equaliser to send the Dundee fans wild with Dee-Light.

Dundee: Carson, Shaughnessy (c), McGhee, Donnelly, Howley (Boateng 67), Mulligan (Kerr 82), Sylla, McCowan, Beck, Bakayoko, Tiffoney (Reilly 77). Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Rudden, Ashcroft, Cameron, Robertson, Lewis.

Referee: David Dickinson

Att: 5.780

Dundee 0, Celtic 3, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 26th December 2023

Dundee made two changes to the team that beat Ross County. Cammy Kerr came in for Ricki Lamie and played at right wing back with Jordan McGhee moving to central defence. Zak Rudden returned in attack replacing Zach Robinson who was on the bench.

Dundee's first chance was after 11 minutes when Cameron shot across the goal, after that they were pinned back by Celtic who controlled most of the next 30 minutes. They had a great chance but they shot wide of the goal when really they should have scored.

Second half and it much the same and Celtic scored their first after just seven minutes. Dundee did have a wee spell on the attack but McCowan's shot was just wide. 

Zach Robinson and Scott Tiffoney replaced the strikers who had worked hard with no reward. The change made no difference to the game.

Celtic scored again on 83rd minute and added a third goal in injury time to seal a 3-0 win. Dundee struggled and will have do better at Kilmarnock on Saturday.

Before the third goal Ryan Howley replaced the injured vRobinson, and Mo Sylla also came on for Malachi Boateng.

Dundee: Carson, Shaughnessy (c), McGhee, Donnelly, Kerr, Cameron (Robertson 73), Boateng (Sylla 84), McCowan, Beck, Bakayoko (Robinson 68 (Howley 84)), Rudden (Tifffoney 68). Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Ashcroft, Mulligan, Pineda.

Att: 9,144

Referee: Don Robertson

Ross County 0,Dundee 1, Global Energy Stadium, cinch Premiership, 16th December 2023

Dundee made two changes from the team that played Rangers last week. In attack Zach Robinson came in for Zak Rudden, who was on the bench. Owen Beck was fit and came back in at left wing back replacing Aaron Donnelly, who moved infield to take the place of the injured Antonio Portales in a central defensive role.

Ross County came close on 9 seconds when they tried to chip Carson from the half way line, both teams tried to score in the first 20 minutes with County going close twice. Thanks to Jordon McGhee who blocked a header at the back post and then stopped a certain goal when he cleared off the line. 

Dundee played some nice football but failed to give the strikers a decent clear chance as the first half came to a end with Murray forcing Carson into a good save.

Dundee threatened at the start of the second half. A neat passing move allowed Owen Beck to send Zach Robinson into the penalty area but his shot was blocked. County then had a dangerous few minutes with fast attacks down the left. They made a hash of trying to finish off the first two moves, but it took a fine tackle by Ricki Lamie to clear in the next attack.

Murray went close again with a header but missed the target, then Bakayoko came close when he  headed over from Beck’s wicked inswinging corner.

Josh Mulligan and Mo Sylla came on for Lyall Cameron and Malachi Boateng and gave the Dark Blues a greater physical presence in the midfield and that proved crucial in the frantic closing minutes. Zak Rudden then replaced Zah Robinson.

County then had a wee bit more play and went close to scoring but Trevor Carson made a double save to deny them. 

Six minutes of injury time were announced and Dundee went for the win. They had more control than County with their late attacks. Owen Beck almost scored a magnificent goal when he picked up a clearance from his corner. He dribbled into the penalty area, beating three men before his shot was cleared off the line.

At the end of those six added minutes Beck was fouled a yard outside the penalty area, in a perfect position for Luke McCowan. The midfielder duly took the kick and it was a beauty. He whipped his shot over the wall and off the post. The rebound cannoned back into the crowded goalmouth, off a defender and Joe Shaughnessy chested the ball into the back of the net.

