Scottish Cup: Dundee break United stranglehold with 'resilient' win
2025-01-21
Category: sports

No wonder Dundee manager Tony Docherty suggested "there was a bit of redemption there" as his side battled to victory over city neighbours Dundee United to reach the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.It was their first derby success in seven years, having not beaten United in eight meetings during that time, including a 2-1 defeat in the Scottish Premiership at the start of January.And it was the first time they had knocked the team from across Tannadice Street out of the Scottish Cup since 1956. Dundee still trail Jim Goodwin's third-top side by 10 points and four places in the Scottish top flight, but they will be hoping that this victory is one that dents United's stranglehold on this fixture.Unlike earlier this month at the same Dens Park venue, there was to be no United comeback from a goal down.Docherty told BBC Scotland: "The players wanted to atone for that."Not only can Dundee fans reclaim some bragging rights, they will be hoping the balance of footballing power in the city is swinging back towards the boys in dark blue.It was apt that boyhood Dundee fan - and former United striker - Simon Murray delivered the winning moment, a precise flicked header inside the opening minute.He returned to his home city last summer and spoke about what it means to him to win on derby day."I'm from here, I wanted to be back with family," he said. "That's what it's all about. "The derbies are one of the fixtures you look out for and it's good to come out on the positive side of it."
'That performance speaks volumes'
Docherty hailed his side's "mentality, resilience and character" post-match - understandable comments given the circumstances.Dundee are without injured defenders Ziyad Larkeche, Antonio Portales, Joe Shaughnessy, Jordan McGhee and Billy Koumetio at present.They have struggled for defensive solidity all season, with the derby win just their second clean sheet of the campaign.  There was a series of last-ditch blocks as the second half wore on, no more impressive than Ethan Ingram's on the goal-line, which denied United substitute Ruari Paton a certain goal on his debut after arriving on loan from Port Vale only hours earlier. Whenever the defence was breached, goalkeeper Trevor Carson provided the answers - until Kristian Trapanovski's shot in injury time bounced clear off the post. "You saw the mentality, the resilience and character of the team to see out the game and get a clean sheet," Docherty said."I just think, everything considered - I've got five centre-halves out - to put in that performance speaks volumes. I've got good players and we're very good on the counter attack."They put us under pressure, but my lads stood up to that."Match-winner Murray typified Dundee's energy, leading the press from the front and providing a near constant goal threat in an impressive first-half display that began with the decisive goal.The former United and Ross County striker echoed his manager's sentiments regarding the players' work-rate."We put everything into that," the 33-year-old said. "It's a great feeling - just buzzing to get the win."Old legs were knackered at the end, but it's all worth it. Absolutely delighted and looking forward to the next round."
'We're not getting ahead of ourselves'
Dundee will now host Aidrieonians - the Championship's bottom side - on the weekend beginning 8 February, but Docherty insists they will not get carried away despite their opponent's struggles.He was pleased to continue this cup campaign at Dens Park, though, and praised the role of the home support in getting his players over the line."We'll give Airdrieonians the upmost respect," Docherty added. "I've just glad we've got a home tie. "I see the atmosphere tonight and that's what you can get at Dens Park with the synergy between players and fans. They see the effort the players are putting in."We're not getting ahead of ourselves. Tonight was a real big task to beat a good side at home and keep a clean sheet. We'll see what happens."