Dundee vs Aberdeen. Scottish Premiership.
The Scot Foam Stadium at Dens ParkAttendance6,876.
Match report as Dundee hold on for 2-1 win over Aberdeen at Dens Park to move off bottom of table; Aberdeen remain ninth in Scottish Premiership
Saturday 16 October 2021 22:02, UK
Dundee finally secured their first league win of the season by beating Aberdeen 2-1 at Dens Park.
The Dark Blues opened the scoring in the 48th minute through on-loan Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths.
The home side made it 2-0 shortly after with Luke McCowan on the mark, but the Dons quickly pulled one back through Christian Ramirez.
However, Aberdeen could not find an equaliser, with the defeat piling more pressure on Pittodrie boss Stephen Glass.
The game kicked off at 6pm in a bid to boost international coverage and there was an opportunity in the first minute when McCowan hit a shot from the edge of the Aberdeen box that goalkeeper Gary Woods pushed away to safety.
The Dons had their first chance in the 10th minute with Jack MacKenzie hitting an angled drive that 'keeper Adam Legzdins easily held.
Ryan Hedges then had an opportunity when he found himself free in the Dundee box at a corner but skewed his finish.
Aberdeen piled the pressure back on the home side with a diving header from Ramirez being cleared off the Dundee line by Griffiths, before Jonny Hayes hit a fierce long-range shot just wide.
Three minutes into the second half, the stalemate was broken as Dundee winger Paul McMullan sent a searching cross-field pass to Griffiths in space on the right and the Scotland international took his time before drilling a low shot past Woods.
Aberdeen looked for an instant response and Lewis Ferguson had a 22-yard shot tipped for a corner by Legzdins.
However, the home fans were celebrating once more in the 62nd minute as Dundee doubled their advantage through McCowan, who hit a shot from the edge of the box past the despairing dive of Woods.
The Dons grabbed a lifeline five minutes later when MacKenzie delivered a low cross from the left all the way to the back post and Ramirez turned the ball home from a tight angle.
As the clock ticked down and tempers started to boil over, Dons goalkeeping coach Gordon Marshall and Dundee boss James McPake were both red-carded and sent to the stands.
Dundee held on to get their first win of the season and move off the bottom of the table.
Aberdeen boss Stephen Glass on fans' anger: "I totally understand it. I can see why there might not be a bit of belief there in us as a staff and that group of players. That group of players are capable of winning football matches.
"We've been severely, severely punished with the opportunities we've given up. But, again, the reality of managing football clubs like this, the reality of playing for football clubs like this, you don't last very long if you can't win games.
"We look forward to Hibs next week and see where that gets us. We've been backed so far (by the board). Results like this, you don't know what is going to happen. The proof will be in the pudding."
Dundee boss James McPake: "I am delighted for the players, the staff and fans. It has been a long time in coming. The supporters came out in force tonight and backed us.
"Leigh needed a goal as he has missed a few chances. Charlie Adam was also outstanding. To be out for so long and to then come in and run the midfield like that, to spray the ball about the way he did and dictate play at times, he was superb.
"He's a leader, someone that players will follow and we've missed him. For someone who has played at such a high level, done a lot in football and made a very good career in football, he's a pleasure to work with.
"Whether he's in the team or not, through whatever reason, he's a joy to work with and it's a pleasure to have him at this club and to watch him. But I am delighted for them all - they deserved it."
Dundee travel to Hearts next Saturday before facing Ross County on home soil four days later.
Aberdeen host Hibernian next weekend and then travel to league-leaders Rangers in the midweek round of fixtures on Wednesday.