Dundee fans went wild at the end and they deserve that they have been first class this season and backed the team. I missed the game due to Christmas shifts which were changed so l had to work, 

At least l get to the Aberdeen game next Saturday at Dens.

Massive win and three vital points for the club.

Dundee: Carson, Shaughnessy (c), Lamie, Donnelly, McGhee, Cameron (Mulligan 61), Boateng (Sylla 61), McCowan, Beck, Bakayoko (Reilly 90), Robinson (Rudden 75). Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Kerr, Tiffoney, Robertson, Howley.

Referee: Colin Steven

Att: 4,014

Rangers 3, Dundee 1, Ibrox, cinch Premiership, 09-December-23

Dundee made one change to their team when Ricki Lamie returning at centre back with Aaron Donnelly moving to left wing back to replace the injured Owen Beck.

Rangers were on the attack straight away when Carson had to make a save. Dundee then had a great chance when Cameron forced the Rangers goalie to save to give Dundee a corner. Cameron took the corner, a deep delivery. Lamie headed into the goalmouth and Amadou Bakayoko tucked the chance away from close range with only five minutes gone.

What followed was a Rangers attacking and they levelled the game on 20 minutes. Two minutes later  Sima got round Antonio Portales on the outside and Carson pushed the shot out for a corner. After the corner was cleared there was a lengthy VAR review which established that Aaron Donnelly had pulled Sima’s shirt. Tavernier scored from the resulting penalty.

Antonio Portales was injured in the lead up to the corner and was replaced by Cammy Kerr, who went to right back with Jordan McGhee switching to centre back.

Then after 34 minutes Rangers scored their third goal when Sima headed home to make the game harder for the dark blues. 

Carson had to save twice close to half time with Rangers hitting the woodwork as well, but then right on half time when  Jose Cifuentes received a yellow card for a foul on Bakayoko but it was changed to a red following a VAR review.

Second half and both teams made changes Scott Tiffoney and Charlie Reilly came on for Aaron Donnelly and Zak Rudden. Cammy Kerr moved to left back and Jordan McGhee replaced him at right back. Dundee were now lining up 4-3-3, with Tiffoney and Reilly the wide attacking players.

Although Dundee had more of the ball they failed to trouble the Rangers keeper and they were happy to hit Dundee on the break. 

McCowan and Cameron had efforts which went wide and the game finished in a 3-1 defeat. Next up is a trip to Ross County which is a hard game as usual.

Dundee: Carson, Portales (Kerr 26), Shaughnessy (c), Lamie, McGhee, Cameron, Boateng, McCowan, Donnelly (Tiffoney 51), Bakayoko (Robinson 68), Rudden (Reilly 51). Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Ashcroft, Mulligan, Robertson, Sylla.

Referee: Kevin Clancy

Att: 47,229

Motherwell Photos

 

Motherwell 3, Dundee 3, Fir Park, cinch Premiership, 2nd December 2023

Dundee started slowly as Motherwell looked more dangerous in the first 15 minutes. They scored on 6 minutes with a well taken goal. The ball went in off the post to Carson no chance of saving. 

After that Motherwell seemed to sit back and hit Dundee on the break, Dundee started knocking the ball about and looked more dangerous when attacking. 

They scored on the half hour mark when Lyall Cameron headed home after good play from Beck and the ball was knocked back in by Aaron Donnelly to set up the header. 

The Dark Blues took the lead four minutes later with a goal that was beautifully crafted and executed. From deep in midfield Lyall Cameron split Motherwell’s defence with a pass that sent Zak Rudden to the byline. He pulled a low cross to near post. Owen Beck was there to drag the ball back into space, losing the last defender, and knock the ball into the net.

Dundee were in total control of the game and should haved added to the score line. 

Second half and Dundee looked great in the first 10 minutes, but Motherwell forced a good save from Carson, but minutes later it was 2-2 to set up a thrilling finish to the game.

Then Motherwell was down to ten men when Paton was sent for a silly tackle on McCowan, Dundee pushed forward and had a few chances to score. 

