Dundee

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

I travelled up the Highlands with high hopes, but ended up witnessing Dundee's first defeat of the season.

It felt all too familiar, reminding me of the derby last month with another terrible start. Once again the right substitutions were made, but this time there was no comeback. It was all too little, too late.

We're continuing to leak cheap goals, and it's infuriating when simple defensive discipline is missing. These lapses overshadow all the hard work and effort on the pitch, ultimately costing us the result.

Creativity was severely lacking, we didn't cause enough problems in the final third. To be honest, Ross County goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw could've set up a hammock in the goalmouth, taken a nap for the entire match, and still woken up with a clean sheet!

On the positive side, Josh Mulligan and substitute Oluwaseun Adewumi stood out. Both were direct and eager to get involved all across the pitch, showing the kind of energy we needed more of.

Tony Docherty has revealed the head of referee operations, Willie Collum, personally called to apologise for the officials' failure to award us a penalty for a Kacper Lopata challenge on Simon Murray. The incident occurred early in the second half, and it could have changed the game.

I'm flabbergasted that such decisions aren’t resolved correctly under VAR. How can I, and many others, spot the foul live, yet the paid professionals at the monitor fail to get it right? There's no excuse.

On the other hand, County looked like everything we weren't. Sharp, organised, and ready for the challenge in front of them.

We were renowned for our strong responses to disappointing results last season, and now it's time to see if that still holds true.

Next up is the League Cup quarter-final. It's a total free hit, with the pressure off, so we can go to Ibrox and play without fear.

We asked for your views on Dundee's 2-0 defeat against Ross County.

Here's what some of you said:

Kevin: Lots of praise for the manager since he took over, probably the best one for years, but finding it hard to understand his selection. Jordan McGhee has been our most consistent performer, yet he drops him to the bench, no idea why.

Gary: A frustrating day for Dundee. These are the games where we should be picking up points. The team selection was confusing again, dropping McGhee was a mistake, clearly. He gives us that steely side and an experienced head, like what we need in defence. Josh Mulligan finally getting a start is great, he'll run all day but it's often unnoticed.

Phil: Well it's just what I expected. Without the talisman Luke McCowan our midfield will struggle. It is going to be a long season for us if this is any indication. Sorry but this should never have happened. I love Tony Docherty but he has got to get in a central defender and right back, namely Calum Butcher and maybe Charles Dunne, before it's too late!

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• Ross County have managed to keep a clean sheet in two of their first five Premiership games - only Celtic have a better record this season.

• Dundee attempted just eight shots in this game, which is their lowest total in a single match this season.

Ross County comfortably dispatched Dundee to pick up their first Scottish Premiership victory of the season.

Akil Wright opened the scoring early on when he towered above visiting full-back Ethan Ingram to turn in Noah Chilvers’ corner.

Ingram was at fault once more when he recklessly hauled down Jordan White in the penalty area, allowing the County forward to convert from the spot right on half-time.

A quiet period followed the restart until an arrowed strike from White hurtled towards the top corner of Dundee’s goal. A fantastic, outstretched stop from McCracken kept Dundee within reach.

An even final half-hour played out at the Global Energy Stadium, with Dundee’s desperation exemplified by two long-range Billy Koumetio efforts that failed to effectively test County ‘keeper Ross Laidlaw.

County rise to ninth in the table, while Dundee drop to seventh-place following their first loss of the season in all competitions.

Dundee fans, give us your thoughts here.

Image source, SNS

Tony Docherty tells BBC Scotland: "It was a disappointing afternoon. I thought the conditions really contributed to that. I think whoever had the wind in the first half had the advantage. Ross County played the conditions better than us, they had the wind behind their backs in the first half.

"They score from their first corner, which is poor from us and uncharacteristic. I wanted us to play with the ball on the floor and we got a goal from that, though it was offside. I would have liked to have seen a little more of that from the team.

"We lose that second goal. And I’ve got to question it. It is a VAR intervention and nobody on the pitch claimed for it. Ethan Ingram goes up and wins the header. He does grab Jordan White but does that affect the play or what happens?

"I’m an advocate of VAR but I think that was the wrong decision today. I’m disappointed but I have to be fair to the players, those performances are few and far between.

