Dundee crashed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ross County at the Highland Football Academy in Dingwall.

Just prior to the game manager Eddie Johnson lost the services of skipper Matty Allan and striker Josh Skelly due to illness. Calvin Colquhoun took over as captain.

The first half was a pretty even affair and the teams turned round at the break with the game still goalless.

However, two goals in the space of five minutes in the second period, both from defensive mistakes, meant there was no way back for the Dens youngsters.

The first came on the hour mark when Dundee’s defence switched off and allowed a cross into the box which was tapped in by the Staggies’ Kyle Macleod.

Just minutes later, a poor goalkeeping kick out saw the ball fall to County’s 35-times capped Lithuanian midfielder Darvydas Sernas, and he made no mistake from close in.

Dundee tried hard to get back into the game but couldn’t find a way through the home defence.

Eddie commented, “This is probably the youngest team we’ve fielded and Ross County had a little bit of experience in their side. The first half was pretty even, although play was scrappy on a bobbly pitch, but we held them for a good hour before committing two defensive errors which cost us the game.”

Debutant Ben Priest, signed recently from Wolves, came in for praise from the boss. “I thought he did really well,” said Eddie. “I was impressed by him and think he’ll be a real asset.”

FT: Ross County 2 Dundee 0

Dundee: Brodie, Lamond, Priest, Waddell, Sivewright, J Black, Colquhoun, Reid, Gemmell, Avolio, Cameron. Subs: C Black, McHardy, Gallacher, D Davidson.

Report: Jim Davie.