The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Early season rustiness is no excuse, says McCann
Dundee boss Neil McCann refused to use the early stage of the season as an excuse for his side’s disappointing defeat at Dens yesterday afternoon to Dunfermline.
Allan Johnston’s Championship side won thanks to an early Jackson Longridge goal, with the Dark Blues struggling to make an impact throughout.
McCann said: “I am really disappointed. They scored a really good goal but the warnings had been there all week.
“The pitch was also too long for me and sticky but that being said, we were off it.
“It is early (in the season) but I wouldn’t use that as an excuse because Dunfermline had just the same preparation time as us. The boys know I am unhappy with them.”
The defeat came at a cost with Sofien Moussa, Genseric Kusunga and Nathan Ralph all having to come off through injury.
McCann added: “Moussa looks quite sore. It was just a twist but he heard a wee crack so whether there is something there, I don’t know. Gensy is a kick and Nathan’s a muscle injury.”
Pars boss Alan Johnston said: “It was a great performance from start to finish.
“Obviously they will have periods in the game where they were going to come at us but we restricted them to few opportunities. Going forward we looked a real threat and possibly could have scored more.”