Match report: Dundee 1-1 Saints

Saints took the lead on 40 minutes when Makenzie Kirk sent a fine looping header beyond Trevor Carson and into the net.

However, Dundee made a quick response 3 minutes later as they levelled the match when Simon Murray headed home from close range.

Dundee came close to finding a winner during the second half as Scott Tiffoney hit the woodwork, whilst Andy Fisher produced a fine save in stoppage time tipping over a Lyall Cameron strike from 20 yards.

Saints are back in action a week on Monday as they take on Livingston in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup, kick off 7:45pm.  

MATCH REPORT

The games were coming thick and fast for Saints as headed to the City of Discovery this afternoon to take on Dundee at The Scot Foam Stadium at Dens Park for there third game in a week. There was one change to the starting eleven which defeated Ross County 1-0 on Wednesday evening as Barry Douglas came in to replace Jonathan Svedberg, who dropped to the bench. Dundee lost 2-1 at Motherwell in midweek and manager Tony Docherty made three changes to the side which started at Fir Park. Jon McCracken, Ryan Astley and Scott Tiffoney all dropped to the bench and they were replaced by Trevor Carson, Joe Shaughnessy and César Garza.  

Saints were shooting towards the large travelling support in the Bob Shankly Stand in the first half as Makenzie Kirk got the match underway. Saints created their first chance of the match on 11 minutes as Stephen Duke-McKenna sent over an inviting ball into the box which Kirk was inches away from connecting with as Trevor Carson gathered the ball.

On 18 minutes a good passing move by Saints saw the ball played out wide to the right to Sam Curtis and his delivery into the box was met by Adama Sidibeh however, he put his header wide of the target. Then 3 minutes later Saints were awarded a free kick out wide on the left wing after Duke-McKenna was fouled by Josh Mulligan. Barry Douglas took the free kick and his ball deep into the Dundee box was met by Daniels Balodis however, the header from the defender was comfortably gathered by Carson.

PHOTO: Stephen Duke-McKenna and Mo Sylla

Saints continued to create chances and on 23 minutes Sidibeh saw his effort deflected for a corner by Joe Shaughnessy. Then shortly after a dangerous ball into the box by Curtis was headed behind for another corner by Shaughnessy.

Saints were looking dangerous going forward and on 33 minutes Makenzie Kirk unleashed a strike from distance which was comfortably held by Carson. Then 3 minutes later a quick Saints break saw Drey Wright burst down the left channel before crossing the ball into the box however, Sidibeh couldn’t make a clean connection with the ball as Carson snuffed out the danger.

The pressure from Saints eventually told as they took the lead on 40 minutes. Sidibeh played the ball out wide to Curtis on the right and the Irishman sent over a delightful first-time cross into the box which was perfect for Kirk who sent a fine looping header over Carson and into the net to spark wild celebrations amongst the Saints fans in the Stand behind the goal.

PHOTO: Adama Sidibeh squanders a wonderful chance to score

However, Dundee made a swift response as they were level 3 minutes later. Aaron Donnelly’s long throw was flick on by Shaughnessy and Simon Murray headed home from close range at the back post.

On 57 minutes Kirk played the ball to Curtis however, he couldn’t find the target with his effort from distance.

Then just before the hour mark Dundee were awarded an indirect free kick 8 yards out after Andy Fisher had picked up a Douglas back pass. Lyall Cameron played the indirect free kick back to Murray who opted for power as his effort was blocked by the Saints wall and the loose ball broke to Shaughnessy on the edge of the box however, he blasted his effort over the crossbar.

PHOTO: Makenzie Kirk celebrates his goal

Saints then made a double change as Jonathan Svedberg and Graham Carey came on to replace Jason Holt and Makenzie Kirk.

A good passing move by Saints on 68 minutes saw Duke-McKenna play in Svedberg however, his strike was saved by Carson.

With 15 minutes remaining a deep corner from the right by Dee substitute Finlay Robertson picked out an unmarked Donnelly who unleashed a strike at goal which was saved by Fisher as he turned the ball behind for another corner.

PHOTO: Sven Sprangler and Simon Murray battle for possession

Dundee were creating the better chances during the second half and 2 minutes later a quick break by The Dee saw substitute Scott Tiffoney pick out Murray however, the forward curled his effort over the bar.

Saints then made another change as Nicky Clark came on to replace Adama Sidibeh.

Dundee came within inches of taking the lead with 8 minutes remaining as César Garza played in Tiffoney and the winger hit a curling shot which cannoned off the post. Then a minute later Murray cut the ball back to Tiffoney however this time he was unable to test Fisher as he put his effort over the bar.

PHOTO: Graham Carey and Aaron Donnelly

2 minutes were added on at the end and deep into stoppage time Fisher pulled off a brilliant save as he tipped a Cameron strike from 20 yards over for a corner as Saints saw the game out to secure a vital point on the road.

Dundee: Carson, Shaughnessy, McGhee, Mulligan (Reilly 72’), Cameron, Adewumi (Tiffoney 72’), Garza, Murray, Larkeche, Sylla (Robertson 45’), Donnelly

Unused Substitutes: McCracken (GK), Sharp (GK), Ingram, Astley, Samuels, López

Booked: Garza, Murray

Scorer: Murray (43’)

Saints: Fisher, Balodis, Mitchell, Holt (Svedberg 63’), Wright, Sidibeh (Clark 77’), Duke-McKenna, Sprangler, Kirk (Carey 63’), Douglas, Curtis

Unused Substitutes: Sinclair (GK), Steven, Smith, McPake, Watt, Franczak  

Booked: None

Scorer: Kirk (40’)

Referee: Steven McLean  

VAR: Kevin Clancy  

Attendance: 7,681

Match Report by Daryl Scott

Picture: Adama Sidibeh's shot is blocked by Joe Shaughnessy