Dens hero hails ‘massive’ victory

DUNDEE: Holt nets the goal that takes Dark Blues six points clear of Partick

Dundee’s Kevin Holt admits the importance of Saturday’s win over Hamilton at Dens cannot be overstated.

Prior to kick-off, both sides knew that a victory would all but preserve their Premiership status following the draw between Partick Thistle and Ross County on Friday night.

The stakes were huge with Dundee making the better start and taking the lead through a superb Holt strike. Accies responded in the second half with home keeper Elliott Parish saving a late penalty from Dougie Imrie to ensure the Dark Blues secured a priceless three points.

The final whistle was greeted with an outpouring of joy and relief on the park and in the stands with goal hero Holt admitting the result was “massive”.

The full-back said: “The win was huge. Everyone knew coming into the game how important it was and what was at stake for both teams sitting on the same points.

“We also had the same gap between ourselves and Partick and we have obviously extended that to six with two games to go. It’s massive for us.

“I was delighted to get my goal. I don’t score very many but I’ll take it.

“Craig Wighton cut it back and their boy got a wee toe on it but it ended up in the back of the net so happy days.

“When the ball fell to me, I couldn’t believe how much space I had. My first thought was I am in the box so get a shot away to test the keeper and I am glad he didn’t get anywhere near it.”

Holt’s manager Neil McCann said that while delighted with the win, he is looking for his side to mathematically seal their safety tomorrow night when they play Ross County in Dingwall.

He said: “Clearly we are safe from automatic (relegation) but there is still work to be done.

“We have put ourselves in a really good position. I have told them in there, no over-celebration – and, to be fair, they weren’t.

“They are rightly happy with the result because it takes us clear, but the job is not totally done yet and you cannot be too complacent or take anything for granted.”

Dundee’s Mark O’Hara may miss the game in Dingwall after having to come off at half-time against Accies having earlier lost his two front teeth in a clash with Danny Redmond.