Dundee can use St Mirren clash as a yardstickpublished at 11:31 8 November 2023
11:31 8 November 2023
Tyrone Smith, BBC Sport Scotland
To have a chance of succeeding in the Premiership you need character, grit and determination.
Dundee have showed they have all of the above.
But to really make your mark – you need that something extra, that bit of quality, that can unlock teams and make the difference in games.
Dundee have shown they also have that, with the likes Luke McCowan, Lyall Cameron and Owen Beck in their ranks.
Having played a third of their pre-split fixtures, Tony Docherty’s side are sixth in the table, just four points behind a St Mirren team who are flying high in third.
The Paisley Saints head to Dens Park this weekend and that is a game that Dundee can use as a real yardstick in terms of where they are at as a side, and where they can go.
Dundee fans will certainly believe there is no reason why the Dark Blues can’t replicate the success St Mirren are enjoying at the moment.
Maybe we will get an indication about how close they are to being able to do that on Saturday afternoon.
Docherty praises Boateng's composure - gossippublished at 10:30 8 November 2023
10:30 8 November 2023
Dundee manager Tony Docherty has hailed the "composure" of midfielder Malachi Boateng after his introduction off the bench helped his side to victory over Livingston. (The Courier), external
Read the rest of Wednesday's Scottish gossip here.
'I don't want to see pyro at Dens'published at 12:13 7 November 2023
It was very much a mixed week for the Dee just there.
A heavy defeat with all sorts of drama during the week with Rangers' visit but fortunately for us, we managed to bounce back with a victory against Livingston - our second against them in eight days.
The main talking point of the Rangers defeat wouldn't be the 5-0 scoreline, but rather the use of pyro from the away fans.
Pyro is something that I'm not too fond of myself so this may come across as a bit biased, but I don't think it's something that I want to see happening at Dens Park - from either home or away fans.
We are continually being told to embrace it and it should be used in a controlled manner and it will all be fine, but last week numerous pyro were set off at the same time in the main away stand and it managed to stop the game and set off fire alarms.
From now on, when people start telling me about using it in a controlled manner, they will have to back it up with what they think that is, because so far, no-one seems to know.
Also, I'm not a stickler for the rules but it's illegal to set off pyros in the stands of a football stadium.
Anyway, 5-0 to Rangers and a night to forget for Dundee. At least we managed to bounce back just a few days later against Livingston.
It was hardly the best of displays and it's clear as day that we are struggling to get the right mix up top - our strikers are struggling for goals which is a result of us being unable to create any real chances.
It's certainly a worry, but we are still managing to pick up points and it was an absolutely stunning free-kick from the main man Luke McCowan to secure victory.
The game itself was horrendous, but this was a real moment of magic and worthy of winning any match.
This game wasn't lacking for controversy either. Sean Kelly was sent off but VAR intervened and downgraded it to a yellow. It's been hotly debated, with many saying it was a red.
For me, he's wiped out the player and aye, it could have been and maybe should have stayed a red, but I initially thought it was a yellow and still think it was.
It goes without saying that my opinion has been received with widespread howling that I'm wrong.
'I do alright, aye,' admits McCowanpublished at 14:57 6 November 2023
14:57 6 November 2023
Tyrone Smith, BBC Sport Scotland
A modest Luke McCowan was delighted to deliver the goal - in rather spectacular fashion - that secured Dundee's win against Livingston and the ideal reaction to the midweek defeat to Rangers.
"I do alright, aye," he told BBC Scotland post-match. "I wish I scored more wee rubbish ones if I'm honest but no, it was a good goal.
"I work on that in training, me and a few of the other boys, so it's whoever takes the best ones during the week that gets to take it at the weekend.
"It was good range for me and thankfully it managed to go in."
'An ugly win is a win nonetheless'published at 10:45 6 November 2023
10:45 6 November 2023
We asked you for your thoughts following Dundee's 1-0 win against Livingston on Sunday.
Here's what you had to say:
Mark: These are the games that need to be won. Too many draws this season but probably the best defence we have had in years. Not always pretty but better to get results than try and play attractive football. Great result from a team that kept fighting to the end.
Doug: With the notable exception of the truly excellent goal, there wasn’t much of the beautiful game played by either side. Still, an ugly win is a win nonetheless.
Logan: The first half started slow both teams having chances, Zak Rudden being Zak Rudden, not the best but we still pushed. Referee was pretty poor, half-time came, boos all round the ground, second half started with counter-attacks and then the red card incident. My view, maybe, but the free kick brilliant and three points.
Boab: Half decent start to the season, a bit of luck here and there and we would have more points but can’t complain.
Dundee 1-0 Livingston: What did the manager say?published at 16:56 5 November 2023
16:56 5 November 2023
Dundee manager Tony Docherty: "I'm really pleased, particularly with that second-half performance.
"I thought the first-half we weren't taking care of the ball as much as we should have. Malachi's substitution at half-time, right from the get-go, brought control to the game.
"We used the ball well to exploit weak areas in Livingston and it was only a matter of time until we got the goal. To win a game with that type of goal is outstanding. Befitting of winning any game.
"It doesn't surprise me with Luke, he practises that everyday. I see him on the training ground so I'm just pleased he's getting his rewards for that. He's such a hard-working, conscientious player, like all the squad.
"I wasn't surprised the red card was rescinded, I haven't seen it but Sean Kelly is not that kind of player. Thankfully, it had no baring on the game.
"We displayed a real resilience, a togetherness - which doesn't surprise me. We shown that in abundance this season. The clean sheet is particularly pleasing.
"Huge credit to the players after a difficult night on Wednesday.
"I'm happy with the points tally. If I'm greedy, there could be more, but every manager could say that. There is no patting on the back now, though. We'll enjoy looking at the table tonight but we'll dust ourselves down and get ready for St Mirren next week."
Dundee 1-0 Livingston: Who impressed?published at 16:18 5 November 2023
16:18 5 November 2023
You always felt he would create something every time he was on the ball, and his goal was worth the admission money in itself.
Dundee 1-0 Livingston: Analysispublished at 16:16 5 November 2023
16:16 5 November 2023
Tyrone Smith, BBC Sport Scotland at Dens Park
Dundee manager Tony Docherty will he been very satisfied with the character his players showed to bounce back from their midweek thrashing at the hands of Rangers.
His side have plenty of character, but they also have plenty of quality too.
Several players in their ranks - McCowan, Beck and Cameron being the obvious picks - can open teams up and make the difference in tight encounters like this one.
Dundee are back in the top six, and with those qualities, you wouldn't bet against them staying there.
The season is still in its relative infancy, but that is now four defeats in a row for Livingston. In fact, they have won just one of their last nine league games.
Unsurprisingly, given those numbers, they remain precariously placed second bottom of the table.
And while there will be no panic stations just yet, the West Lothian side know they must somehow turn that form around, otherwise it is going to be a very long season.
Tiffoney 'picked up a knock'published at 13:39 5 November 2023
13:39 5 November 2023
Dundee manager Tony Docherty confirmed pre-match that Scott Tiffoney picked up a little knock in training yesterday, which has ruled him out of the game today against Livingston.