Dee’s fightback edge them closer
IT’S said that home is where the heart is.
Dundee proved it with a spirited fightback against Ross County on Neil McCann’s Dens Park return.
But it was Ross County who were celebrating last night after securing their Premiership status.
The Staggies took an early lead through Liam Boyce after flying out of the traps.
They looked like a team on a mission.
But Dundee seized control before the break – and never relinquished it.
The Dark Blues’ desperation to avoid heartache on their new gaffer’s homecoming fuelled a ferocious second-half showing.
A Darren O’Dea rocket from the penalty spot earned them a point that could see them safe before they next kick a ball.
A point on Wednesday night against Inverness will do the job either way.
But, for County, now eight points clear of the play-off place, the task will be to stay focused.
With McCann in the Dens dugout for the first time, it was set up to be Dundee’s day – but County weren’t in the mood to let their hosts enjoy themselves.
The Staggies started like a train and were ahead within four minutes.
Michael Gardyne won his side a corner by cutting inside, beating two home defenders, then forcing Scott Bain into a smart stop.
It should have been a wake- up call for the home side. Instead, it lead to County’s opener.
Having highlighted the danger posed by Liam Boyce pre-match, Neil McCann must have been furious with the space the County hitman was afforded to prod Craig Curran’s flick on past Bain.
Dundee barely made it out of their own half before Boyce struck – and they continued to struggle in its aftermath.
The visitors, with five in midfield, bossed possession with ease.
The Highlanders carved Dundee open after 13 minutes, sending Craig Curran one-on-one with Scott Bain.
Fortunately for the home side, Curran poked his effort wide.
A few weeks ago, Dundee, low on confidence and lacking momentum,
might have crumbled. However, two wins on the trot have galvanised the Dark Blues.
As the first half progressed, they gradually grew into the game.
By the time the interval rolled around, they had seized the upper hand.
Dundee kept their momentum into the second half but Faissal El Bakhtaoui fired miles over after a neat touch by Marcus Haber. It was getting desperate for the Dee, but an act of desperation by a County man finally gave them a lifeline.
Nick Ross’ angled through ball was the trigger, causing panic in the Staggies defence as Cammy Kerr locked on.
Craig Curran dealt with it by shouldering the Dundee full- back to the ground, with no attempt to play the ball, and referee Nick Walsh pointed to the spot.
Darren O’Dea stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards, rifling his penalty high past Fox.
For County, the game was a lucky escape, but, with their Premiership status secure, they won’t care too much.
For Dundee, on this evidence, one more game should do it.