Legzdins – like class of 2020

It is that time of year again – and for Adam Legzdins it is starting to feel a lot like Christmas 2020. Dundee took off over the festivities in season 2020-21, grasping three victories on the trot, including a January 2 triumph over champions-to-be Hearts.

There was no looking back from the Dark Blues as they soared in form, confidence and cohesion before claiming a Premiership spot through the play-offs.

After a gritty, ground-out victory in Inverness – their first in the league in 16 visits dating back almost 20 years – goalkeeper Legzdins felt nostalgic.

While he is refusing to get carried away, the current squad’s progress reminds him of the class of 2020 that sent Tommy Wright’s Kilmarnock crashing out of the top-flight.

Legzdins revealed: “A fan, shall we say a more ‘experienced’ gentleman, shouted over to me in the warm-up to put it out there that it was close to 20 years, 16 games without a win at Caledonian Stadium. I thought ‘no pressure!’

“He said he had been coming up here for a long time with no joy. It was all the encouragement I needed.

“We appreciate the fans travelling in such good numbers at this time of year.

“We could have been better at times and put the game to bed, but to go through difficult periods in a game and show that kind of resilience and togetherness was pleasing.

“We earned a clean sheet and limited them to very few shots on target, if any. It was a real team effort – the organisation and doggedness you need in this league.

“When the high balls come into the box, I have every faith in Lee Ashcroft and Jordan Mcghee.

“They did a lot of things that aren’t as easily noticed as the magnificent goals Paul Mcmullan scored.

“He’s in fantastic form and looks exhilarating in our attack, but our lads made several wonderful clearances.”

Legzdins continued: “These things remind me of how we were two years ago, with such a solid foundation that allows our attack-minded players to go up there and score.

“There’s still room for improvement, which is fantastic. The substitutes coming on really showed our depth and togetherness as a squad.

“It was a long journey today and to send the fans home happy was important. They were absolutely fantastic, in brilliant voice and it doesn’t go unnoticed with the players.

“It is coming up to Christmas, a long journey and a lot of money at a difficult time.

“They probably had a massive contribution to us getting the goal and the victory. They were brilliant, especially at the end when they were singing Twist and Shout.

“We had Twist and Shout on straight away in the changing room after the game, which kind of mirrored how they were feeling.

“It is very promising moving forward, but it is one game at a time.”

There was no lack of effort from ICT, but it all came to nothing as Dodds felt they all too often were not ruthless enough when seeking an opening against Dundee.

He said: “We were firing into challenges and we passed the ball well. We did a lot of work on Dundee this week and they carried it out almost to the letter of the law. The one time we didn’t, we got punished.

“Once we get a couple of wins, the confidence and momentum will come back. There is no doubt we will reel teams in.

“We also have to not get too far detached while we have these injuries. All I’m asking for is a wee bit more quality and a willingness to get on the end of things.”

ICT defender Max Ram felt it was a harsh outcome, given the effort put in by ICT over the 90 minutes.

He said: “There was not much in it at all. We were two evenly-matched teams and I thought we were on top for quite a lot of the game.

“I can’t remember Dundee having too many chances, but the one they did have, they stuck it in the net.

“At the minute, our mistakes are leading to goals. We have to keep digging in as a team and hopefully the results will follow.

“It’s always going to be tough when you’re not picking up results, especially when you’re not playing too bad.

“But we have good characters in the team to help us through it.

“Once we get more bodies back, we can hopefully turn it around. We just need to keep our noses in the race and hopefully the results will come.”

Ram sees no reason for Inverness to panic, despite the poor results, and he says they can soon be closing in on their rivals.

He added: “We know the gap between us and first place is nine points, but it’s only the start of December.

“Once we get a couple of wins, the pressure will be on the other sides.

“We’ll look to pick up points wherever we can to close that gap. Things can turn around quickly in football. I’m sure we’ll be alright.”

Tyler French, right, gets away from Aaron Doran.