McGOWAN’S A BIG NOISE AT DENS AS TOUGH TALK SPARKS TURNAROUND
Paul McGOWAN’S actions spoke louder than words as he scored a stunning solo goal to secure a vital victory for Dundee against Arbroath. Two weeks ago, the midfielder gave an infamous interview following a dismal defeat at Ayr, attacking his own team-mates with an expletive-laden verbal volley, accusing some of them of being passengers in the team. The tough talking all seems to have had the desired effect as Dundee went toe-to-toe with Hibs in the Betfred Cup last week before securing their second league win of the season on Saturday against Arbroath thanks to man-of-the-match
McGowan’s moment of magic. Now the 33-year-old hopes the Dark Blues have turned a corner. ‘I make no bones about the interview I did,’ said McGowan. ‘I got loads of messages from people saying it was nice to see somebody being honest. ‘But I am not going to come out and lie — that’s not me. ‘I am not saying for one minute it spurred the boys on but a few things had to be said and there is a buzz about the place now and I hope we can carry it on.’
Dundee looked like the real deal in the first half against Arbroath, who had keeper Derek Gaston in fine form. However, he was helpless to prevent McGowan opening the scoring with his stunning strike in the 35th minute, the midfielder hitting a shot with the outside of his boot from the edge of the Arbroath box that clipped the inside of the post before nestling in the back of the net. Arbroath had chances to level in the second half but the result left the winless Red Lichties second bottom of the table.