Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Killie’s visit to Dens too close to call
DUNDEE can push themselves into the Premiership top six on Saturday if they can beat Kilmarnock at Dens.
With the other 10 top-flight clubs on William Hill Scottish Cup duty, the Dark Blues can take full advantage if they can grab three points from a fixture which was originally scheduled for last midweek.
However, if they are to muscle their way into the top half of the table, Paul Hartley’s men will have to overcome a Killie side which has provided stubborn opposition in recent visits to the City of Discovery.
Indeed, since Dundee’s return to the top flight in 2014, five games against the Ayrshire outfit at Dens have yielded one win apiece and three draws.
That suggests Saturday’s encounter could be another tight affair as both sides try to put some distance between themselves and the foot of the table.
Tonight, we take a look back at those Dens Park meetings over the past few years.
Saturday, August 9, 2014 DUNDEE 1 KILMARNOCK 1
The Dark Blues marked their return to the top flight with an impressive performance, although, in the end, they had to settle for a point.
Gary Harkins put the home side ahead from the penalty spot in the ninth minute.
However, a brilliant Craig Slater free-kick beat Kyle Letheren to level matters 10 minutes later.
Dundee peppered the visitors’ goal in the second half but could find no way past former Dee keeper Craig Samson who was in inspired form for Killie.
Even when Samson was beaten, the crossbar denied Peter MacDonald a late winner for Paul Hartley’s men.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 DUNDEE 1 KILMARNOCK 0
A Greg Stewart penalty after 19 minutes won the points for Dundee.
The spot-kick was awarded when Manuel Pascali brought down Jim McAlister in the Killie box.
Gary Harkins nearly made it two after the break but his effort crashed off the bar and went over.