Legzdins takes positives despite crashing out of the cup with Dundee
SATURDAY might well have brought an end to Dundee’s run in the Scottish Cup but goalkeeper Adam Legzdins is confident that he and his team- mates can use their performance as a springboard to aid their push for promotion.
St Mirren and their Championship opponents played out 120 goalless minutes in Paisley before the hosts eventually triumphed 3- 0 in the penalty shoot- out, but Gary Bowyer’s men could take heart from their display. Over the piece they were probably the better side – and did not look out of their depth against the Buddies – and although the result did not go their way, there were plenty of positives to take from the contest.
The Taysiders’ focus will now shift to the league, where Bowyer’s men are aiming to return to the top flight at the first time of asking. Based on the weekend’s evidence, Legzdins is confident that Dundee have what it takes to mix it with the big boys once again.
“I think on reflection we have had the better chances in the game,” said the Englishman. “St Mirren will know they have been in a real game.
“When it goes to penalties it’s a bit of a lottery. Their goalkeeper Trevor [ Carson] has made three great saves and we are massively disappointed to be going out of the competition. But the overwhelming feeling for us is that we know we’ve gone toe- to- toe with a very established mid- table Scottish Premiership team and that gives us massive confidence going back to the league.
“On balance I think we had the better chances. There were a couple of scrambles on the goal- line and a fantastic effort where I’ve made a save, another save and then a block.
“If we were a bit more ruthless in front of goal with our chances then we should be progressing through to the next round. That’s how these cup competitions go. There’s nothing but positive thoughts when reflecting on the game to take forward.
“This is the division we want to be playing in next season and it’s a division that we enjoyed playing in last year. On reflection, there was a massive number of games last season where we played well.
“St Mirren are an established team in the division. This is what we have to aspire to, to build consistency with performances and style. Hopefully if we get the job done this season that will stand us in good stead for next season.”
Dundee had their fair share of adversity to overcome at the SMiSA Stadium. Only seven minutes had elapsed before a crunching collision between Tyler French and Alex Gogic resulted in the former being stretchered off, while full- back Cammy Kerr had his afternoon cut short after injuring his back shortly before half time.
Rather than cursing their luck, though, Bowyer’s side took the challenges in their stride. If anything, the team seemed to fare better as the match wore on.
“That was the pleasing thing,” Legzdins said. “We have got a massively close- knit group, staff and players. We brought on substitutes and if anything we grew into the game.
“It certainly didn’t throw us off so that is massively encouraging going back into our division. With the way it is, you want to know that everyone is ready to contribute.
“I thought our subs were excellent and the plaudits go to the management, the fitness coaches and the physio to make sure the group is ready when called upon. It is disappointing to lose people to injury obviously but it gives someone else a chance.”
Even Gogic was impressed with Dundee on Saturday, with the Cypriot agreeing with Legzdins’ assessment that they could more than hold their own in the top flight as he singled out one team- mate in particular for his role in the victory.
“Dundee are in the Championship, but they could easily be in the Premiership,” he said. “They are a good team with good players. They made it frustrating. The second half was better for us, but if the ball doesn’t go in, that’s what happens.
“It wasn’t pretty. We had a couple of chances, but going through was on Trevor. He saved us with the penalty saves. It was an incredible performance from him in the shoot- out. To save three out of three penalties is something you don’t get very often. It was amazing.”