Bain wonder save rescues Dundee as the
MARCUS Haber missed a second-half sitter for Dundee and then had his goalkeeper Scott Bain to thank as the Dens Park No1 produced a stunning stop in the closing minutes to deny Ross County’s Alex Schalk.
A point apiece was just about the right result. However, on the balance of play, if you were forced to choose a winner then Ross County would get the nod in a game that lacked quality but in which chances were created.
What was clear was that nerves may already be setting in for some players as things are so tight at the bottom end of the Ladbrokes Premiership table.
County stretched their unbeaten run to five games and stay in seventh place. Dundee, meanwhile, finished yesterday in the same position as they started out — in 10th and a point behind the Highlanders.
As it stands, just four points separate the bottom seven clubs.
Ross County took control of the game from the first whistle and they should have been ahead after just three minutes. Andrew Davies had a all the time to pick his spot with a volley from 12 yards out, but he did not get enough power behind his effort and it became a routine save for Bain.
Opposite number Scott Fox was tested by a Craig Wighton effort in the early stages.
Dens skipper Darren O’Dea defended stoutly when he was called upon, and his centrehalf partner Kevin Gomis was also solid.
In the closing stages of the first half, Dundee got more into their attacking rhythm. Tom Hateley whipped in a couple of decent crosses but the strikers could not take advantage.
That said, Ross County defended well and always had plenty of bodies behind the ball when required. They knew they had be on their toes to nullify the threat of Dundee’s potent partnership of Haber and Wighton.
County striker Liam Boyce put the ball in the back of the net with a header from 12 yards out in the 47th minute, but referee Euan Anderson ruled it out as he felt there had been a shove on O’Dea.
Craig Curran then came close with a rasping 20-yard drive.
The ding-dong nature of the game continued and the impressive Wighton’s dipping volley from the edge of the penalty area was just inches wide.
The best chance of the game came in the 75th minute when Haber had the full goalmouth in his sights and looked a cert to score after
taking a brilliant first touch to set up a fine angle for himself. But, from just 14 yards out, he managed to blast wide of the target.
Bain then produced the save of the game with 12 minutes remaining when he flew to his left-hand side to fingertip Schalk’s diving header from 10 yards away for a corner-kick.
Davies came close in stoppage time with a header but it was just inches past a post.
Afterwards, Dundee manager Paul Hartley said: ‘It was a frantic game. Marcus Haber should score and then Scott Bain makes a magnificent save.
‘It’s good to keep another clean sheet and secure a point.’
Ross County manager Jim McIntyre said: ‘I thought we deserved to win.
‘We created the more clear-cut chances. I’m disappointed not be leaving here with three points.’