Pressure on leaders after Queens victory

DU N DE E Un ited boss hailed his side’s defensive work at Queen of the South as they put the pressure on the top two of Ayr and Ross County.

Nicky Clark’s first-half penalty was enough to bring the Tangerines to within three points of leaders Ross County.

It wasn’t all plain sailing against 10 men, though, as the Doonhamers put Robbie’s men under the cosh in the second period.

The United boss (left) said: “It’s only ourselves and Morton who have won there this season so we knew to go there and get three points was going to be tough.

“Even when they went down to 10 men it was tough.

“When there’s a strikeforce of Stephen Dobbie and Lyndon Dykes up top then there is always going to be problems caused and issues. I’m just pleased to get three points.

“When teams go down to 10 men they can go a bit gung ho – they went three at the back with four in the middle and kept Dykes and Dobbie up top.

“It was hard to deal with but I don’t feel like there were any clear-cut chances from them.

“There were shots from distance and yes, they hit the bar but if it goes in it’s a wonder goal.”

He added: “It’s a massive win for us. With 12 games to go, we are a point behind Ayr and three off Ross County and we’ve put some pressure on them as well.”

Queens boss Gary Naysmith said: “That’s the way it’s going for us right now, we’re not getting any breaks. We made one bad decision in the game.

“The ref got it right but it’s about the only decision he got right all game.

“You can never be happy getting beat but to play probably the best team in the league with 10 men and put in that performance I have to take the positives.”