Dundee exited the Premier Sports Cup after a narrow defeat to Rangers at Ibrox, with an early Steven Davis goal separating the sides.
Gary Bowyer’s men defended well throughout the contest but there was little goalmouth action at either end. Dundee offered a better attacking showing in the second period but couldn’t find a goal to take the tie to extra time.
The first chance of the match fell to Dundee with Josh Mulligan heading Luke McCowan’s cross onto the roof of the net.
There was little goalmouth action in the opening 10 minutes but when Rangers did finally get an effort on target they took the lead. Good play from former Dee Scott Wright saw him work space in the box before seeing his effort saved by Adam Legzdins. Steven Davis was first to react and headed home from in front of goal.
Two minutes later Wright fired home with a driven effort.
Dundee frustrated Rangers for large spells of the first half and managed to work a chance after good play. Jordan McGhee fired wide from the edge of the box when the opportunity arose.
Just after the half hour mark Legzdins was called into action, first saving from Alfredo Morelos who was slipped in then holding a James Tavernier effort.
With seconds to go in the half Dundee managed to work another effort, McCowan played into the feet of Mulligan who turned and fired over.
After very little goal mouth action in the first period the second half started with chances for both sides.
Yilmaz’s cross dropped under the bar and a combination of Legzdins then Sweeney had to be on hand to clear.
Dundee then broke up the park through Mulligan and when his pass to Robinson was cut out the ball fell for Grayson who curls wide from 25 yards.
There was a flashpoint just after the hour mark which saw the home side lucky to keep 11 men on the park. Kerr and Sakala clashed during a coming together with the Rangers man appearing to kick out at the Dundee defender. Referee WIllie Collum opted to book both players.
Dundee made a host of changes as they looked for a way back into the match and were generally far more adventurous in attack during the second period. Anderson, Rudden, Ashcroft and Osei all came on.
A good spell of pressure ended with a Derick Osei cross coming off the roof of the bar.
With 5 minutes remaining McGhee connected with a Kerr cross but headed over the top.
Dundee can be proud of their defensive efforts on a night when they weren’t expected to get anything from a difficult tie but the night was tinged with a bit of regret that attacking wise they could have done more to test the Rangers goal.
