Dark Blues boss takes positives from salvage job
Jim Mcintyre last night insisted there are “better days ahead” after Dundee were held by Queen of the South.
Queens took a deserved lead at Dens Park through Stephen Dobbie and had three golden chances to dump their hosts out of the Scottish Cup.
But the Dark Blues held firm – and their manager saw enough, particularly from his January recruits, to suggest things are about to turn for his Premiership strugglers.
“The new signings coming off the bench gave us a spark,” said Mcintyre.
“Andrew Nelson is going to be a handful for people.
“He’s still raw, he’s still got to learn the game and how to play with a partner, but he’s got great attributes.
“Dalesy (Andy Dales) is somebody that can play on both sides and he also has an end product.
“You can see he’s a wee bit off the pace, he tired a bit, but he kept at it.
“So the positives were the introduction of the newer players, who all contributed, and there will be better days ahead for us in terms of the way we play.”
There will have to be if Dundee are to rescue their season.
The Dark Blues enjoyed plenty of second- half possession yesterday against their Championship opponents. But in terms of chances made, Queens were head and shoulders above their hosts.
Goal machine Dobbie was denied twice by Dark Blues keeper Seny Dieng, while Josh Todd was also foiled one-on-one before Cammy Kerr mopped up.
For Mcintyre, Queens’ ability was not a surprise.
“I thought Queen of the South were better than us ,” admitted Mcintyre.
“These Cup games are always difficult and so it proved again.
“I’m just glad we’re still in the Cup and have another shot to rectify that performance because it was short of what we’re looking for.
“We got back into the game in the second half and Jesse’s goal just before half- time was crucial.
“It was the first moment of quality we’d had–and that’ s frustrating.
“But let’s give Queen of the South a bit of credit.
“You know what it’s like when a Championship team comes to a Premiership club. They’re always up for a fight.
“They are also on a brilliant run of form.
“They’re in the play-off spots, they’ ve been scoring goals freely and they beat Ross County 4- 0 last week, who have just knocked Motherwell out of the Cup.
“So we weren’t facing a team you’re meant to steamroller. They have got good players.”