Dundee’s youngsters faced their second game in just over 48 hours when they played Partick Thistle at Firhill and the pace certainly seemed to affect them as they struggled in the first 45 of this game.
Kevin McBride partnered Matty Allan at the centre of defence and his experience was sorely needed as the young Dees held out against a confident Thistle side.
Dundee couldn’t muster a single attempt on the home goal during the first half and had to rely on resolute defending to keep the home side at bay.
Thistle came close when Chris Dillon played a dangerous ball across the face of the Dundee goal which, fortunately for the Dens men, found no takers.
Dundee introduced John Black for Max Avolio at half time and the Dark Blues began to assert themselves, though they had to survive a close call when Dillon’s close-in shot was saved by Bain’s legs.
As the visitors came more into the game Craig Wighton made a strong run down the right and his cross into the box was just missed by the inrushing Lee Cameron.
Wighton then hit the side netting and Ryan Gemmell had a chance but, unfortunately, he hit his shot into the ground.
A good move involving Gemmell, Black and Wighton saw the striker turn and shoot for goal but keeper Marc Waters saved well.
A misplaced pass saw Thistle’s Kevin Nesbitt create his side’s best chance of the game when he turned and curled a shot just past Bain’s left hand post.
Cammy Kerr had to come to his side’s rescue when he blocked a Simon Colina shot but the Dark Blues were soon up the other end where they had strong claims for handball.
Seconds later, though, the visitors took the lead. Wighton raced into the box, turned and laid the ball back to Calvin Colquhoun. The midfielder’s shot crashed back off the post and was headed home from close range by Black.
Bain made sure of the win when he brilliantly saved from Dillon in the dying seconds.
Manager Eddie Johnson commented, “I’m absolutely delighted with the win. I asked the boys for a reaction from Sunday (v Dundee Utd). In the first half I was a little bit worried that we had a hangover from that game.
“I said at half time that we needed to show some heart and get ourselves back in the game. We changed formation which I thought changed the game for us. We got man for man in midfield and, at the end, grabbed the goal and got the victory, which was really pleasing.
“We brought on John Black and went three in midfield to match the three they had because they had caused us some problems in the first half.
“We defended excellently. Matty Allan and Kevin McBride I thought were outstanding. Barra was playing out of position at centre half but he’s experienced and knows the game well enough to play there. He was a credit to himself coming in and joining with the 20s and doing so well.
“Scott Bain really didn’t have too much to do throughout the game even though, in the first half, they had the majority of possession.”
Dundee: Bain, Kerr, Lamond, Allan, McBride, Gemmell, Cameron, Colquhoun, Skelly, Wighton, Avolio (J Black 46). Subs not used: Gourlay, Warwick, Cunningham.
Partick Th: Waters, McInally, Keenan, Hendry, Lindsay, Wilson, McDaid (Gallacher 86), Welsh (Colina 46), Nesbitt (McLaughlin 80), Leyden, Dillon. Subs not used: Basalaj, Docherty, McLaren.
Report: Jim Davie.
