TheT basement boys both raise their game
dundee 1 st mirren 1
Dundee and St Mirren have deservedly sunk to the bottom of the Premiership.
But the basement boys raised their game to fight out an entertaining, if ultimately dissatisfying, draw at Dens Park.
A controversial Simeon Jackson penalty saw Saints take the lead 20 minutes in.
But in the aftermath, the home side rallied and found a leveller through Kenny Miller.
Jim Mcintyre’s men, having finally scored the first goal of their new manager’s reign, looked the more likely to claim a winner in the aftermath.
But as the game wore on – and the tension mounted – both sides lost whatever fluency they had.
Ultimately, it finished as it had started; with the teams separated by a single point at the foot of the table – and neither manager in possession of a single victory since taking charge.
For Mcintyre, it was a frustrating end to an afternoon that had also offered signs of hope.
“For what we put into the game we deserved to win the match,” said the Dundee boss.
“We had the stronger chances and I’m just disappointed we couldn’t find the net a couple more times.
“I’m delighted with the effort in terms of what they gave us.
“But I’ve watched it back and for me (St Mirren’s penalty) was not a penalty.
“Definitely not. It’s very soft so that is disappointing but the reaction of the players was great because it would have been very easy to feel sorry for ourselves.
“I just highlight it. It’s not a penalty but the referee has given it and the most important thing was my players’ response.”
With both sides matched at 4-4-2 upon kick-off, there seemed little likelihood of tactical superiority from either.
Never mind finesse, forget about magic. Neither Dundee nor St Mirren ended up at the bottom of the Premiership because of an abundance of stardust.
This was a game that needed a momentary lapse in concentration to crack it open – and Bobby Madden provided it 20 minutes in.
Cammy Kerr, so hardworking, so resilient, was the whistler’s unfortunate victim
The Dee full-back tracked Saints hit man Simeon Jackson into the box and appeared to do little more than stand his ground as Jackson plummeted to the deck.
Madden didn’t hesitate in pointing to the spot – and Jackson, assisted by the underside of the crossbar, slammed St Mirren into the lead.
So far, so farcical.
But as the injustice bubbled around the home stands the atmosphere rose – and Dundee answered.
With the Dark Blue masses in full voice, Kenny Miller popped up at the back post to send them wild with a terrific equaliser.
It was the first goal of his Dundee career – and the least his team deserved.
With St Mirren cowed, the home side set out after number two.
Yet hunger does different things to different people.
It makes some of us sharper and more focused.
It makes other sloppy and desperate.
As the second half went on, each side took a turn in each role.
At the close, Saints looked the happier of the sides with their point,
In the end, there was no glory in the outcome.
Rather, a saddening signifier of how far expectations have fallen at both clubs. dundee:
Hamilton 6, Kerr 6, Kusunga 6, O’dea 6, Ralph 6, Curran 7, Woods 6, Kamara 7, C Miller 6, (Nabi 64, 4) Kallman 6, (Moussa 72,4); K Miller 7, (Mcgowan 77,4). Unused subs; Parish (GK); Inniss, Spence, Lambert. st mirren:
Samson 7, Hodson 6, Jones 6, Ferdinand 7, Erhahon 6, (Smith 82,4); P Mcginn 6, Mcshane 5, (S Mcginn 61,4); Magennis 6, Edwards 6, Jackson 6, Hammill 6,(Mullen 66,4). Unused subs; Rogers (GK), Baird, Cooke
star man
Dundee’s
exemplified the home side’s will to win. He never stopped looking for the ball down the right flank and gave his full back a torrid afternoon.
Curran
Jesse
@Fraser_92