2-0 win puts Dundee level with Celtic
Dundee won the first derby of the season 2-0 at Tannadice, taking the club to the top of the Premiership table on points. The result also left Dundee United with only one point from their opening three league games, a stark contrast to the Dark Blues’ form.
Key moments
The first goal came just before half-time when Drey Wright, making his first start for Dundee, struck from 25 yards with a right-footed shot that beat Jack Walton. The goal was the first for the Ivory Coast forward in his senior career and was celebrated by the crowd with chants of “Pressley, Pressleyball”.
In the second half, Owen Bevan, who had been a mainstay for Dundee in recent weeks, finished a cross from Fin Robertson with a low header in the 57th minute. It was Bevan’s first senior goal in three years, his last having come while on loan at Yeovil Town.
Pressley’s leadership and United’s struggles
Manager Steven Pressley, who signed Bevan from Crystal Palace, praised his goalkeeper’s game-changing saves. Despite a strong start, Dundee United could not convert chances, with Jesse Randall cutting inside and curling a shot wide and Ryan Astley making a brilliant blocking save.
United’s squad was altered by manager Jim Goodwin, who made six changes after a 4-0 defeat to Aberdeen. Will Ferry, who had been ruled out with a groin problem, started, while Dylan Tait returned from suspension. The changes did not help, and the team’s performance was described as “toothless”.
Match conclusion
The match finished with Dundee fans chanting “There’s only one team in Dundee” as they celebrated the victory. The win was seen as a perfect response to the club’s Premier Sports Cup exit at Aberdeen and a statement of intent for the rest of the campaign.
