Griffiths returns to Dens Park – but fails to break deadlock
Dundee boss James Mcpake insisted Leigh Griffiths will come good as they gear up for next Sunday’s derby showdown with Dundee United.
Mcpake watched on-loan Celtic star Griffiths get through his first 90 minutes since making the switch from Parkhead earlier in the week and only an inspired display from Livingston keeper Max Stryjek prevented the fans’ favourite from sealing a dream return to Dens.
The 31-year-old looked lively back in a Dark Blue jersey having already enjoyed a stint at Dens Park earlier in his career.
And Mcpake believes the former Hibs and Wolves striker is ready to hit top form again ahead of their much-awaited derby clash with the Tangerines at Tannadice.
Mcpake said: “I’ve known Leigh all my life. He’ll always carry a threat as he showed here.
“I’m delighted he got through the 90 minutes. It’s always a risk when he hasn’t done that for so long.
“That will have done him the world of good. He’s got a wee bit to go in terms of sharpness but we’ll work on that this week.
“I thought we created some clear-cut chances in the first half and their keeper made a really good save from Leigh after the break.
“But at this level, the players now realise if you create those kind of chances you have to take at least one of them. That’s what you must do when you’re on top.
“Of course, the first goal is massive in games. If we had got it, with the crowd behind us, we would have gone on to win the game but that’s all ifs and buts.
“In the Championship, you maybe get another four or five clear-cut chances but at this level it’s different.
“I love derby week. The whole city gets a buzz.”
Griffiths’ return had fans rolling up at Dens in the hope that the on-loan Celt could help them celebrate their first home Premiership win since coming up from the Championship.
The Dark Blues had gone down narrowly 1-0 at Motherwell before the international break, and faced lowly Livingston who arrived on Tayside having picked up just one point from their opening four league matches.
Livi boss David Martindale knew they had to get back to the form they showed last season, but they found themselves under the cosh early doors.
In 10 minutes, Dundee youngster Max Anderson saw his effort turned wide by Stryjek.
Then, 10 minutes later, Jordan Mcghee was bold enough to try his luck from 25-yards but could only blaze his effort high over the bar.
Livingston suffered a blow towards the half-hour mark when influential midfielder Craig Sibbald was stretchered off and replaced by Odin Bailey following a clash with Shaun Byrne.
Dundee kept on the front foot in search of an opener. Jordan Marshall whipped over one of his trademark crosses from the left.
Griffiths managed to get a flick on but couldn’t get enough on his header to direct it towards goal.
The second half started with the Taysiders still on top and Griffiths thought he’d broken the deadlock in 57 minutes.
Anderson set him free inside the box and his shot was deflected over Stryjek but the Livi keeper got back just in time to claw it round the post.
Griffiths was in the thick of the action again moments later when his cross found Luke Mccowan, but Stryjek held his header comfortably.
The home fans willed Griffiths on to produce a moment of magic in the dying stages, but there was no way past superb Stryjek.