Dundee 1
Hamilton Academical 0
League (First Division)

Match Report

Scott Robertson's third strike of the season closed the gap on opponents Hamilton to three points after a hard-fought encounter at Dens Park. It was a scrappy ninety minutes in which the referee didn't let the game flow, and manager Alex Rae finding himself on the wrong side of the whistler, forcing him to watch the second half of his side's victory from the stand. Billy Reid's men created the first of the chances with Roman Wallner sending a free kick wide before Chris Swailes scuffed shot was easily held by Craig Samson.

Dundee's first chance came in the 8th minute courtesy of a Paul McHale free kick. Milan Palenik's header down towards goal from the set-piece was dropped by keeper Bryn Halliwell, but his defence was on hand to spare his blushes with a goal-line clearance with Derek Lyle firing over after making room for himself.

The opening goal and the strike that was to prove the winner came courtesy of Robertson in the 12th minute after Milan Palenik was able to hold up play in the box. Eddie Malone's free kick was headed goalwards by Derek Lyle. Palenik brought down Lyle's header in the box before shrugging of his marker and sending through an inch perfect ball for Scott Robertson to stab the ball past Halliwell for a deserved lead.

Dundee however didn't have things all their own way as Wallner's corner created problems as the defence failed to clear their lines allowing Mark McLaughlin to get his shot in while top goal-scorer Richard Offiong headed wide from Gilhaney's cross.

Both teams came out for the second half with the confidence that the eleven which started the game could do enough for the win. It took less than five minutes for Hamilton to make their mark as Elebert shot wide after Craig Samson could only parry Wallner's corner.

Gary Mackenzie then gifted the visitors the perfect opportunity to take the lead as he allowed the ball to deliberately cannon off his hand as he elevated himself to header the ball clear leaving referee Brian Winter no choice but to point to the spot. Leading first division goalscorer Offiong stepped up but the pressure showed as he blasted his set-piece over from 12 yards leaving Gary Mackenzie feeling a lucky man.

There were few clear cut chances as both Dundee looked for the goal which would see them in a more comfortable position, while Hamilton searched for the chance to keep the gap between the teams at six points.

Offiong almost made up for his penalty miss with a header which was held by Samson, before Palenik's shot was cleared wide for a corner. Gavin Swankie and the departing Eddie Malone also had free kicks rebound back off the wall. Both teams then wrung the chances with Bob Davidson and Kevin McDonald being replaced by Jan Zemlik and Freddie Daquin respectively while Mark Gilhaney David Elebert and Richard Offiong made way for Brian Wake, David Winters and Stuart Taylor.

As the game entered the final stages Hamilton threw bodies forward, although Gavin Swankie and Derek Lyle both turned provider as they set up each other with their efforts held by Halliwell.

There were five bookings in the game, all for the away side: David Elebert, Roman Wallner, Mark Gilhaney and Alexander Neil all finding themselves cautioned.

Match report written by Joanna Topping - Official Dundee website