Dundee 1-1 Stirling Albion.
Dundee had to dig deep again and come from behind to snatch a point against a plucky and attack minded Stirling Albion.
It was a fantastic sunny day at Dens Park and and both teams were vying for all three points. Stirling Albion knew anything other than a win would see them consigned to the Second Division for next season whilst Dundee knew a win would be a huge step in their ambitions to avoid the play off spot.
The first 15 minutes of the game was a cagey period from both sides as neither team had the upper hand. The youngsters Barlett, Rennie and Webster were allowed to settle into the team but there were no real clear cut chances in that period. Things came to life in the 23rd minute when a well struck shot by Stirling's Smith was palmed away by Big Rab Douglas but it only went as far as Michael Mullen who prodded the ball into the back of the net. Stirling had somehow gained the lead.
Dundee looked slow and sluggish in their attempts to try and test the Stirling defence. The closest the Dark Blues came to an equaliser in the remaining period of the second half was a shot from Gary Harkins which clipped the outside of the post and went behind for a goal kick.
Half time came and with that was Ronnie McIntosh. He was a double amputee who had also had a kidney transplant and he race walked around the track much to the applause of the Dundee fans and also the Stirling support. It was indeed an inspiring and humble sight to see.
The second half and Stirling started brightly and pressed Dundee in the first minute of the second period. Dundee were still looking nervous but the switching of Barlett and Forsyth allowed Dundee more options going forward. Dundee began to get the ball on the deck and started playing football. Nicky Riley was a constant pest on the right wing for the Dees and was much inspiration for the Dundee attack. Leighton McIntosh tested Calum Reidford from 22 yards and he parried the ball away for a corner. From the corner, O'Donnell struck a tremendous effort from 18 yards after Reidford flapped at the ball, and it hit the underside of the bar. Dundee were gaining momentum and it was only a matter of time surely before the Dark Blues were level.
Dundee were showing the kind of spirit that has been evident in the last six months and in the 50th minute, they were level. A wonderful run from Forsyth saw him skip into the box and just when it looked as if he was going to have a shot, he crossed the ball for McIntosh to guide into the back of the net. It was a goal Dundee deserved and it was also the youngester Leighton McIntosh's first goal for the club. That goal prompted Dundee to become more confident but when going forward they did leave the back exposed and on a couple of times, Stirling looked threatening on the counter. Midway through the second half and Webster who was excellent, was replaced by Alan Tulleth. The Dens faithful acknowledging Webster with a very warm round of applause. He had certainly worked his socks off and Barry Smith knew that too and gave the youngster a firm pat on the back.
Dundee looked for that winning goal but unfortunately the lads were beginning to run out of steam and shots by McHale and Mullen in the closing stages tested Dundee fans nerves.
There was one final chance for Dundee to win the match. A looping corner found Kyle Bendictus free in the box but his header went wildly over the bar. A big chance to be the hero but unfortunately it wasn't to be and the game ended 1-1.
Unfortunately, the final whistle confirmed Stirling Albion to relegation but they will go down with their heads held high and their performance today suggests a team defiant in the face of adversity. For Jocky Scott, I am sure it was a hard pill to swallow but he can be proud of his players who were superb today. We would like to wish Jocky Scott and Stirling Albion all the best for next season.
As for Dundee, we are now 4 points clear of Cowdenbeath with 4 to play. A tough game against Morton beckons next week but at least we will see the return of key players such as Gary Irvine, Rhys Weston and Craig McKeown. The players will do their damnest to avoid the play off spot and I am sure the fans will help them along the way too.
DUNDEE:
Douglas, Rennie, Benedictus, Lockwood, Bartlett, Riley, Webster (Tulleth 73), O'Donnell, Forsyth, Harkins, McIntosh
Subs not used: Gibson (gk), Carnegie, Hutcheon, Irons,
Booked: O'Donnell
Goal: McIntosh 50 min
STIRLING ALBION
Reidford, Doyle, Allison (Corrigan 63) Robertson, Forsyth, Kane (Stirling 85) McHale, Borris (Welsh 45) Brown, Mullen, Smith
Unused subs: Jackson (gk), Brighton
Booked: Robertson
Goal: Mullen 23
Referee: Gary Hilland
Attendance: 4,177
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