Dundee Utd 2-2 Dundee: Spirit delights boss Paul Hartley

Dundee manager Paul Hartley praised the determination of his side following an enthralling 2-2 draw with Dundee United.

Hartley's men came from two goals down to take a point, with James McPake levelling in stoppage time.

"Maybe last year we would've lost that game but we've found a great spirit amongst the players," Hartley said,

Meanwhile, United boss Jackie McNamara described double goalscorer Blair Spittal's performance as "fantastic".

The former Queen's Park midfielder showed neat footwork and fine finishing to put his side in command with two goals, before Greg Stewart pulled one back for Dundee.

"Fantastic two goals from Blair, he nearly had a couple more," said McNamara.

"I'm delighted with the youngsters, I thought they were excellent.

"I thought we were very comfortable at that point (2-0 up), maybe a wee bit naïve. We lost possession and he (Stewart) has worked it on to his left foot and got a fantastic goal to make it 2-1 and obviously it gives them something to try and get back on us.

"I thought it was a free-kick leading up to [McPake's goal]. I think Charlie [Telfer] has came out and stood on the ball but I thought [Gary] Harkins pushed him out the way.

"I don't think it's a great strike [by Harkins] and it's been followed in [by McPake] but that's football, sometimes it goes, sometimes it doesn't.

"The boys are gutted because of everything they put in but, in saying that, I thought they (Dundee) were the better side first half. Our young keeper's kept it at 0-0 in the first half.

Spittal scored twice in the Dundee derby

"Disappointed not to get the three points. I thought it was a fantastic game. We nearly go 3-1 up, it's a great save from [Scott] Bain off the bar [just before Dundee's second]. Naturally, disappointed not to win it at that stage."

Hartley echoed sentiments from previous game in saying Dundee must "be more ruthless in front of goal" and went on to highlight the impact of Stewart.

"He keeps doing it," said the Dens Park boss.

"It's consistent and that doesn't surprise me. We want to keep him. We don't need to sell any players.

"Greg's got ambitions - rightly so. Teams will be watching because, probably, he's been the leading player in the last year in the top flight.

"We want to keep him, we don't want to sell him.

"Credit to the players in coming back. Bain's save at 2-1 is just an outstanding save.

"We keep producing performances. Our three games have been full of goals. We should've scored more goals and had more points but still, it's been a solid start."

Hartley also revealed he had been sent to the stand following the late drama at Tannadice.

"The celebrations might have been over the top but it's the emotion of the game," he explained.

"You've got to play within the rules but I just couldn't help myself."

Dundee's players had walked to the home of their city rivals as a squad and Hartley added: "Happier walk up the road. I wouldn't have said that with 10 minutes to go."