The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Fingers crossed for a Saturday to savour
This is the business end of the season and it could be a massive weekend for our local teams. Dundee will travel to Motherwell on Saturday full of confidence after their dramatic win over St Johnstone at Dens.
Neil Mccann’s men opened the scoring with just seconds on the clock and led for almost the entire game only to be pegged back in the 85th minute.
There have been times this season when they might have gone on to lose but instead they stormed back to score a late winner to take what could prove to be a vital three points as they try to ensure their Premiership safety.
It was hugely-important that the Dark Blues started their post-split fixtures with a victory and I was also chuffed for Sofien Moussa scoring both their goals.
The big Tunisian striker has had his critics this season but he always works hard for the team and he will have received a big boost after showing he can score from open play as well as the penalty spot. It looks like he will finally live up to his cult hero billing with just a few games left.
Dundee will certainly need Moussa and the rest of the team to be at their best when they travel to Fir Park.
Well have been a bogey side for Mccann’s men this season and I do not think the Steelmen will be taking their foot off the gas now just because they have a Scottish Cup final next month.
It is far too early for that and there will no doubt be players trying to force their way into the team for the showpiece occasion.
Before Dundee kick off, Hamilton play Ross County at lunchtime and then St Johnstone face Partick at Mcdiarmid. It is all ifs, buts and maybes, but depending on those results, a win for Dundee at Motherwell could all but secure their safety.
Mccann has stated he is looking for his side to win all five post-split games but inside the dressing room, everyone will be taking things game by game.
They will certainly be aware of just how important the Motherwell match is to their season.
There is also a huge game taking place in Kirkcaldy on Saturday with Raith Rovers on the brink of sealing the League One title.
I know just how tough this division is and Raith have done really well to get into this position of knowing they will become champions with a win over Alloa no matter what long-time rivals Ayr do in their game.
Rovers boss Barry Smith is a good pal of mine and he will be delighted Raith’s destiny is in their own hands.
However, Alloa are still looking to pip Arbroath for third spot and they showed when they beat Ayr on Sunday that they are a dangerous side.
But, fingers crossed, Barry and Raith will be celebrating at five o’clock.
It would also be great if the Champagne corks were popping at Montrose at the same time. Considering that the Angus side was minutes away from going out of the league a couple of seasons ago in the pyramid play-off, it is fantastic they are now on the verge of title glory.
It will be great for everyone connected with the club to finally have something to celebrate after years of struggle.
If they do it will be all credit to Stewart Petrie who has done a magnificent job since he took over as manager and I will also be chuffed for my mate Martyn ‘Foxy’ Fotheringham if he can pick up a medal.
I will also be pleased if Brechin can finally end their season-long hoodoo and secure that elusive first league victory on Saturday against Queen of the South at the Glebe.
The Brechin board have shown incredible loyalty to boss Darren Dods and hopefully the team can end an incredibly difficult campaign on a high.