Paul over with Mcmullan goal
Mcmullan (57) HAMILTON ACCIES 0
Dundee extended their Championship unbeaten run to a magnificent seven games with a narrow victory over struggling Hamilton at Dens.
Paul Mcmullan was the Dark Blues hero with the only goal of the contest in the second half to secure his side’s third win in a row.
Dundee are now just one point adrift of league leaders Ayr and a delighted Dens boss Gary Bowyer praised his players for their doggedness and determination.
The 51-year-old said: “It was a good win for us.
“We weren’t at our fluent best and Hamilton came with a game plan to frustrate us a little bit.
“But once we got our noses in front we showed a different side that was impressive in the sense of being dogged and the desire they showed to get over the line.”
Hamilton had chances and also hit the woodwork but they remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
However, Accies boss John Rankin insists things will turn.
The former midfielder said: “We can’t feel sorry for ourselves and we need to keep working.
“You can see from the players the effort levels are there.
“I am encouraged by the performance the same as I was against Ayr United last week.
“But, ultimately, we are paying the price for mistakes in our own penalty box.
“We need to roll our sleeves up and go again. We need to keep playing the way we are, creating those chances and it will turn.”
Dundee had the first opportunity after just 20 seconds as Cammy Kerr hit a drive that fizzed just past Hamilton keeper Ryan Fulton’s left-hand post.
The Dark Blues had another chance when Zach Robinson played a great flick on the halfway line into the path of Mcmullan who advanced on goal before hitting a low shot that was saved by Fulton. Hamilton had an even better opportunity on the halfhour mark when a Dario Zanatta cross from the left caused chaos in the Dundee box with Andrew Winter having a shot well saved by Lawlor with Jean Pierre Tiehi hitting the rebound off a defender before ref Graham Grainger blew for a free-kick for the home side.
The Dark Blues had the first opportunity of the second half when Mcmullan crossed from the right with Lee Ashcroft hitting a shot that was blocked on the Hamilton line.
Accies came storming back with Lawlor making a save at his near post from a Zanatta header.
However, the deadlock was finally broken in the 57th minute. Williamson played a superb ball down the left to sub Zak Rudden who hit a cutback to tee up Mcmullan for a tap-in.
Accies came agonisingly close to equalising when Reegan Mimnaugh struck a 25-yard shot that hit Lawlor’s bar and post.
DUNDEE:
Lawlor 7, Kerr 7, French 7, Sweeney 6, Mcghee 6, Byrne 7, Ashcroft 6, Robinson 6 (Osei 61 ,4), Mcmullan 8, Williamson 7 (Robertson 72, 4), Sheridan 5 (Rudden 45, 6). Unused subs – Legzdins, Sharp, Jakubiak, Mulligan, Mccowan, Cameron. HAMILTON ACCIES:
Fulton 6, Doyle 6, Shiels 6, O’reilly 6, Easton 6, Martin 6, Ryan 7, Zanatta 7, Tiehi 6 (L.smith 70 4), Mimnaugh 7, Winter 7 (One 70 4). Unused subs – J.smith, Brown, Owens, Mcginn, Newbury, Black, Morgan.