Ross County 0
Dundee 3
League (First Division)

Match Report

A neutral watching this match would have been forgiven for thinking they had entered Victoria Park to see Ross County take on Ajax in their prime after Dundee eased to a 3-0 victory in the away strip inspired by the dutch giants.

Leigh Griffiths led from the front as he continued his red hot form with a double and also played a huge part in the other goal when he set up Nicky Riley. Right across the park Dundee came up trumps, with the defence putting in a fine shift that saw the side secure a clean sheet.

Without Jamie Adams, who had his loan spell at the club cut short when he was recalled by St. Johnstone during the week, Dundee were forced into a change and unsurprisingly it was Craig Forsyth who was called into the starting line with Gary Harkins moving into a central midfield role.

Dundee started well, trying to get the ball forward but apart from a couple of crosses there was little to test the defence. It was the home side that had the first effort of the afternoon though with Paul Lawson shooting over after Gary Irvine had headed away a corner.

Harkins then had an effort for Dundee and was inches away from giving them the lead when a cross come shot from a free kick wide left clipped the post before going wide. It was to be from a free kick that Dundee would take the lead moments later.

A free kick on the right was awarded and with Griffiths poised to take it manager Barry Smith made the decision to order the left footed Forsyth to deliver the ball. It was a choice which would turn out well as the inswinging set piece was turned home by Griffiths to give Dundee the lead.

Lawson tried his luck again from distance to try and level the score straight away, his shot fizzed just wide of the post. Griffiths then almost turned provider with a lifted ball over the top which found Riley but he could only head wide.

There was little goalmouth action in the remaining minutes of the first period. Iain Vigurs volleyed over from a tight angle and Griffiths curled a free kick just wide but neither keeper forced into a save.

During the break, County made a change with Michael Gardyne coming on for former Dee Steven Craig,

Dundee were first to have an effort after the break with Craig McKeown heading wide of the post from a Forsyth corner. Sub Gardyne then caused some problems for the Dundee defence before playing the ball across goal where Andrew Barrowman turned the ball wide of goal. That was a huge chance for County and they were punished for not taking it minutes after.

Stuart Kettlewell tried to clear up the line from the right back position, Griffiths though got infront of it and after blocking raced down the line to just prevent the ball going out for a goalkick. After keeping it in, he crossed to the back post where the incoming Nicky Riley sidefooted the ball home.

County did put some pressure on Dundee after going two behind and Vigurs was the first to get an effort in but hit the side netting from distance. Then came a spell with County getting the ball right on top of the Dundee defence. They stood strong though with Rab Douglas eventually punching the danger clear.

Gardyne was next up, after beating his man hit a low shot which Douglas held with ease.

With all the pressure coming from County it was still clear that a third Dundee goal would kill this game. Forsyth cut the ball across the box and Riley came very close to getting that goal when he checked inside his man before forcing McGovern into a great save. The County keeper couldn't keep Dundee at bay for much longer though and the goal did come with the next attack.

O'Donnell played the ball over the defence and Griffiths ran in behind, kept his cool and slotted the ball home. Simple and very effective from Dundee and it topped off a fine afternoon of football from Barry Smith's team.

Griffiths had one more chance to complete his hat trick but shot wide of the post when he had found some space in behind the defence again. He was replaced with a few minutes left by David Witteveen and got the reception he deserved from the traveling support.

A great afternoon for Barry Smith and the team as they secured the first away win of the season and more great scenes at the final whistle with the team and support applauding each others efforts.

One thing at the moment is very clear with the club, whether you are someone who chose not to travel today, preferring to instead give their money directly to the club or one of the ones who traveled and got behind the team 100% these players are matching the off the field efforts on the park with performances that make you proud to follow Dundee.

Match report written by Tommy Young - Official Dundee website