"It doesn’t need to happen. The referee has seen it, he’s smelled it. Someone in the VAR room has brought it back. I don’t think it’s a penalty. I’ve spoken to some opponents who also don’t think it’s a penalty. It’s a poor decision. But I won’t make that an excuse for our performance today that ends our unbeaten run. We will come back fighting again."

Cam Wanstall
BBC Sport Scotland

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Tony Docherty's formerly unbeaten side struggled in every department.

Much could be made of Luke McCowan's absence as he concurrently made his mark at Celtic Park versus Hearts, but the defeat can not be chalked up to one player's departure.

Other than goalkeeper McCracken, it is difficult to pick out a Dundee player who appeared either a threat in attack or entirely solid in defence.

Jordan McGhee impressed following his necessary introduction at half-time for Ingram - who was culpable for both goals - while Murray remained a goal threat despite often feeling like a lone striker at times due to his multiple partner's struggles.

The game largely came down to the midfield battle and Dundee were bested by the energetic trio of Randall, Chilvers and Joshua Nisbet and failed to get a foothold for any period.

Image source, SNS

Tony Docherty opts to make three changes to the Dundee side that drew 2-2 with St Mirren two weeks ago.

Ethan Ingram, Josh Mulligan and Seb Palmer-Houlden all start, as Jordan McGhee, Sammy Braybrooke and Curtis Main drop to the bench in their places.

Charlie Reilly and Clark Robertson - who are both back in full training - do not make the squad, while Joe Shaughnessy remains out (ruptured ACL).

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Ross County: Laidlaw, Brown, Wright, Lopata, Campbell, Harmon, Randall, Nisbet, Chilvers, Hale, White.

Substitutes: Hamilton, Leak, Allardice, Loturi, Grieves, Denholm, Efete, Samuel, Brophy.

Dundee: McCracken, Ingram, Portales, Koumetio, Larkecke, Sylla, Mulligan, Cameron, Tiffoney, Palmer-Houlden, Murray.

Substitutes: Carson, Astley, McGhee, Main, Adewumi, F Robertson, Braybrooke, Graham, Vetro.

Image source, SNS

Ross County defender Will Nightingale is doubtful while Ricki Lamie (Achilles) is still out. Max Sheaf is back in full training and closing in on a return after a lengthy lay-off with a thigh problem.

Dundee pair Charlie Reilly and Clark Robertson are back in full training after being sidelined since July, although neither are likely to feature this weekend. Joe Shaughnessy is "ahead of schedule" in his recovery from a ruptured ACL.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee winger Scott Tiffoney says the squad "all need to step up" to replace talisman Luke McCowan.

Midfielder McCowan swapped Dens Park for Celtic Park on the last day of the summer transfer window.

Tiffoney said the 26-year-old "was a big character" but the squad "have got plenty more of them" in the dressing room.

"I think everybody needs to take [the responsibility] on their shoulders," Tiffoney added.

"Luke was a great player for us last season and into this season and now it is time for somebody else to step up and take his place."

Dundee will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they travel to Ross County in the Premiership on Saturday.

Despite their impressive form, Tiffoney feels the best could be yet to come.

"We are quite a fresh squad at the minute," he said. "We are still all getting to know each other and once the next few weeks come, I think you will see that.

"We are undefeated so far and I feel like our performances in each game have been really good and it is just looking to build on that now."

Scott Fraser remains a target for Dundee to fill the gap left by Luke McCowan’s departure but the free agent midfielder has other offers to consider. (Courier), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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• Ross County have a greater win rate in the Scottish Premiership against Dundee than any other opponent (47.8% - 11/23), though are winless in their last three league meetings with the Dark Blues (D1 L2).

• Dundee have won their last two league games against Ross County without conceding, never winning three top-flight matches in a row versus the Staggies before.

• Ross County have failed to win each of their opening four matches of a top-flight season (D2 L2) for just a third time, after 2014-15 (first 7) and 2021-22 (10).

• Dundee have only won one of their last 10 Scottish Premiership away games (S4 L5), beating St Johnstone 2-1 in March last season.

• Ross County have recorded just 40 shots in total so far this season in the Scottish Premiership, with only St Mirren having fewer (36).

