DUNDEE 2-1 ALLOA ATHLETIC

Dundee left it very late as they came from behind to win in this first round Challenge Cup encounter against Alloa Athletic at Dens Park. Colin McMenamin and Sean Higgins scored the two goals as Dundee's blushes were spared.  Dundee started the game positively and could have taken the lead after 10 seconds when Curier found himself in the box but couldn't find the finish to dink it past the keeper. Dundee's passing first half was good and they totally dominated possession. Frustration began to creep in as the first half dragged on and that only was good for Alloa's confidence as they rarely had ventured forward. However Scott Fox had to make a few comfortable saves as Alloa looked to put pressure on the Dees as the half drew to an end. Nicky Riley was Dundee's best player first half with tantalising runs that excited the crowd.
Second half and Dundee totally took their eye of the ball. The passing was slack and they couldn't find their men. Alloa were now determined to have a go at Dundee and it was only some smart keeping from Fox that kept the scoreline 0-0. With around 20 minutes remaining, Dundee made two subs, Higgins on for Curier and McMenamin on for Kerr. But 5 minutes later, Dundee found themselves behind courtesy of a Scott Walker headed goal. Minutes later and Dundee nearly found themselves 2 goals down when Andy Scott's shot rattled off the crossbar. It looked like Alloa were about to pull off the shock of the round...but alas it wasn't to be. Their travelling supporters were superb throughout the match but were stunned in the 86 minute when Colin McMenamin found the back of the net with a perfectly placed header. Alloa's luck finally deserted them in the 90th minute when a scramble ensued in the Alloa area and substitute Sean Higgins forced the ball home from close range. Dundee had done it! They had somehow snatched victory from the jaws of defeat and for the Alloa support must have felt like a cruel blow.


Teams:

DUNDEE:

Fox, Irvine, McKeown, Benidictus, Forsyth, Riley (McMenamin 69) Kerr (McHale 81) Harkins, O'Donnell, Curier, (Higgins 69) Griffiths

Subs not used: Douglas, Paton

Booked: Antoine-Curier, Irvine

Goals: McMenamin 86, Higgins 90

Alloa Athletic:

Robertson, Gibson,  Dunlop, Walker, Brown, Scott (McAvoy 83) Grant, McDonald, Smith, Prunty, (Gormley 67) Noble (Lister 67)

Subs not used: Ewings, Hay

Booked: Grant, Brown

Goals: Walker 74

Attendance: 1522