29/01/00 Dundee 0 Ayr 0
By Dundeefc.net
April 24 2002
SAT 29TH JANUARY
Dundee 0 Ayr United 0
Att 3925
Subs:
Robertson (for Banger 56),
Bayne (for Boyack 83),
Billio
Dundee were lucky to still be in the Scottish Cup after a display which had the Bobby Cox Stand howling in frustration as the Ayr support cheered on their heroes at the other end of the stadium.
The visitors, with former Dees Dave Rogers and Neil Duffy in their ranks played neat passing football throughout and aided by a gale force wind pushed Dundee back throughout the first half. Always willing to shoot they fired at the home goal at every opportunity, something that the Dundee team seem to have forgotten how to do!, and Rab Douglas had to make one superb save, while being glad that most of the other attempts either sailed wide or were hit straight at him.
Although the shooting was off target I stress the point that it got their support behind them - PLEASE TAKE NOTE JOCKY
Dundee struggled to get into the match in the first half hour, but a fine spell from the previously anonymous Steven Boyack in the fifteen minutes before the interval brought hope as well as reminding the support that he can be a very good player when he gets in the mood (its a pity the mood doesnt last 90 minutes instead of 15 per match). He also needs to learn how to tackle as he seemed to bottle it every time - this I feel is where the midfield needs more dig - This spell also brought some lively work from Nicky Banger, who was only being held in check by a fine performance from Rogers, although Nicky always seemed that he would win out it the long run.
The second period would surely see Dundee pile forward with the wind at their back and at least have some real attempts on goal, or so we thought. The reality however, was somewhat different as Ayr dominated to an even greater extent than during the first half.
Much to the disblief of the Home support (many thinking Jocky has lost the plot), he brought on Hugh Robertson for Nicky Banger - the one player who was making any real effort.
A Lee Wilkie goal line clearance was needed after Wilson had teased and tormented the right side of Dundee's back four and just after the hour Reynolds watched in disbelief as Douglas did wonderfully well to keep out his drive.
Eddie Annand had been on the receiving end of abuse from the home end as they showed their frustration at the tactic of pulling the whole team back to defend a corner, but it was he who produced Dundee's only meaningful chance of the afternoon. The striker picked up the ball midway in the visitors half and outpaced the last defender before rounding Nelson and firing towards the goal from an acute angle, only to see Duffy race back to clear.
As the clock ran down the visitors were again on top and the side glad of a replay at the final whistle were Dundee. Although I do not relish the prospect of travelling down to Ayr on a cold February night a week on tuesday, although I know that I will.
3 games into the new Century and Dundee still have to score a goal. It is obvious that Eddie Annand is leaving at the end of the season and that his heart is just not in it. The support is on his back and would like to see Graham Bayne get his chance, lets hope that Jocky listens to the support & lets him start next Saturday at Motherwell.
I also hope that Jocky ceases to use Barry Smith as a full back as he is totally out of position, lets hope that the arrival of David Robertson from Leeds solves the problem.