Image source, SNS

Dundee manager Tony Docherty believes Jon McCracken's recent Scotland call-up should be "a huge motivational factor" for the rest of his squad.

The goalkeeper was in the senior set-up for the Nations League double-header with Poland and Portugal last week.

And Docherty believes the inclusion of the 24-year-old can only be a good thing for his players at Dens Park.

"The conversation I had with Jon in the summer was all about if he shows consistency of performance then he could get international recognition," the Dundee boss revealed.

"The same applies with Josh [Mulligan] and Lyall [Cameron], they are doing really well with the Scotland Under-21s, but it is their club performances that will get them into the international scene.

"It acts as a huge motivational factor for the rest in the squad to say: 'I want to be there as well'. It is great that players will come to Dundee now and look at that."

Docherty also praised the leadership qualities of Simon Murray, who will wear the captain's armband following Luke McCowan's exit to Celtic.

Having led the team against St Mirren just before the international break, he will do the same again when they travel to play the club he left in the summer, Ross County, in the Premiership this weekend.

"[Murray] loves his job, he loves Dundee and he brings that real enthusiasm," Docherty added. "He is a leader, like all the senior ones I bring in, they don't accept anybody slacking off in training.

"So there is a real responsibility I think he likes having. He is very highly respected from the players as well.

"I feel as if I am lucky in that situation, Joe Shaughnessy [who is injured] is the club captain, but I have got Trevor Carson, Curtis Main, Jordan McGhee - really good experienced pros who help the younger players."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee manager Tony Docherty has been speaking to the media prior to Saturday’s Premiership trip to Ross County.

Here are the key lines:

• On goalkeeper Jon McCracken’s Scotland call-up for the recent Nations League games, Docherty said it is "a huge motivational factor" for the rest of his squad.

• Docherty says Simon Murray, who will take the captain's armband from Luke McCowan, is "a leader" who thrives on responsibility.

• He is expecting a tough game at Ross County but points out "we are in good form" and has highlighted the importance of staying focussed, adding there is a fine line between confidence and complacency.

• Docherty has praised Willie Collum for better communication since he was appointed the SFA's head of referees, saying it should only benefit the Scottish game.

• The Dundee boss wouldn’t give a timescale on when Joe Shaughnessy will be back but said the centre-back is "ahead of schedule".

• Team news: Charlie Reilly and Clark Robertson are close to returning, but this weekend's game is likely to be too soon.

Image source, SNS

Dundee United should have been awarded a penalty in their 2-2 draw with Dundee on the Premiership opening day, Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum has conceded.

Collum highlights eight controversial incidents in The VAR Review, a new monthly show on the Scottish FA's YouTube channel.

Of those eight, the other major decision Collum concluded was wrong was Celtic being denied a spot-kick in their 4-0 win over Kilmarnock.

But Collum, who assumed the role during the summer, said he was "content with the start we've made".

Dundee Utd 2-2 Dundee, 4 August

United's claims for a penalty were denied by referee David Dickinson after the ball struck the arm of Dundee defender Luke Graham.

"This was a missed handball," Collum said. "The ball firstly travels from distance, from a corner kick.

"The Dundee player, when he jumps, his arm is in an unnatural position and he's not jostling with an opponent."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Jon McCracken's Scotland call-up for the Nations League double-header was significant on a couple of levels.

Obviously, it was a huge moment for the player himself. While he didn't feature in the games against Poland and Portugal, just being part of the squad will have been special for the goalkeeper who has five Scotland Under-17 caps to his name.

But the 24-year-old's selection was important for Dundee as a club.

They have been well represented at Under-21 level in recent times, but McCracken's inclusion will show every Dundee player - or prospective signing - that if they impress at Dens Park, there is no reason why their international dreams can't come true.

The Dark Blues have been performing well of late, so it should come as no surprise they have players knocking on the national team door.

Prior to his move to Celtic, Luke McCowan had been touted for possible inclusion and if Under-21 pair Lyall Cameron and Josh Mulligan continue their excellent progress, the same will surely happen to them in the years to come.

Tony Docherty will be delighted to know his players are catching the eye of those running the national set-up, and he will be hoping it can act as a further incentive to all his Scottish players to keep performing to a high standard.