Scott Tiffoney replaced Jordan McGhee. Josh Mulligan and Zach Robinson came on for Lyall Cameron and Zak Rudden.

It was all Dundee as the Dark Blues pushed for a winner. Shortly after coming on Mulligan blasted a decent chance over the bar after the ball broke to him. A minute later, with 88 minutes on the clock, the Dark Blues got the third goal they deserved.

Amadou Bakayoko raced into space down the right, and passed infield to Luke McCowan in the penalty area. The midfielder moved the ball on to Zach Robinson who took a touch and shot into the corner from eight yards. 

With 6 minutes of injury time Dundee pushed forward to totally killed the game, they almost did. But after wasting a free kick. Motherwell broke up the field slack play from Dundee allowed them to score in the last minute to make the game 3-3.

A good game of football but really Dundee need to finish games like this as the draw felt like a defeat at the end. 

Dundee: Carson, Portales, Shaughnessy (c), Donnelly, McGhee (Tiffoney 80), Cameron (Mulligan 85), Boateng, McCowan, Beck, Bakayoko, Rudden (Robinson 85). Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Kerr, Ashcroft, Robertson, Howley, Sylla.

Referee: Iain Snedden

Att: 4,239 

Dundee 1, Hibernian 2, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 25th November 2023

Dundee started with the same team which beat St Mirren 4-0. In this game they started slow and seemed to stand off Hibs in the first 15 minutes. 

Hibs scored after 16 minutes with a well worked goal on the break. At least this made Dundee attack more and they looked much better with McCowan had a couple of good efforts. 

Dundee had a lot of the ball in the last 20 minutes of the first half but failed to trouble Marshall in the Hibs goal.

Second half and Dundee started well and Beck had a great run then fouled to stop a great run. From the free kick McCowan's shot hit the wall. 

Then Hibs scored again from a corner was headed home. A simple goal to lose and made it harder to come back from 2 nil down.

Minutes later the goal scorer was sent off for a second booking when he fouled Beck. Soon after Dundee made aggressive attacking changes replacing Ricki Lamie with Charlie Reilly and then Lyall Cameron and Amadou Bakayoko with Scott Tiffoney and Zach Robinson. Reilly took up the right wing spot, with Tiffoney on the left. Dundee’s formation was basically 2-4-4. 

The new wide players, with Dundee pushing forward from midfield, stretched Hibs. Tiffoney hugged the left touchline allowing Owen Beck space to cut infield causing Hibs endless problems.

Then Antonio Portales missed a great chance when he missed a header from a Beck cross as Dundee came closer to scoring.

Then in 86 minutes Reilly cut in from the right and his pass across the penalty area gave Beck space to shoot. Bushiri blocked, but Owen Beck followed up to score through a crowd of players.

With around 10 minutes to go counting injury time Dundee pushed for the vital next goal. But they forced a few corners but the ball would not break for them and the game ended 2-1 defeat.

Dundee: Carson, Portales, Shaughnessy (c), Lamie (Reilly 70), McGhee, Cameron (Tifffoney 75), Boateng, McCowan, Beck, Bakayoko (Robinson 75), Rudden. Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Kerr, Robertson, Howley, Donnelly, Sylla.

Referee: Don Robertson

Att: 6,652

Celtic 0, Dundee 1, Dens Park, Cammy Kerr Testimonial, 16th November 2023

It was a great to attend Cammy Kerr''s Testimonial game last Thurday night at Dens Park. It was great to see so many players from the past , and also Manager's as well.

Celtic sent up a strong young side and they gave a mixed Dundee a decent game,. The first 70 minutes was mainly end to end with currant players buyt the last 20 minutes were time for the older players to grace Dens Park again. 

It was great to see and all of them well given a great welcome with their usual songs from the Dundee fans. The game ended when Dundee got a penalty. Cammy Kerr kept his nerve to send Rab Douglas the wrong way for the winning game.

This a Testimonial which Cammy totally deserves for his commitment to Dundee and his sheer love for the club Cammy supports. 

