Dundee 1-0 Falkirk, Report by Anthony Marshall.
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Dundee extended their unbeaten league run to 12 after a battling and spirited win against Falkirk at Dens on Saturday. A goal courtesy of Craig Forsyth meant Dundee extended their fantastic unbeaten league record and also extended the number of clean sheets they have claimed in a row, which now stands at 7.
Another statistic is that Dundee haven't been beaten at home in the league this season, which is remarkable.
Dundee started the game full of purpose and attack and peppered the Falkirk goal early on with a deflected free kick from Gary Harkins superbly saved by Robert Olejnik. Minutes later Craig McKeown had his headed effort cleared off the line. Dundee were sniffing blood and surely a goal was forthcoming? It arrived in the 7th minute courtesy of a fine cross from Gary Irvine on the right into the and Craig Forsyth was lurking with intent at the back post where he headered the ball past the keeper and into the far corner of the net. Dundee deserved the goal.
Dundee looked intent on grabbing that crucial second and Griffiths had a great chance but his shot was tipped over by Olejnik.
Falkirk looked very toothless in terms of attack but kept the ball fairly well when in possession. Midway through the first half and Falkirk thought they should have had a penalty. A Burton O'Brien throughball caused Dundee's defence problems allowing Stewart to reach the ball the oncoming Rab Douglas and attempted to lob the Dundee keeper. Weston managed to clear the ball and Falkirk players protested furiously that Douglas had fouled Stewart after the lob and that they should have had a penalty.
Falkirk then had a chance from a free kick with McLean headering a shot at goal which Rab Douglas pushed behind for a corner. Things didn't improve attacking wise for Falkirk and attempted attacks before the break resulted in frustration ending in offisides or over hit passes.
Shortly before the break however, Dundee should have got the second that they were craving for when a mistake from the Falkirk defender Khalis allowed Griffiths the space to run into and was in a one on one situation with the oncoming Falkirk keeper but his lob over the keeper beat him but hit the bar. Desperately unlucky for the Wolves bound Griffiths.
The second half resulted in frustration for Dundee as their slick play ultimately prematurely broke up before any real cut chances on the Falkirk goal. Each and every single player in Dark Blue were playing out of their skins for the cause and Harkins and O'Donnell in midfield were excellent. Falkirk had a bit more possession but didn't really look like troubling the Dundee goal apart from a chance in the Dundee box which resulted in Gary Irvine bravely putting his head in the firing line to block the shot which then drifted out for a corner. That block saw the Dundee fans stand and applaud in sheer appreciation. Falkirk were reduced to 10 men late on when a Finnigan rather needlessly punched the ball into the net from a corner and with him being on a yellow card, the referee had no option to show him the second yellow followed swiftly by the red. Trialist, Tom Brighton, who put in a great shift alongside Griffiths up front, was replaced by the young Leighton McIntosh in the 90th minute for a short run out.
Final whistle came and the players were rightly applauded and cheered off the pitch, a scene which epitomised the spirt and bond between the supporters and the players at this moment in time. The last Dundee player to leave the pitch was Leigh Griffiths. The Wolves bound youngster made time to acknowledge the support by taking a lap of honour in front of the main stand, Bobby Cox Stand and South Enclosure which resulted in a huge standing ovation of thanks from the Dundee fans who will never forget the efforts and goals from a player that they have taken to heart ever since entering Dens Park in 2009.
DUNDEE:
Douglas,
Irvine, McKeown, Weston, Lockwood*
Riley* O'Donnell, Harkins, Forsyth
Brighton (McIntosh 90') Griffiths
Unused subs: Gibson, Benedictus, Stewart, Rennie
Goal: Forsyth 7'
FALKIRK
Olejnik
Mitchell (Duffy 46) Khalis,* McLean*, Twaddle
Murdoch (Compton 46) O'Brien*, Millar* (Higginbotham 77), Flynn
Finnigan**, Stewart
Unused subs: Barclay, Scobbie.
Key : *Booked ** Sent off.
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