If they do, Docherty will be confident his unbeaten side can pick up where they left off when they resume domestic action against Ross County on Saturday.

Image source, SNS

Dundee sit sixth in the Scottish Premiership having won one and drawn three of their four league games this season, but that perhaps doesn't do their performances justice.

While Tony Docherty might be frustrated his side haven't won more, they are unbeaten to date and have managed to find the back of the net nine times, with only Celtic scoring more league goals so far.

They are also outperforming their xG of 6.49, implying a high level of finishing, and have the highest shot conversion rate in the league.

They have had six different goalscorers - again, only Celtic have more. They also have the second-youngest squad in the division with Lyall Cameron high in the charts for chances created with eight.

While things look good for Dundee in an attacking sense, a slight concern is the seven goals they have conceded.

Ziyad Larkeche and Mo Sylla have the joint-most tackles in the league (20) - implying they are kept busy in defence - while Sylla is third in the table for interceptions.

BBC Sport Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your questions.

Derek asked: What are your thoughts on Simon Murray's career journey, from playing in the juniors with Downfield, Tayport and, briefly, Violet, to captaining Dundee a decade later?

Tom answered: I think the world of him, Derek. He is the epitome of the good pro, a guy who works his backside off every single time he goes on the pitch. His goal tally last season in a very poor Ross County side was outrageous and he's already on six this season.

He looks like a guy who loves what he's doing and gives it absolutely everything. He's had plenty of low points in his career, but he keeps fighting back. At the age of 31 and then 32 he's just had his best ever season. He’s an absolutely brilliant signing, as much off the pitch as on the pitch, I'd guess.

Lindsay asked: Tom, how does a non-Old Firm club, Dundee for example, build a sustainable financial model which allows us to compete salary and performance wise without continually having to sell our best players to the Old Firm? This inhibits competition and development in our domestic game.

Tom answered: Hi Lindsay, I don't see any way how Dundee can hold on to their biggest talents (Luke McCowan for instance) while also keeping an in-demand player happy and running a sustainable financial model at the same time. It’s impossible.

The footballing food chain means that if the Old Firm want one of your players, and have the money to spend, then they're going to get them. The same goes for rich English clubs going after Celtic players. It’s just the way it is. Terrible for competition in Scotland, but it’s not going to change. The financial security of your club is the biggest priority in all of this.

Prize money and TV cash isn't great here, as we know, so building a really healthy financial model is predicated on developing players and then selling them on. We can only hope that having bought McCowan, Celtic now give him plenty of game-time, or else it's a waste of talent.

BBC Sport Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your questions.

Gary asked: What do you think is the Doc's biggest managerial improvement on last season, and what do you think he still needs to work on? (For me the timing/tactics of substitutions generally needs to improve).

Tom answered: Hi Gary. The standout for me is how much more efficient they are in attack. Their goals tally in the league last season was okay, but they seem to have gone up a level. Only Celtic have scored more league goals so far, which is quite a thing. Dundee have also scored a million in the League Cup. The goals have been nicely spread around as well and they look a more dangerous team.

From memory, Dundee dropped a stack of points very late in games last season. The early signs - admittedly, very early - are that they've reversed that. They've scored a few late-ish ones to grab a point, which is a major plus if they can keep that going.

I haven't really noticed any real issue with the timing of substitutions but you'll be closer to it than me. Obviously, the big challenge now is how to replace Luke McCowan. That trio of McCowan, Cameron and Sylla have been absolutely terrific. Looking forward to seeing what Tony Doc does on that front.

George asked: Who is going to replace Luke McCowan?

Tom answered: It's the burning question, George. Young Sammy Braybrooke, on loan from Leicester, played last weekend but he's only 20 and when he was replaced, Josh Mulligan came on, who's only 21. You don’t get too many Luke McCowan types knocking around the place.

This looks like a change of shape is required to compensate for McCowan's loss because you don't have anybody who can do the things he can do to the same quality.

I've been looking back at the various formations Tony Doc has used this season. He has some versatility in his squad and I'm really interested to see how he sets up the team from now on.

Dundee manager Tony Docherty says Luke McCowan has the mentality to shine at Celtic and the 26-year-old will not just be going to fill a jersey after the Scottish midfielder's summer switch from Dens Park. (Daily Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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