Dundee vs Motherwell. Scottish Premiership.
The Scot Foam Stadium at Dens ParkAttendance6,391.
Match report and free highlights as Dundee earn a draw against Motherwell on their cinch Premiership return; Theo Blair enjoyed a dream Steelmen debut as he opened the scoring at the end of the first half; the hosts drew level after the break through midfielder Lyall Cameron
Saturday 5 August 2023 20:47, UK
Dundee marked their return to the cinch Premiership by coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Motherwell at Dens Park.
Theo Bair, who signed for the Steelmen earlier this week, enjoyed a dream debut as he opened the scoring at the end of the first half.
The hosts drew level after the break through midfielder Lyall Cameron with both sides ultimately having to settle for a share of the spoils.
Prior to kick-off, Dundee unfurled the Championship flag won last season before there was a minute's applause in memory of former Scotland boss Craig Brown, who was part of the Dark Blues squad crowned Scottish champions in 1961/62 and also managed the Steelmen.
The hosts were forced into an early change in just the sixth minute when Mexican defender Antonio Portales had to go off injured to be replaced by Josh Mulligan.
Both sides took their time to find their feet on an already-wet surface that was made worse by a torrential downpour.
However, as the first quarter passed, Dundee started to ease into the game without testing Liam Kelly in the Motherwell goal.
Instead, it was the goalkeeper's opposite number Jon McCracken who produced the first important save of the contest in the 21st minute when he dived low to divert a long-range strike from Blair Spittal wide for a corner.
As the half-hour mark approached, a Dundee corner-kick was held up temporarily by referee David Dickinson as the Dens groundstaff frantically tried to clear standing water from the opposite corner area.
Motherwell had another opportunity when Connor Wilkinson found space in the Dundee box, but his snap shot was deflected wide.
However, right on the stroke of half-time, the deadlock was finally broken by the Steelmen.
Stephen O'Donnell found himself in acres of space down the right and sent a tempting low cross into the box which was swept home with aplomb by Bair past McCracken.
The rain finally relented with Dundee having the first opportunity of the second half when Owen Beck swung a corner in from the left, with skipper Joe Shaughnessy seeing his header blocked on the line.
The hosts then had two chances in quick succession with Luke McCowan having a shot blocked by Kelly at his near post with the 'keeper saving the rebound from Zach Robinson.
However, Dundee finally equalised in the 68th minute when McCowan swung an inch-perfect cross in from the right with Cameron nodding the ball home at the far post past Kelly.
The Dark Blues had another chance when a Cameron cross was deflected onto his own post by Motherwell's Dan Casey.
Both sides tried manfully to find a winner with the visitors forcing successive corners deep in stoppage time but Dundee held on to secure a draw.
Dundee manager Tony Docherty insisted his side deserved to take all three points: "I was really disappointed to go in 1-0 down at the break.
"I thought we were the better team but I said to the boys at half-time to 'keep doing what you are doing'.
"I was delighted with the response of the players and equally I was delighted with the response we got from the crowd who were right behind us. They saw us on the front foot in that second half.
"When we got the goal, we were unfortunate not to go on to win it.
"I am a little bit disappointed not to win the first home game. However in the Premiership when you go behind, I think it is important you show that resolve and mentality, that you don't give up the ghost.
"I think we showed that in abundance today. I feel we were the better team and should have taken three points."
Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell was delighted with Bair's contribution after the striker signed for the Steelmen earlier this week: "Theo offered us a lot after just two training sessions and being nowhere near being fully match fit.
"But to get about 80 minutes was tremendous. I thought his overall game was good but can get better.
"I'm just delighted with his composure for the finish because it's not easy when it is skipping off the surface at that type of pace.
"He's the type of player I want to work with. His attitude is fantastic and he has some real good raw attributes. I think he's a player that will grow in our side."
Dundee's next Scottish Premiership match is away to St Mirren on August 12, kick-off 3pm.
Motherwell host Hibernian the following day at 3pm.
