Mikael Mandron's first-half stunner sent St Mirren into the break ahead
Dundee extended their unbeaten start to the season to nine games by fighting back twice in an enthralling Scottish Premiership draw with St Mirren at Dens Park.
With no Luke McCowan in the home team following his late deadline-day move to Celtic, Tony Docherty's side still looked vibrant throughout but were ropey in defence during a gripping first half.
Toyosi Olusanya capitalised on Antonio Portales' hesitancy to give the visitors the lead, driving into the Dundee box and finishing from a tight angle.
But a similar error from Richard Taylor at the opposite end then allowed Curtis Main to loft in a delightful effort.
A chaotic 10-minute spell in the opening period ended with Mikael Mandron guiding in a stunning strike to restore the away side's advantage.
However, Docherty's men demonstrated the slick play they have been lauded for in the infancy of this campaign, when Lyall Cameron's superb reverse ball teed up Ziyad Larkeche to dispatch a composed finish.
That equaliser ultimately earned Dundee a draw, but it could have been more for the hosts as goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe bailed out a tiring St Mirren, denying Simon Murray with an excellent point-blank stop.
No McCowan? No problem for Dundee
Having contributed to 24 Dundee goals since the start of last season, there would have been natural concern within the Dundee fanbase when they saw pictures of their talisman McCowan holding a Celtic scarf above his head late on Friday.
But in Cameron, they have another diamond. The 21-year-old's delightful assist - one of two chances he created - showed how key he is to this exciting group.
Debutant Sammy Braybrooke, on loan from Leicester, can also be satisfied with his showing, looking composed on the ball while managing 15 final-third passes.
The big issue, however, is at the other end. Losing cheap goals was Dundee's Achilles heel last season, conceding 68 all in, and already this term they have shipped seven in four league games.
If Docherty can sort that, there is serious potential to be unlocked in this team.
No wins in six? No real concern for Buddies
Similar could be said of St Mirren, who are capable of causing any side problems, especially with Olusanya and Mandron in the form they showed first half.
Stephen Robinson's forward options look a bit light, though. Former Motherwell striker Kevin van Veen will help address that if he can get himself match fit and show the form that earned him a move to Groningen.
It is now no wins in six for the Paisley side, but back-to-back home games against Kilmarnock and Hearts after the international break gives them the chance to get points on the board.
Judging by their first-half display - and the way they ended the game at Dens - there is no need for any doom and gloom.
What they said
Dundee manager Tony Docherty: "I thought it was a very entertaining game. I'm pleased with the second-half response.
"It shows the spirit of my team, so late last night losing our captain, but it shows the real mentality and resilience I've got in there."
St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson: "I'm delighted with the point against a top-six side last season. We've led twice with two really well-taken goals.
"Disappointed we didn't hang on, but to come here and get a point, we're really pleased with it."
