Murray in late show

PLAYERRATINGS Striker seals huge Dundee victory with Thistle double

A WEEK is a long time in football but this past one must have aged Dundee fans seven years, never mind seven days.

Within the space of just a few days, the Dark Blues have swung from their worst point of the season to probably their best.

Doom and gloom surrounded Dens Park after throwing away a 2-1 lead against 10 men at Rugby Park in midweek.

Fast forward to Saturday and it’s all bright and light for the Dee after a late, late show from Simon Murray.

And what a finish it was at Firhill with Dundee getting their just rewards for their patience and relentless pushing in the second half.

What was most impressive was that they came from behind, something they’ve only done once this season — in a similar fashion, though even later, against Hamilton.

In the opening half it was clear the giveaway at Kilmarnock last Tuesday was still affecting the Dark Blues as Partick dominated the ball.

Manager Neil McCann said after the game his team were too conscious of keeping their shape after criticism at Rugby Park — and that was obvious.

On top of that, though, their inability to string any passes together for much of the half saw them go in at the break deservedly behind.

The home side probed for a chance all through the first half with Dundee just about surviving — Josh Meekings making two excellent blocks to prevent almost certain goals on his return to the first team.

Thistle did, though, get the goal their play deserved, albeit in slightly strange fashion.

It went out for a throw, with the linesman clearly flagging for a Dundee ball.

Partick, however, took it and referee Willie Collum just let them get on with it to the confusion of the Dark Blues’ bench.

That was in the other half, though, and Partick swept up the pitch with a fine move finishing up with Conor Sammon poking past Elliott Parish from close range.

Dundee ended up hanging on for the break and half-time turned out to be vital.

Whatever was said in the dressing-room, the players came out for the second half with a kick up the backside and took the game to Partick.

Straight after the restart, Murray had his first real sight of goal with the ball dropping six yards out but he sclaffed his volley over.

A warning shot across the bows of Partick — with another three to come before that warning became reality.

However, not before Parish made what turned out to be a massive save with his feet when it looked like Chris Erskine had scored.

Eventually, Dundee’s pressure and Murray’s persistence paid off.

Seconds after forcing a good save from Tomas Cerny he was back in there again to tap home sub A-Jay LeitchSmith’s shot-cum-cross at the back post with six minutes to go.

If that celebration from the boyhood Dundee fan was something, the second was special.

Steven Caulker was a menace again in the Thistle box inside stoppage time but his shot was blocked and Murray was the right man in the right place to nod home.

Dundee’s No 17 is flying now — Motherwell better watch out next week.