Dens Park Dee-light

PLAYERRATINGS Wighton runs the show as Kerr and Haber seal win

DUNDEE collected their first home league win of the season and were worthy winners at Dens Park.

The victory did come with a certain amount of controversy after the officials missed a clear goal for Motherwell when Dens goalie David Mitchell carried the ball over the line from a Scott McDonald cross.

The game was level at this point and after a good start by Dundee, Motherwell were making strides in the game.

Would it have affected the outcome of the game? I’m not sure it would have as in the second half, the Dark Blues were totally dominant and could have scored a few more to add to their tally.

Dundee started the game on the front foot and as it was to pan out, Craig Wighton was at the heart of all the attacking intent.

Motherwell came into the game and, after the goal that wasn’t given, had a couple of other chances with Dundee having to be thankful to Darren O’Dea for a great block on a McDonald shot.

The goal came just before the break when a good run and pass by Cammy Kerr set up Wighton but his shot was well saved by Samson.

Kerr, though, had continued his run and had a simple tap-in for his first competitive goal in a dark blue shirt.

In the second half, Dundee had more opportunities with Marcus Haber, Kevin Holt and Wighton all having efforts on goal.

The clinching goal was purely down to the perseverence of the impressive Wighton.

It looked like he had lost the ball on the wing but he fought to get it back and after doing so drove in on goal before passing to Haber to knock into the net.

It was no more than Dundee deserved and highlighted Wighton’s contribution to the overall win.

The young striker showed a lot of maturity on Saturday and his partnership with Haber could prove pivotal in Dundee moving up the table.

It is early days but they combined on numerous occasions and, with Haber generally occupying the two centre-backs, it allowed Wighton to pick the ball up in areas where he could run at defenders and was a constant thorn in Motherwell’s side.

The youngster might get all the headlines, and quite rightly so, but I was also impressed by the whole team display where again they fought for every ball.

The fans have waited a while for this win and they saw an entertainer in Wighton but, more importantly, a determination and togetherness from the players.

There were players going in for challenges that were 60-40 against and winning the ball.

Gomis, before he got injured, drove 70 yards to earn a foul at the Motherwell 18-yard box.

These sort of things show the fans how committed the players are to the club and can make them the extra man as they look to make Dens a fortress once again.

Impressively, there wasn’t a failure in the Dundee team.

Even after his mistake, Mitchell still had a couple of vital saves to keep ’Well at bay.

The trio of Paul McGowan James Vincent and Tom Hateley bossed the midfield from start to finish.

Their work-rate was excellent as they put pressure on Motherwell at the right times and won the ball in good areas.

A good result but most pleasing was the spirit shown by everybody around the place, most importantly by the fans and the team.