The U20s drew 1-1 against Lochee United in their fourth preseason match of the summer. There was a debut for new signing Jordan Piggott in the heart of the Dees defence, and he was partnered by Kosta Gadzhalov, who continues his return from injury. Ian Smith’s header had the Dees in front after five minutes, but the striker saw his penalty before half time saved, as the hosts managed to grab an equaliser with 20 minutes remaining.
The Dees were dominating possession early on and opened the scoring after five minutes. Jesse Curran was given time and space on the right wing, and his cross was headed home from close range by Ian Smith.
The hosts were nearly level two minutes later, but a smart save by Kyle Gourlay kept Dundee in front. There was nothing the keeper could do about Grant Lawson’s curling effort after 25 minutes, but to the Dundee man’s relief, the ball clipped off the post and went behind.
Dundee should have added a second eight minutes before the break. A quick counterattack from a Lochee corner say the trialist find Curran, who only had the keeper to beat, but passed the ball agonisingly wide of the post.
Two minutes before the break, the Dees had an even better chance to extend their lead. The trialist was bundled over inside the area, resulting in the referee pointing to the penalty spot. Ian Smith stepped up, but saw his effort pushed away by the goalkeeper.
The second half saw both sides make several changes. Curran’s fierce drive rattled the crossbar 10 minutes after the restart.
With 71 minutes gone, Lochee United brought themselves level. Dundee failed to deal with a free kick, and Conner Birse managed to force the ball over the line.
The Dees went back on the offensive as Connor Coupe saw his low drive pushed onto the post by Mark Fotheringham, in what was the games last clear-cut chance.
Dundee (4-2-3-1): Gourlay, Dryden, Quigley (Hornyik 77), Piggott, Gadzhalov (Mooney 45), Berry (Moore 55), Coupe (Mulligan 72), Curran (Robertson 61), Trialist, I. Smith (Anderson 52), Rice
Subs Unused: Ferrie
Goal: I. Smith 5’
Report: Andrew Creegan
