The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Bowyer praises ‘clinical’ Dundee
Victorious Dundee gaffer Gary Bowyer was delighted to see a clinical side to his team as they saw off Arbroath 4-2 in an enthralling Championship contest last night.
Dens Park bid farewell to club legend Pat Liney with a wreath laid on the goalline by Bowyer himself and two separate minutes’ applause before and during the game.
And Bowyer says the 1962 leaguewinning goalkeeper was “still looking over us” as the Dark Blues regained the lead moments after the second acclaim from the stands.
“It was a poignant moment to see Zak Rudden scoring in the 62nd minute so he’s still looking over us and helping us,” Bowyer said of Pat Liney.
“Obviously everyone here sends their best wishes to the family.
“I thought everybody at the club, the fans and the Arbroath fans as well were brilliant and paid him the respect he deserves.”
Twice the Dark Blues were pegged back in the second half as last season’s Premiership nearly-men looked to grab a point on the road.
However, a late header from loanee Zach Robinson put the home side back in front with just two minutes to go and Josh Mulligan sealed the points with a superb strike in stoppage time.
The Dens boss hailed the “character” shown by his side in coming back to win.
“It was a really good game. Two good teams, great atmosphere under the lights, live on TV and both teams had a real good go at each other,” the Dundee boss added.
“We were clinical tonight and pleased to send our fans home happy. First half we weathered the storm and grew into the game, playing some really good stuff.
“The first goal is a really good team goal.
“We’re disappointed with both goals conceded but we showed really good character and togetherness to bounce back from being pegged back twice to come out on top.”
Dundee said farewell to club legend Pat Liney in dramatic fashion as they came out on top in a six-goal thriller against Arbroath at Dens Park.
It took two late goals to seal the 4-2 victory after defensive errors allowed the Lichties back into the game.
Substitute Zach Robinson headed in with just two minutes remaining before Josh Mulligan capped an enthralling night with a superb strike in stoppage time.
The Lichties came out of the traps quickly but the home side rode through that and grew into the contest before central defender Tyler French set off on a galloping run from inside his own half on 40 minutes.
His eventual shot was blocked before Paul McGowan fed Luke McCowan to open the scoring ahead of half-time.
But it was 1-1 shortly after the restart as a Jordan Marshall error let Michael McKenna in only to be brought down by Harry Sharp in the Dundee goal.
Former Dee Nicky Low stepped up to fire home the spot-kick.
But seconds after a minute’s applause for Liney ended on 62 minutes, Zak Rudden poked home to make it 2-1 Dundee.
Just when the Dark Blues looked good for the three points another defensive mistake allowed Colin Hamilton to bundle in a second equaliser.
But the hosts still had more to come as sub Robinson popped up as full-time approached to put them back in front with his first goal for the club.
Mulligan put the icing on the cake for the Dee with a superb individual effort, firing into the top corner in stoppage time.
This match ended a week of huge sadness for all associated with Dundee after the passing of club legend Pat Liney.
The only goalkeeper in the history of the club to win Scotland’s top trophy and club president since 2011, Liney played a huge role in the 1962 First Division triumph.
If Thursday’s announcement brought a sombre mood, this was more celebration of Liney’s life, achievements and connection to Dundee.
Manager Gary Bowyer laid a wreath inside the goalmouth in front of the Bobby Cox Stand prematch before a minute’s applause reverberated around Dens Park.
The home fans were up again in a stirring applause on 62 minutes to honour the legendary goalkeeper.
If inspiration was needed, the home side got it from that second applause from the stands as they grabbed a second lead on 63 minutes.
Rudden had a chance in the first half, through on goal with only Derek Gaston to beat, and fluffed his lines.
The attempted chip looked like a player short of confidence. One that needed a scrappy effort to go in off the backside to get his season started.
It didn’t go in off his posterior but it was certainly scrappy as a Gaston punch dropped in front of goal.
Among the bodies Rudden was sharpest to poke the ball into the corner.
He said pre-season his target was 18 goals this season after notching nine last term.
He’s up and running now.
Dundee’s latest signing Joe Grayson was thrust straight into the action just a few days after arriving at the club.
With Shaun Byrne nursing a knock from last weekend and taking a place on the bench, the 23-yearold took up the midfield role in front of the defence.
He looked very comfortable in that position, composed under pressure in possession and showing a good range of passing.
On set-plays as well, Grayson was very much in the midst of the action. One misplaced pass at the start of the second half was quickly won back.
He looks like a good addition for manager Bowyer.
Just when Dundee were looking comfortable in the second half, a creak at the back cost them their lead.
A simple long ball was missed by Dee left-back Marshall and McKenna was in on goal.
He nicked it through Harry Sharp’s legs before the goalie brought him down to win the spot-kick.
Former Dee Low stepped up and made no mistake for the Red Lichties.
Another mistake let the visitors move level again as between them Marshall and substitute Robinson missed their headers from a corner to allow Hamilton to bundle the ball in on the goalline.
Robinson, though, would make up for that with a fine header in the closing stages as Dundee found the extra gear to get over their costly defensive lapses.