06/11/99 St Johnstone 0 Dundee 1
By Dundeefc.net
April 24 2002
SAT 6TH NOVEMBER
St Johnstone 0 DUNDEE 1(Annand 45)
Attendance 4917
Subs: Grady (for Annand) Sharp, Elliot, Bayne, Langfield
An excellent glancing header from Eddie Annand on the half time break and a resolute defensive performance from a Dundee side bolstered by the return of captain Barry Smith ensured that maximum points returned along the Tay from Perth.
Dundee played with neat control throughout the first half, with Billio in particular taking the eye, but had poor finishing from Saints Nathan Lownes to thank for still being level when Eddie struck. The Englishman had missed several half chances even before he beat the offside trap in 25 minutes. Lownes looked surprised as the referee's flag stayed down as he collected Bollan's pass,but after a hesitant moment rushed towards Rab' Douglas' goal with the 'Dee defence trailing some way behind him. The Scotland squad keeper raced out to meet him and made the striker hurry his shot which bounced to safety of Douglas' legs.
Shaun McSkimming picked up a booking as the interval approached for tugging McQuillan's shirt, but was to be somewhat happier moments later when his corner from the right found the head of Annand in a packed area. Eddie's header fairly flew into the top corner to have the large Dundee contingent in the crowd heading for the pies and Bovril with a smile on their faces.
Saints predictably came out for the second half with the intention of upping the pace of the game and they regularly pinned Dundee back throughout the half. Just as regular, however, were the lightning breaks which saw Dundee create several excellent opportunities to extend their lead. Twice Annand might have done better when faced with Main, but the goal scorer was linking up well with Falconer, and Boyack and generally turning in his best performance for quite some time.
The real heroes though, were at the back where Smith, Tweed and Ireland looked rock solid with Douglas turning in a faultless performance behind them.
St Johnstone's one real chance of the half came when they were awarded a soft free kick just outside the box in injury time - With memories of Bollan's strike which cost Dundee two points in the corresponding fixture last year the Dundee support held their breath as he lined up the kick, The wall did it's job though and a massive cheer from the travelling fans signalled that the Perth team's last chance had gone.