First half strikes from Max Anderson & Jason Cummings were enough for Dundee to pick up their first win in five matches, disposing Inverness CT 2-1.
The hosts took the lead inside 12 minutes when a Paul McMullan low drive found Anderson, whose initial effort was fumbled by Mark Ridgers. It left the goalkeeper in a precarious position & Anderson guided the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.
McPake’s side were ahead. (Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Anderson was a constant threat to the Caley backline and the young midfielder made Ridgers work before half-time, turning an effort round the post. James McPake’s side would double their lead before the interval, Danny Mullen winning a header into the box, Cummings latching on to turn an effort beyond Ridgers.
Inverness almost pulled one back on 56 minutes with Miles Storey clear of the offside trap and through on goal with Jack Hamilton, the Dee keeper keeping his composure to deny Storey with the forward opting to go for the near angle.
The visitors did get the leveler they had been craving 14 minutes from time. Cameron Harper made a good run down the left before playing a fantastic ball into the box which found the presence of Nikolay Todorov, who headed home past Hamilton to give Inverness a glimmer of hope.
An Inverness glimmer. (Photo by Mark Scates/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Football intensity had started to get tepid so it was a welcome goal to increase the temperature in this encounter. The business end of the match was witness to a more resurgent Caley Thistle desperate to salvage a point. It was Dundee who held on for all 3 points though in a welcome result for McPake’s side. Here are three things we learned from the game.
Dark Blues improve
Dundee have recently been at fault, both collectively and individually, for not getting the wins required to mount a promotion push and there was a better level of organisation in all areas of the park. The centre half pairing of Lee Ashcroft & Liam Fontaine imposed a level of stability & made it hard for the Caley attackers to threaten too much.
Anderson with a power of work
Anderson played in the position that experienced midfielder Charlie Adam is accustomed to and the youngster was breaking up play well. He helped himself to the opener by finding good space before scoring at the second opportunity. Anderson was creative in everything he did and was an asset in the win for Dundee.
Inverness played their part
The first half was tepid from a Caley Thistle perspective, enduring an uncomfortable opening 45 minutes. Conceding the second goal on the stroke of half-time was decisive in the outcome of this match, however, they had more purpose about them in the second period. Neil McCann’s side showed more urgency and made Dundee work hard for victory.
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