Dee battle to victory

PLAYERRATINGS Dee on top in opening game against Buddies

THE first thing to be said about Dundee under new boss Neil McCann after their victory at St Mirren last night is his team don’t play friendlies.

As they kicked off their build-up to the 2017/18 campaign, McCann’s team got stuck right in to the Buddies.

It didn’t win them many fans in the home crowd, nor technical area for that matter, but that didn’t bother the Dark Blues boss one bit as he sought a winning start and committed performance that saw tackles flying in right from the off.

In the pre-season games to come against Arbroath, Brechin and Bolton Wanderers, he’ll definitely be seeking gradual improvement in terms of quality. When it comes to application, though, he can’t ask for any more than he got in Paisley.

Despite looking a bit rusty, which was only to be expected in the first game back after the summer break, the Dens men ran out 3-1 winners thanks to a first-half double from skipper Darren O’Dea and an early second-half strike from Marcus Haber.

The comfortable winning margin did have a lot to do with an excellent display from keeper Scott Bain, who made a string of fine saves.

And by using, Bain apart, two completely different teams over the 90 minutes, there was at times a lack of cohesion in their play. On top of that aforementioned commitment, however, there were other aspects to be pleased about.

As well as Bain’s fine work, marquee summer signing Scott Allan showed what a big player he can quickly become by providing excellent assists for O’Dea’s strikes.

Fellow new men Randy Wolters, Lewis Spence and Roarie Deacon also showed up well in flashes during the 45 minutes they were each given to get the legs going.

And trialists Crescendo van Berkel, Nils Rutten and Glen Kamara — a Finnish midfielder — all satisfied the gaffer enough for him to confirm afterwards he will have another look in Saturday’s outing at Arbroath.

It was Dutch defender van Berkel who set the tone for the proceedings with two or three meaty challenges in the first 10 minutes.

The 25-year-old was the one outfield player given longer than a half and, while he’ll probably have to show up a little better in the days to come to be sure of earning a contract, the former Telstar man did at least demonstrate the physicality of the Scottish game would not be too much for him.

As he sent a succession of home players crashing to the ground, he was just a little too robust for the liking of the home bench and in both halves there were animated discussions between the two management teams.

Dee assistant boss Graham Gartland, in particular, had prolonged words with Saints boss Jack Ross and his No 2 James Fowler.

Both McCann and Ross stressed later any animosity ended at the final whistle and all four enjoyed a cordial chat after the game.

They agreed the intensity of the proceedings will be of benefit to the players in the hard months that lie ahead for their teams.

That was good to hear. As players search for fitness rather than a fight, too often these pre-season games are too friendly.

That certainly wasn’t the case last night.