“I’ve seen us grow as a team” – Steven Pressley
Dundee scored two goals in the dying minutes of the match to equalize and ruin Dundee United’s bragging rights during an enthralling Dundee Derby. Pressley’s side looked finished, until the last three minutes of the match when an Ashley Hay’s striker instinct finish and Ross Graham own-goal saw United crumble at Dens Park. Dundee are now unbeaten in five, as they continue to move further away from a relegation play-off spot. Pressley accepted that his squad were poor for a good part of the match. But in these derby fixtures it’s important that you stay fully focused until the final whistle, and that’s what Jim Goodwin’s side failed to do. After the match, Pressley said: “I was thinking to myself, it could be a long week. It’s amazing how your fortunes change. “It could be a really important game for us, it also demonstrates that we have come a long way, but we’ve got a long, long way to go. “I’ve seen us grow as a team, and one of the things that we’ve grown in, is the confidence and belief in the ability to play under pressure.” A dramatic finish to what was a great final few minutes for The Dee support, just summed up the Scottish Premiership season so far. It’s a trip to Tynecastle for The Dee next week, as they look to ruin even more fun in Hearts’ chase for the title. For Dundee United, they host Celtic. And Jim Goodwin will be looking to repeat what he done at Tannadice just a matter of months ago and produce another upset in this captivating title race.
McCann determined to create a “Fortress” after Hearts victory
Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann expressed his delight at his side’s improved home form, following their deserved 1-0 victory over league leaders Hearts at BSSP Rugby Park. “There’s a lot to like. I’m so proud of the players. We’ve had two weeks to dwell on the Falkirk result. “The message was to play with risk and bravery, but that we would have to match Hearts. “We knew they would throw balls in the box and be physical, but to a man, we were outstanding and thoroughly deserved the three points. “We did all the stuff off the ball so well. Derek [McInnes] is a first-class manager, and we had to adjust our tactics to respect how Hearts would play. “We had everything tonight and could have scored more as well. We tried to stay composed, they stuck their chests out and deserve their victory. “The bar was set when we came in – what we expect as a coaching team. What we’re doing at home is so pleasing. I want it to become a fortress.” The victory moves the Ayrshire side level on points with St Mirren, ahead of a crucial few weeks before the Scottish Premiership split. Victories over Aberdeen, St Mirren, and now Hearts at home have fuelled optimism for a rejuvenated Killie support. McCann and assistant Billy Dodds deserve heaps of credit for the side’s steady improvement.
