Dundee 1
Raith Rovers 2
League Cup (Group 2)

Match Report

A dissappointing result for Dundee, although it may be rash to place too much importance on an opening fixture.

On the other hand if Dundee can show as much progress through the season as they did from the 27th minute onward then Dundee boss Donald Mackay will have reason to be confident.

The opening 26 minutes, however, were a nightmare for the home club and against Premier League opposition they would assuredly have been in sorry straits indeed. As it was, Raith could have been at least three goals ahead in this period.

It was no surprise when they went ahead after some aggressive play from full back Chris Candlish.

His cross from the left found an unmarked Bobby Russell 12 yards out. The centre's well-directed header gave Geddes no chance what so ever, but the question must be asked-just where were Dundee's defenders?

A few minutes later Raith could have so easily been two up. Only a brilliant diving save by Geddes for a corner saved the day.

And almost, immediately after wards Geddes was in the middle of desperate action once again, this time to stop a Mitchell effort.

Dundee lost Eric Sinclair with an ankle injury after 19 minutes. Raith continued to rip Dundee's defence apart, but simply could not press home their territorial advantage. Then, after Steel was booked for a foul on Stephen, Dundee drew level with a fine goal.

Newcomer Albert Kidd gained much of the credit. He sent over a tremendous cross which eluded Raith defenders, was flicked on by Stephen, and found Ian Fleming at the ready three yards out.

Five successive corners came Dundee's way in quick succession near the interval but found no takers. Stephen was unlucky. though, when his header from a Murphy floater went inches over the bar.

Dundee continued to set the pace on the resumption without causing any undue trouble to former youth international 'keeper Tommy Walker.

Then all against the run of play Raith went ahead with a goal with tragedy written all over it as far as Dundee were concerned. Home 'keeper Bobby Geddes after almost a year's absence with an injury problem, failed to hold a fine shot from Russell. The Raith centre was quick to say" thank you" when he ran on to it and tapped the ball into the net.

On their early form in this game Raith took a good bet in the First Division. Russell, although booked, was their number one. Also booked were Steen Raiths and Fleming of Dundee.

Match report written by The Sunday Post