Dee boss ‘gutted’ for his men who fought to the 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 Tynecastle, 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 Mcpake was 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 Declan Mcdaid 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.”