Dundee 0
Hibernian 3
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Dundee have now won only five points out of a possible 16 at Dens Park and the latest two disappearing when Hibs left Dens on Saturday with a 3-0 win tucked away.

At the end of the game Hibs manager Pat Stanton reflected pleasure in his own quiet way, while at the same time endeavouring to be kind to Dundee.

Pat was at pains to point out that his team put the pressure on with their first goal after only five minutes.

"You suddenly realise you have to get two to win and get a bit tense," he said of the home team.

Their second came seven minutes after half-time from the penalty spot, making it even more difficult and the third didn't really matter for, by then, Dundee had no chance of saving the game the way they were playing.

Donald Mackay was convinced that a partial explanation for his team's poor showing on Saturday was that, although the Dens Park pitch looked in very good condition, it was not.

It was evidently hard down the middle and this, he claimed, affected too many of his players, causing needless anxiety and concern.

I am afraid I can't go along with this.

If the Dundee players allowed themselves to be put off their game by Saturday's pitch, heaven help them when they have to play on the really bad pitches yet to come.

Hereabouts one has to ask the question does the presence of skipper Cammie Fraser make all that much of a difference to Dundee?

Without him on Saturday they never played as a unit.

They were 11 individuals playing against a team-a team which deserved their win be- cause they played a more open game and their passing was streets ahead.

Overall it was a pathetic afternoon for the Dens fans who braved bitter cold only to see their team well beaten.

Interestingly, in view of the developments to come yester- day, Donald Mackay maintained that full back Stuart McKimmie was Dundee's outstanding player. I agree-but he was easy to select when so many others contributed so little.

Hibs centre forward Willie Irvine demonstrated for all to see the value of perseverance with another two goals, bringing his total to 17.

But I made Bobby Thomson's first for Hibs the pick of the three. It was built up the right and finished perfectly-a lesson to Dundee.

It was a notable game for Hibs keeper Alan Rough-in an unusual way.

He was booked four minutes from the end for time wasting-it was his first booking ever.

Dundee now face an away game against Rangers at Ibrox and are again without Fraser. Let's hope, for their sake, that Saturday's performance was a one off occasion.

Yes, it was that bad!

Match report written by The Courier