Dundee FC (up to 70 minutes) 3-5-2. Adam Legzdins, Cammy Kerr (c), Joe Shaughnessy (Ricki Lamie 30), Lee Ashcroft, Jordan McGhee (Ewan Murray 30), Ryan Howley (Luke McCowan 56), Mo Sylla (Callum Lamb 56), Marcel Lewis, Charlie Reilly, Zach Robinson, Diego Pineda

Dundee FC (from 70 minutes) 3-5-2, Julian Speroni, Barry Smith (Darren O’Dea 84), James McPake, Cammy Kerr (Tommy Young 90+1), Jim McAlister, Paul McGowan, Callum Lamb (Craig Robertson 74), Ivano Bonetti, Gary Harkins, Fabian Caballero, Juan Sara (Craig Wighton 88). Unused substitutes: Welsh (gk), Dario Bonetti.

Att: 3,363.

Dundee 4, St Mirren 0, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 11th November 2023

Dundee made only one change when Malachi Boateng replaced Mo Sylla, who was on the bench. Rest of the subs were the same as last week. 

High flying St Mirren would be a test for the dark blues but they started brightly and Zak Rudden hit the post from eight yards after St Mirren made a mistake. 

But on the next attack Dundee scored when a Owen Beck put in a corner and everyone missed the ball. but Amadou Bakayoko scored with a slow shot from 10 yards out. 

St Mirren showed why they have done well this season but they failed to put better balls into the box, Trevor Carson took all the high balls with ease. 

The second goal arrived in first half stoppage time. Owen Beck’s corner was headed on by Antonio Portales and Marcus Fraser handled. Referee Matthew McDermid had no doubts and pointed to the spot. Zak Rudden smashed the penalty home to put the fans in a great mood at half time.

Second half and St Mirren made four changes to their team, three of them were attacking players, it made little difference with their attacking play and they never trouble Trevor Carson. 

Dundee looked more dangerous on the break and it payed off on 57minutes, Dundee ripped Saints open with a lightning break that brought the third goal. Bakayoko showed strength and skill to get past Gogic on the half way line. He sent Rudden racing into the penalty area. Keeper Zach Hemming saved his fierce low drive, but was helpless when Amadou Bakayko followed up to shoot into the empty net.

The third goal killed the game for the Saints and Dundee looked to add more to theit 3 nil lead. Only chance for St Mirren is when they hit the bar. 

Dundee sent on Zach Robinson on to replace Zak Rudden who had a good game when his hard work and running. 

It payed off  4 minutes later when Bakayoko lost his marker with a quick turn on the half way line and sent Luke McCowan running through the middle. Instead of shooting the midfielder switched the ball into the path of the better placed Zach Robinson who dinked a delightful finish over the diving keeper to make it 4-0.

It sealed a great win for Dundee and it was good to see the players playing well and also goals for the strikers which we have needed. 

It  also wipes out the goal difference and puts Dundee into the top six, also another clean sheet. It sent the Dundee fans home in a happy mood and our first win over St Mirren at Dens in a while.

Dundee: Carson, Portales, Shaughnessy (c), Lamie, McGhee (Kerr 89), Cameron (Howley 89), Boateng, McCowan, Beck, Bakayoko (Pineda 90+2), Rudden (Robinson 81). Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Reilly, Robertson, Donnelly, Sylla.

Referee: Matthew MacDermid

Att: 5,496

Dundee 1, Livingston 0, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 5th November 2023

Dundee made three changes to their team. Jordan McGhee, Lyall Cameron and Zak Rudden started in the places of Aaron Donnelly, Malachi Boateng, who were on the bench, and the injured Scott Tiffoney.

In a pretty poor half Dundee struggled to create chances on goal, too many errors and slack passes did not help. Lamie was unlucky with a header which just went wide. Livingston looked more likely to score and maybe should have scored once. 

