Dundee face title sweat after slipping against Cove

DUNDEE blew a massive chance to extend their lead at the top of the Championship after finding it impossible to break down Cove Rangers. A frustrating stalemate leaves them just two points ahead of Queen’s Park, who could return to the summit today if they beat Morton at Cappielow. The top two then have a title decider in their final game of the regular season at Ochilview next Friday. Cove’s determined defensive display kept a fairly insipid Dark Blues at bay, although home fans were enraged at what they felt were time-wasting antics from the visitors throughout the match. Dundee nearly took an early lead when Alex Jakubiak fired a dangerous ball across goal, but Zach Robinson couldn’t make a clean connection. Gary Bowyer’s men had another decent chance after Lee Ashcroft rose highest at the back post to meet Luke McCowan’s cross, his header looping on to the roof of the net. Cove’s Morgyn Neill was first man booked for tripping Robinson after a neat turn by the Dundee forward. With a big crowd growing anxious, there was a shout for a penalty as Lyall Cameron had his jersey tugged, but referee Greg Aitken waved play on. Dundee’s Barry Maguire was next to be yellow-carded for a cynical pull on Mitch Megginson. McCowan created some shooting space for himself in the Cove penalty area towards the interval. Yet his effort lacked conviction and the ball was cleared. In the second half, Maguire looked as if he had a tap-in before being blocked by Mark Reynolds. Megginson was then booked at the start of the second half for standing too close to the free-kick taker, with Dundee’s Cameron then yellow-carded for a foul on Shay Logan. The home side huffed and puffed but a goal never looked likely — and a chance to take a huge step towards the title was wasted.