Dundee let win slip from grasp

KILMARNOCK 3 DUNDEE 2: Mccann questions players’ game management

Dundee manager Neil Mccann was left wondering just how his team let victory slip from their grasp at Rugby Park last night.

The Dens men appeared to have the game in the bag at 2-1 up and with Kilmarnock having had Gary Dicker sent off for a terrible challenge on Roarie Deacon. However, they blew it and lost 3-2.

It was one of those defeats that was as unexpected as it was shattering.

Eamonn Brophy gave Killie an early lead before Sofien Moussa’s penalty levelled things.

The visitors took the lead on 56 minutes through debut man Steven Caulker’s excellent header before the hosts went down to 10 men, with Dicker getting his marching orders.

It looked like the three points would be going back down the road to Dens but Kris Boyd equalised on 74 minutes and sub Iain Wilson grabbed a scrappy winner with three minutes left.

Mccann said: “What disappointed me most? Losing from a winning position with a man up.

“I can’t fathom what goes through players’ heads about managing games.

“Keeping the ball is OK if it’s done for a reason but we didn’t do anything other than keep it through the middle and let Kilmarnock come on to us.

“The second goal was appalling. We didn’t keep our shape, there were people running out of position and that created the space for Kris Boyd.”

Dundee have been handed a massive boost in their Premiership survival bid after starlet Craig Wighton returned to action following seven months on the sidelines with a devastating knee injury.

The highly-rated 20-yearold enjoyed a half-hour cameo as the Dee’s development squad claimed a 2-0 triumph over their Dundee United counterparts in Monday night’s Wee Derby.

Wighton emerged unscathed from the clash and is expected to come into contention for a senior comeback before the end of the month.

The Scotland under-21 internationalist had not played since suffering cruciate knee ligament damage during a development squad fixture in July, which prompted initial fears that he could be out of action for the entire season.

However, he swiftly underwent surgery and has made superb progress during a gruelling rehabilitation schedule.

The return of Wighton will be a welcome fillip for boss Neil Mccann as Dundee seek to extend the two point gap between them and the relegation play-off position.

Recently-retired former Dundee defender James Mcpake was quick to hail Wighton for his courage and determination, with the duo having carried out their respective rehabilitations from serious injuries together at Dens Park.

He tweeted: “Delighted to see Craig Wighton back involved. Seen his rehab and how hard he’s worked, he will kick on now. #machine”

Picture: SNS Group. Dundee debutant Steven Caulker celebrates his goal with Mark O’hara.