Dundee hit seven but still crash out
DUNDEE 7 McGowan (18), Duffy (35), Stewart (39, 65), Etxabeguren (55), Loy (73), Teijsse (88)
FORFAR 0
DUNDEE’S sensational victory wasn’t enough to reverse their abysmal record in knockout competitions as they crashed out of the Betfred Cup.
Although they completely outclassed neighbours Forfar, the damage had already been done in their failure to defeat East Fife and Peterhead.
It really is shocking that Dundee failed to qualify from the group, which also included Dumbarton.
It’s now 43 years since Dundee won the League Cup and 106 years since they lifted the Scottish Cup.
Last night, manager Paul Hartley admitted: “Of course we want to do well in the cups but the league is the most important competition for us.
“It’s disappointing we’re out of the League Cup but it’s vital we get our preparation right for the start of the league campaign.”
He added: “I can understand the fans being critical but we have to battle through this with togetherness. “That’s what we got here. “We provided a polished, professional performance here.
“We were good value for money with lots of energy in the team.”
Hartley revealed he hopes to sign two defenders and another striker after losing last season’s leading scorer Kane Hemmings to Oxford United.
Birmingham City had a scout at Dens Park running the rule over Greg Stewart, who must have earned a top-class rating with two goals and a couple of assists.
“I can’t stop speculation,” continued Hartley. “Players have ambitions too and the fans have to realise this.”
Unlike Hemmings, Stewart doesn’t have a valuation clause in his contract, which is now in its final year.
At least the Dark Blues went out with a flourish. Three goals in a 21- minute first-half spell easily saw off Forfar.
Paul McGowan opened the scoring with a delightful chip over the outrushing Grant Adam following a finely measured through- ball from Greg Stewart.
Michael Duffy then gave Adam no chance with a blistering 30- yard shot which grazed the bar and post on its
way in, again from a Stewart offering.
Then Stewart himself got in on the act when he squeezed the ball in from a tight angle after Adam could only claw away his initial header.
There was no let-up for the Loons after the break, either.
Julen Etxabeguren had an easy tap-in after Forfar failed to deal with a Danny Williams corner before Stewart struck again with a 20-yard left footer.
Sub Rory Loy then headed in a Cammy Kerr cross before Dutch striker Yordi Teijsse scored the goal he deserved, heading in a Craig Wighton cross.
Forfar had no answer to Dundee’s superior fitness, speed and movement off the ball.
If Adam hadn’t pulled off several fine saves the result would have been even more emphatic.
Forfar manager Gary Bollan reflected: “At least we won’t come up against a team of Dundee’s calibre every week. We were outclassed.
“Now we must make sure we are ready for Saturday’s opening league game away to Edinburgh City.”