Dundee secured a 2-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice, marking their second victory at the ground this calendar year. The match saw Drey Wright score the opener two minutes from half-time and defender Owen Bevan add a second 12 minutes after the break from a corner that had been half-cleared by United.
Pressley’s Take on the Derby
Manager Steven Pressley admitted that his pre-match tactical plan was largely ignored, saying, “We set out with a tactical gameplan and we carried virtually none of it out!” He went on to praise the players’ courage, determination and grit, stating that “derby games are not won on tactical detail. They’re won on courage, they’re won on determination, they’re won on grit.”
Pressley also highlighted the unseen contribution of United’s skipper Simon Murray, who, despite suffering a serious ACL injury last weekend against Aberdeen, was present in the dressing room before the game, at half-time and after the match. “He played his own role,” Pressley said. “He was in the dressing room before the game, half-time, after the game. He’s got a huge role to play.”
United’s Response
United manager Jim Goodwin admitted that the result was “not what we hoped or prepared for.” He described the match as a “sucker punch,” citing a second goal that “was a fluffed shot from Alan Forrest that hit off a Dundee player and ended up in the bottom corner.” Goodwin noted that United had more possession, more attempts on goal and more dangerous attacks, but that “results are what matter most.”
Goodwin also reflected on the impact of Murray’s injury, saying it had “an effect on the group” and on himself as a manager. He reiterated his belief in the squad and staff, stating that “all of that hard work we’re doing Monday to Friday needs to come to fruition at the weekend.”
Incidents on the Pitch
During the second half, Dundee goalkeeper Owen Goodman was reportedly struck by an item thrown from the Eddie Thompson Stand. Pressley said the incident did not affect Goodman’s performance. Goodman was later seen speaking to police officers after the game.
The win places Dundee second in the league, behind Celtic on goal difference, and continues their strong record in derby matches, having won three of the last four visits to United’s ground.
