Dundee 0 St.Mirren 2
St Mirren now sit top of the Scottish Premier League following a comfortable 2-0 win over newcomers Dundee. A screamer from Kenny McLean and a Sam Parkin finish saw off the Taysiders in a mediocre showing at Dens Park.
The visitors started marginally better than last week’s game against Inverness, however a failure to maintain regular possession resulted in a fair amount of frustration from the vocal travelling support. Dundee regulated St Mirren’s passing game by nipping closely at opposition heels. Numerous crosses in the early part of the game failed to trouble Rab Douglas in the Dundee goal. Chances were thin on the ground in the opening period. A hesitant Dougie Imrie wasted time and space with his effort, before a Steven Thompson drive sailed narrowly over the bar to amount to the number of chances created. A harsh booking for David Van Zanten for a push was not evened up by Crawford Allan when Imrie was fouled from behind on two separate occasions, resulting in zero punishment for the perpetrators.
A member of our party made a rather fair point that more excitement was savoured at the recent Olympic Dressage event than during this encounter. However one moment changed all that just minutes before the interval. Kenny McLean picked up possession at least 35 yards from goal. He picked his spot and sent an unstoppable swerving rocket high into the top right hand corner of the net. A truly sensational effort was well received by the grateful supporters.
Dundee failed to properly threaten in the first half, until Ryan Conroy wasn’t closed down which resulted in a thunderbolt from the edge of the box. The ball seemed destined for the top corner but instead cracked off the left hand post. After the game a Dundee supporter who witnessed the shot from the Main Stand claimed Craig Samson in fact diverted the effort onto the post. Despite the longevity of the opening 45 minutes there was no doubt that Saints were by far the better team. The defence were more composed and looked more dangerous going forward. However few chances were created; so it was no surprise that an early “Goal of the Season” candidate was all that separated the two sides.
The visitors started marginally better than last week’s game against Inverness, however a failure to maintain regular possession resulted in a fair amount of frustration from the vocal travelling support. Dundee regulated St Mirren’s passing game by nipping closely at opposition heels. Numerous crosses in the early part of the game failed to trouble Rab Douglas in the Dundee goal. Chances were thin on the ground in the opening period. A hesitant Dougie Imrie wasted time and space with his effort, before a Steven Thompson drive sailed narrowly over the bar to amount to the number of chances created. A harsh booking for David Van Zanten for a push was not evened up by Crawford Allan when Imrie was fouled from behind on two separate occasions, resulting in zero punishment for the perpetrators.
A member of our party made a rather fair point that more excitement was savoured at the recent Olympic Dressage event than during this encounter. However one moment changed all that just minutes before the interval. Kenny McLean picked up possession at least 35 yards from goal. He picked his spot and sent an unstoppable swerving rocket high into the top right hand corner of the net. A truly sensational effort was well received by the grateful supporters.
Dundee failed to properly threaten in the first half, until Ryan Conroy wasn’t closed down which resulted in a thunderbolt from the edge of the box. The ball seemed destined for the top corner but instead cracked off the left hand post. After the game a Dundee supporter who witnessed the shot from the Main Stand claimed Craig Samson in fact diverted the effort onto the post. Despite the longevity of the opening 45 minutes there was no doubt that Saints were by far the better team. The defence were more composed and looked more dangerous going forward. However few chances were created; so it was no surprise that an early “Goal of the Season” candidate was all that separated the two sides.
The Dark Blues looked hungrier in the second half. Former Morton winger Jim McAlister was Dundee’s most creative player and posed the visitors many problems indeed. It was lucky that the rest of his team mates did not match his quality. It was even luckier Samson was in fine form to deny McAlister from point blank range to prevent Dundee equalising. The Buddies looked slightly more composed themselves after the break. Imrie had improved from a disappointing first half to set up Saints’ second of the afternoon. His cross eluded Grassi and Benedictus in the Dundee defence, which allowed Parkin room the width of the Tay to take his time and slide the ball past Douglas for his first goal in the black and white.
Steven Thompson was booked for a bad challenge on Ian Davidson, which preceded a dangerous high-booted challenge a minute later. The big striker was perhaps lucky to stay on the park, so it was no surprise when he was sensibly substituted soon after.
Dundee thought they had forced their way back into the game via a Davidson rebound following another great save from Samson. However in a crushing blow to Dundee’s chances of a result the linesman had raised his flag for offside. Mark Stewart also failed to convert a number of glaring opportunities to give his side a fighting chance.
Saints pressed for a third however were foiled by a ruthless Dundee back line. Thomas Reilly’s introduction caused the hosts problems, and was unfortunate to be scythed down by Kyle Benedictus when clean through on goal. Crawford Allan, unsurprisingly, failed to award a foul. Dundee’s misery was compounded when former Buddie John Baird failed to convert a lob over Samson late in the game.
Overall Saints fans can be pleased with the result and the performance. However it doesn’t need to be said that there are still minor imperfections in the team, and a more clinical side would punish the poor passing displayed at points throughout the match. However a fully fit first choice squad will pose many problems in the coming season, so there is plenty of quality to ensure an improved league finish this season. Despite the euphoria associated with being top of the league, the result made for a very awkward car journey home with several Dundee supporters.
Comments
We still need a strong left back amd another big strong mid fielder.
I do like the two big strong forwards but they must not "lose control" and get sent off and suspended.
Other teams will see they are on a "short fuse" and try to get them sent off.
Lets keep things going this weekend against Hibs who somehow seem to be o bogey team for us.
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