Second half and Malachi Boateng was sent on. He took the place of Mo Sylla, who was hardly one of the most wasteful culprits.

But it seemed to work as Dundee looked more dangerous on the attack. They had a couple of headers which went wide. But soon after Dundee attacked again and Zak Rudden was taken out with a tackle which resulted with Livingston going down to 10 men. 

But the Referee was called to view Var and he changed his mind and it was just a yellow card for Sean Kelly. Four minutes later it was a free kick 30 yards from goal. 

It was well worth the wait as Luke McCowan took the free kick and put the ball over the wall and into the top corner to score a wonderful goal. 

After 70 minutes Dundee sent on Zach Robinson and Ryan Howley for Amadou Bakayoko and Lyall Cameron.

Dundee had a few more headers which just went wide, Livingston had the ball for spells but the Dundee defence done well and theu had to at times. 

Zach Robinson was unlucky with a effort as we moved into the final minuts, Dundee scambled the ball away as injury time was ticking away. Then Trevor Carson made a great save from a deflected shot which he got a hand on the ball. It looked like it was going in.

Finally the final whistle blew and it was three more vital points for Dundee, and another clean sheet.

Dundee: Carson, Portales, Shaughnessy (c), Lamie, McGhee, Cameron (Howley 70), Sylla (Boateng at half time), McCowan, Beck (Donnelly 90), Bakayoko (Robinson 70), Rudden. Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Kerr, Pineda, Reilly, Robertson.

Referee: Alan Muir

Att: 4,769

Dundee 0, Rangers 5, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 01-November-23

Dundee made three changes to the Dee’s starting eleven. Ricki Lamie, Scott Tiffoney and Amadou Bakayoko came in for Jordan McGhee, Lyall Cameron and Zak Rudden, who were all on the bench.

The game finally kicked of at 20:45 due to Rangers team bus arriving late at Dens Park, and then the smoke from the away end caused the game to stop again. The players left the pitch, before returning to restart the game.

It a poor start for Dundee when Rangers scored after three minutes, they had a few chances in the next 20 minutes, but Dundee stopped them scoring. Dundee did have a few chances but nothing much to trouble the Rangers keeper. 

As half-time came l had to make the hard decision to head home and miss the second, public transport is not great after 22:30. The game would go on until at 22:40 likely and i would miss the last 15 minutes anyway. Also my son Andrew was at the game and he had to get home as he is still 11 and has school.

Dundee make two changes when Cammy Kerr came on for Rickie Lamie, with Antonio Portales moving to central defence, and Zak Rudden replaced Scott Tiffoney.

Rangers scored again early and with 20 minutes to go it was 3-0. Dundee had a chance at 2-0 but the Rangers keeper saved twice from McCowan and Bakayoko.

Dundee kept working hard but never got back into the game, Rangers added two more goals the 4th one came after a break when the Referee got in the way to stop McCowan getting the ball. Then in injury time they got a penalty when Var ruled a foul in the box.

Dundee will play Livingston on Sunday where l will see the 90 minutes.

Dundee: Carson, Portales, Shaughnessy (c), Lamie (Kerr at half time), Donnelly. Tiffoney (Rudden at half time), Sylla, Boateng (Howley 71), McCowan (Cameron 85), Beck, Bakayoko (Pineda 78). Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), McGhee, Reilly, Robertson.

Referee: Kevin Clancy

Att: 8,970

Livingston 0, Dundee 2, Tony Macaroni Areana, cinch Premiership, 28th October 2023

Dundee made three changes with Lyall Cameron returned from injury, Mo Sylla was given his first start and Aaron Donnelly made his debut. Ricki Lamie, Fin Robertson and Amadou Bakayoko moved to the bench. 

In a slow first half both teams failed to hit the target with neither keeper making vital saves. Dundee's best was a Rudden shot and McCowan put one over the bar after a good run. Livingston themselves had a few shots but they were wide of the goal. 

Into the second half and Dundee made one chamge when Amadou Bakayoko came on for Lyall Cameron.

