Win over Saints carries psychological importance

Dundee finally removed a primate of King Kong-sized proportions from their back with this win in what was towards the end a truly bonkers game of football.

Having failed to register a victory in their first five Premiership matches of the season, it was imperative that Neil McCann’s men took something from the game against St Johnstone.

That was going to be easier said than done with Saints arriving at Dens unbeaten in the league so far.

However, while the merits or otherwise of the three penalties and the disallowed Steven Anderson goal can be argued for years to come, the simple fact remains that the Dark Blues ultimately deserved their win.

Incredibly, it was the first time they had taken three points in the league at Dens since February when they beat Rangers but more importantly the victory should have great psychological importance, especially as it also lifted Dundee off the bottom of the table.

A-Jay Leitch-Smith obviously caught the eye with his two goals but overall he brought an extra dimension to Dundee’s play while young Lewis Spence also had a great game in midfield and Jack Hendry continues to impress in defence.

The Dark Blues have a Betfred Cup quarter-final against Celtic on Wednesday but arguably the more important match comes next Saturday at struggling Kilmarnock in the Premiership.

As for Saints, that is now two below-par performances in a row – I am sure boss Tommy Wright will ensure there is not a third when his side play Hamilton this weekend.

Neil McCann led Dundee to first home league win in seven months.