Dundee 1
Airdrieonians 0
League (First Division)

Match Report

A goal 20 minutes from time from substitute Steve McCormick saw Dundee strengthen their position at the head of the promotion race.

At the same time, the big striker's goal may have proved a fatal blow to Airdrie's promotion hopes as they now lie 10 points off the pace.

It was always likely to be a tense affair at Dens Park, and that was the way it turned out. The goal was one of the few moments of measured play. It came when defender Robbie Raeside, only restored to the side since Jocky Scott's return as manager just under a fortnight ago, sent a measured pass down the left.

McCormick controlled the ball, perfectly and strode into the penalty area, before beating veteran keeper John Martin with a fine low drive.

That apart, there was plenty of huffing and puffing, but little silky football, as the battle was largely fought in the midfield. In the first half in particular, Airdrie enjoyed a territorial advantage, but without once forcing home keeper Robert Douglas into a save of note.

Dundee, with less ball, did create chances.

In only nine minutes, Eddie Annand fed lain Anderson, who cut inside before seeing Martin make a good save from his low shot.

Then, midway through the half, little James Grady squandered a good chance by shooting weakly at the keeper from the edge of the area. Also, just before the interval, Dave Rogers went close with another effort from the edge of the area.

In the second period, most of the chances fell in the final 25 minutes.

First, Airdrie's Forbes Johnston had a close-range effort blocked and, immediately after Dundee's goal, substitute Brian McPhee missed the best chance when he hit the post with a 10-yard effort.

In the closing, frantic, minutes Paddy Connolly saw a fierce drive blocked by home skipper Barry Smith and Airdrie seemed to realise their chance of taking anything from this one had gone.

Match report written by Sunday Post