It paid off straight away when Dundee looked to have more options upfront, Livi hit on the break and they hit the side netting. Then McCowan had a chip shot saved by the keeper.

Then Rudden was unlucky a great ball from Donnely and Zak beat the keeper but his shot went wide of the far post. 

After 57 minutes it seemed that Dundee had broken through. Rudden picked up a loose ball and sent McCowan into the penalty area. Instead of shooting he laid the back for Bakayoko to net with a controlled, low shot from 20 yards.

There was no offside flag but after a lengthy VAR review the goal was disallowed. Bakayoko’s shot flew through a crowd of players. Boateng, who was well onside tried and failed to get a touch. McGhee was a couple of feet offside but left the ball. Referee Willie Collum looked at the VAR screen and decide that McGhee was interfering with play.

Livingston went down to ten men when Montana recieved a yellow card, but ater a Var call the Referee changed it to a straight red card. 

After this Scott Tiffoney came on for Jordan McGhee and  Dundee were going for the win, they had a few  chances before taking the lead on 82 minutes.

Donnelly’s long throw to the near post. Portales nodded down and Joe Shaughnessy hooked the ball home from close range.

Three minutes later the Dee captain delighted the travelling support with an encore. Owen Beck swept in a corner. Again Portales provided the assist, sending a glancing header at the neat post down into the danger area and  Joe Shaughnessy volleyed neatly home.

Dundee kept at it and Zak Rudden hit the post and Luke McCowan had a good effort well saved. 

A great second half performance and they well worth the three points. Next up is Rangers at home on Wednesday. 

Dundee: Carson, Portales, Shaughnessy (c), Donnelly, McGhee (Tiffoney 74), Sylla, Boateng, Cameron (Bakayoko at half time), Beck, Rudden, McCowan. Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Kerr, Pineda, Lamie, Ashcroft, Robertson, Howley.

Referee: Willie Collum

Att: 4,210

Dundee 0, Ross County 0, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 24th October 2023

Dundee's first game for three long weeks, after the Aberdeen game was cancelled due to the weather. They made two changes when Jordan McGhee came in for Cammy Kerr, who was on the bench, and Fin Robertson replaced the injured Lyall Cameron.

Dundee started well but failed to test the Ross County keeper for most of the first half they had plenty of efforts but nothing came to fruit.

Ross County on the other hand made Trevor Carson work a few bit harder and he had to made two good saves one which was a great reflex one. 

The best moment in the first half came following a corner that was cleared as far as Malachi Boateng. The midfielder hit a fine crossfield pass, giving Fin Robertson space to send in a cross that ricocheted through the goalmouth without anyone getting a decisive touch.

Second half was not much better again Dundee had efforts on goal but they lacked power to trouble Ross Laidlow in the County goal.

Dundee got a break when County scored from a cross which Carson fumbled, allowing  Brown to bundle the ball over the line. The assistant referee’s flag was up and we all had to wait while the VAR team reviewed the decision. 

The goal was ruled out for offside, a correct decision but it was close. Soon after Dundee were unlucky when Laidlaw turned Amadou Bakayoko’s shot into the side netting.

Diego Pineda replaced Zak Rudden and gave a very lively contribution. He made some good runs which invited passes from midfield. Twice he took passes from Boateng and forced saves from Laidlaw. He also dragged a shot across goal from a tight angle. 

Charlie Reilly came off the bench towards the end of normal time and in the last added minute his low shot was saved by Laidlaw with the rebound evading Pineda.

So a draw seemed fair at the end of the game which l missed due to work. I was off on the Saturday it was cancelled but could not get a holiday to go tonight.

Dundee: Carson, Portales, Shaughnessy (c), Lamie, McGhee (Howley 77), Robertson (Reilly 88), Boateng, McCowan, Beck, Rudden (Pineda 77), Bakayoko. Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Kerr, Ashcroft, Donnelly, Sylla, Lewis.

Referee: Colin Steven

Att: 4,887