Dundee 3
Ayr United 2
League Cup (Semi Final 2nd Leg)

Match Report

Dundee covered themselves in mud and glory at Dens Park last night as they fought back magnificently to reach the final of the League Cup.

This was a remarkable match of ups and downs, Dundee certainly looked down and out for a second half spell when they trailed by 2-1, but they simply refused to be beaten, and amid red hot excitement grabbed the winning goal just four minutes from time.

Not a classic match, it couldn't be in the difficult conditions, but all credit to both teams, especially for their second half efforts.

Credit especially to Dundee, who suffered a double injury blow just before the interval when they lost MacLaren and Schaedler when they collided.

After a quiet opening, the second half just exploded. Dundee took the lead through Billy Williamson, lost a bad equaliser, and then found themselves behind when Ayr had their best spell of the game.

But glory goals from Fraser and Sinclair again sent the home fans into raptures. There was a standing ovation for the home team at the final whistle and the players went to the top enclosure to pay tribute for the marvellous support they received all night.

So it's an all Dundee final on December 6 and a lot more excitement to come.

Dundee decided not to include new signing Andy Geddes. They made two changes from the team which started off at Falkirk on Saturday-McGeachie and Murphy for Barr and Mackie.

Ayr had travel trouble and arrived at the ground only 25 minutes before kick-off time.

Both teams took time to settle to the heavy conditions. The saturated pitch started to cut up from the first whistle.

There wasn't a real threat at either end in the opening ten minutes. Dundee were certainly more aggressive but made the first slip-up when a Glennie pass back went astray. Frye fastened on and his cross was scrambled away for a corner kick.

Sinclair put in Dundee's opening shot in 16 minutes, the ball being deflected past the post. The corner kick brought a skirmish in the Ayr goalmouth, and another shot from Williamson was saved at the post by Rennie.

Still this tie hadn't warmed up, with a well organised Ayr team seemingly content to let Dundee do most of the running.

They paid the penalty in 22 minutes when the home side went ahead with a fine goal.

It started with Sinclair run ning through the defence, then flicking the perfect pass to the feet of Williamson.

Billy's low shot was a winner all the way and the home fans went wild with joy.

Ayr had to get cracking now in attack, but a couple of weak shots from Frye gave Geddes no problems.

Dundee still looked more dangerous and young Stephen had a brave run before being crowded out.

The picture changed when a panicky home defence had a series of amazing let-offs in 34 minutes. First Morris headed off the face of the bar from a Connor cross.

Before the ball was finally cleared, two close in shots were blocked and Ayr were justified in cursing their luck. Two minutes later, with Dundee's defence again caught out, the visitors did get the equaliser. This time an attempted Schaedler clearance stuck in the mud and went only a few yards to Christie who had the simple task of shooting past Geddes.

This was complete transformation. Ayr were now full of running and confidence, with Dundee trying desperately to pull themselves together.

The rain had ceased but fog was rolling in as Fraser, off balance, got in a shot for the home side but was well off target.

The final drama of the first half came in 43 minutes when two Dundee players had to leave the field injured, after a clash of heads. MacLaren went off on a stretcher, and Schaedler staggering. Mackie and Barr came on as substitutes.

It was still everything to play for as Dundee set off "down hill" for the second half.

But Ayr had an early chance, McColl shooting a yard wide. Armour followed with another effort not far off the mark.

The visitors were putting much more bite into their play and Geddes required two at tempts to hold a high cross from Nicol.

Frye, in fact "scored" soon after, but was clearly offside. Dundee, still upset by these injuries, had lost the initiative at this stage. Fraser almost put that right in 55 minutes with a fierce low shot from 20 yards which whistled past the foot of Rennie's post. McGeachie was booked for a tackle on Nicol but much worse was to hit Dundee just afterwards.

In 58 minutes the ball came out of defence to McColl. He quickly sent a low skidding shot into the corner of the net past Geddes and Ayr were in front.

Desperate now, Dundee piled into attack after attack. In a frenzied scene in front of Rennie, Shirra saw a shot deflected past when an equaliser looked certain.

Despite strong home pressure and some desperate and fortunate clearances the minutes were ticking away for Dundee. Some of their play was too desperate as well.

But again the game took a dramatic turn, and Fraser, after a wild shot just before, this time made no mistake.

He was coolness personified as he saw his first shot blocked, but gathered the rebound to shoot low past Rennie for the equaliser.

Amid burning excitement Dundee went all out for the winner with tremendous vocal support. A Sinclair header was deflected over the bar when a goal looked certain.

Ayr had sagged badly, and they brought on Love for Armour.

It was nearly an own goal winner seven minutes from time when Fleeting headed a Mackie cross off his own bar.

But the way Dundee were dominating now that goal had to come. Sinclair did the trick in 86 minutes with an accurate shot from a Stephen pass. The scenes of jubilation were almost over powering.

A shattered Ayr suffered a late booking, Frye being the culprit.

Match report written by The Courier