Mcpake ‘gutted’ for players who fought to end
James Mcpake insists Dundee’s defeat against Hearts could not have been more different from their meek capitulation in Gorgie on the opening day of the Championship campaign.
The Dee once again emerged with nothing to show from a breathless affair at Tyne castle, effectively ending any slim hopes of challenging for the title – even if they do win their slew of games in hand.
However, if not for the now- standard brilliance of Craig Gordon between the sticks for the hosts, Dundee could have claimed a share of the spoils. The hosts were on the ropes in the dying embers.
And McPakew as beaming with pride in the aftermath, claiming a point would not have flattered his charges, and underlining the difference from that chastening 6-2 hammering back in October.
“Based on chances alone, I think we created as many as Hearts,” said Mcpake.
“I thought we matched them for large spells of the game. They are a good side, that’s why they are top of the league, but we showed character to get back in the game at 2-0 down.
“And when we got that goal back, there was only one team going to score.
“I’m proud but gutted for my players because of what they gave me. They have been here before and took a bit of doing – but this time I am gutted on their behalf.
“The first time we were here this season ( 6- 2 defeat) I saw a set of players who didn’t turn up on the day and deservedly got battered.
“Today, I saw a set of players who put everything into a game. They know they deserved something.”
Dundee found themselves chasing the game due to strikes either side off the break from Andy Halliday and Armand Gnanduillet.
However, when Jason Cummings netted from the penalty spot, the Jambos visibly wobbled and the defining moment for Mcpake’s men came with five minutes left on the clock, with Gordon denying Osman Sow, then Jonathan Afolabi’s follow-up.
He rued: “They have their goalkeeper to thank for getting them the full three points. He’s a topclass goalkeeper and he made big saves at big moments of the game. Sometimes you hold your hands up.”
Mcpake, meanwhile, confirmed that winger De clan M cD aid has suffered no ill- effects from the late challenge which saw Peter Haring dismissed.
Mcpake added: “I’ve seen ( the tackle) back, but not from a great angle. I’d like to see it again. But my player is fine.”
After drawing 1-1 at home with Inverness Caley Thistle, Alloa manager Peter Grant said: “We had a lot of the ball, created many chances, but did not get the goals our play deserved.
“We played well and should have won, and I am disappointed to have lost two points, but as a team, we will continue to fight for the points that will keep us safe.”
The home side went on the offensive from the start, and Mark Ridgers in the ICT goal, cleared a shot from Lee Connelly in the opening minutes.
Inverness came close when David Carson connected with a cross, but his well-struck shot from just outside the box was saved by Neil Parry in the home goal low to his right-hand post.
Alloa got the goal that they richly deserved in the 17th minute when on-loan Kilmarnock striker Innes Cameron connected with a Kevin Cawley cross and fired home from the left side of the box past Mark Ridgers.
This was his fourth goal of his loan spell.
The Highland outfit fought their way back into the match and had the home side under pressure.
In the 27th minute, their welldeserved equaliser came when Nikolay Todorov fired in a left-footed shot from the centre of the box when he connected with a Shane Sutherland cross from the right.
Scott Taggart fired in a free-kick from the edge of the box for Alloa, and Ridgers had to be at his best to touch the ball over the bar.
The Wasps went down to 10 men in the closing minutes when referee Alan Muir showed Alan Trouten a red card for an off-the-ball incident.
A draw was a reasonable outcome for a hard-fought match, although both sides had chances to win the encounter.
Inverness caretaker-manager Neil Mccann said after the game: “We conceded a poor goal, and did not defend well enough throughout the game.
“We worked hard and managed to get back into the match and, although there were some difficult refereeing decisions, we played well.
“However, not well enough to take the points.”