05/02/00 Motherwell 0 Dundee 3
By Dundeefc.net
April 24 2002
SAT 5TH FEBRUARY
Motherwell 0
DUNDEE 3 Robertson 49, Rae 65, Grady 90 (pen)
Att 5685
Subs:
Grady (for Bayne 87),
van Eijs (for Smith 90),
Annand, Langfield, Sharpe
Dundee totally outclassed Motherwell at Fir Park today, coming away with all three points thanks to goals from Shuggie Robertson, Gavin Rae and a late penalty by Jamsie Grady.
The opening exchanges of the first half saw little chances for either side as the Dundee defence were at their best to stop any forward movement by the Motherwell frontmen.
Dundee nearly took the lead in 11 minutes when a Gavin Rae shot from 25 yards had Motherwell keeper Andy Goram diving down to his left to push a ball past for a corner.
In the next attack Dundee midfielder Hugh Robertson latched onto a loose ball at the edge of the box but blazed it over the bar.
Dundee striker Graham Bayne was making his first start for the club and was causing the home side some problems. (Obviously Jocky has been reading the views on this website!)
One cross from the right hand side evaded the Motherwell defence but no Dundee forwards were on hand to capitalise.
The home side was struggling to create any openings and although Lee McCulloch and John Spencer were working hard, they were finding it tough going against a sturdy Dundee defence.
In the 33rd minute Kevin Twaddle found himself clear in the box after a pass from Stephen McMillan had split the Dundee defence but the midfielder's cross was easily intercepted.
Two minutes later John Spencer set up Martin Corrigan but the Motherwell defender blasted the ball over from 16 yards.
With the game desperately in need of a goal it got one early in the second half.
As Dundee pushed forward, Hugh Robertson picked up the ball, and released a 35-yard thunderbolt with his left foot. The out-of-the-blue shot gave Motherwell goalkeeper Andy Goram no chance, as the ball hit the back of the net the large travelling support erupted celebrating the first goal of the year - and what a goal.
Robertson had a good chance to put Falconer through on goal in the next attack but his header fell short and was cleared to safety by Corrigan.
The home crowd became restless and began jeering their team as Dundee began to impose themselves on the game. This was in stark contrast to the travelling support who were continuing to party.
Motherwell brought on Pat Nevin and Don Goodman (his double works in Corfu Kebabs) for McCulloch and Townsley in a bid to get back into the game.
Dundee's joy escalated after good build up play in the middle of the pitch. Intricate passing moves between the players resulted in a timely forward run by Gavin Rae. He positioned himself for a delicate one-two on the edge of the box, placing his shot into the bottom corner of the goal, giving Dundee a fantastic 2-0 advantage.
The side capped a fine performance as the game drew to a close, winning a penalty in the final minute, with James Grady sending Goram the wrong way.
The victory now means Dundee are undefeated in three consecutive games, and have also kept 3 clean sheets into the bargain.
A large travelling support who were behind the team 100% and who never stopped singing from the off - in addition to a team who have found their shooting boots. Tuesday can't come soon enough.
A superb performance all round.