Dundee

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Steven Pressley is seeking to lead Dundee to back-to-back wins over fierce rivals United - but admits he doesn't "enjoy" derby fixtures.

The Dark Blues, who won 1-0 at Tannadice in January, can replace United in seventh place with a home victory on Sunday.

"I don't enjoy it, to be perfectly honest," Pressley said.

"I think if you asked any manager, unless they lie to you, there's a lot of relief at the end of it.

"It's not a game or a period you particularly enjoy. It's okay if you get the right outcome, as we did at Tannadice, but it's not an enjoyable game.

"It goes without saying that the derby games carry that extra pressure, that extra burden. We're not hiding from that fact."

Opposite number Jim Goodwin is under pressure with inconsistent United set to miss out on the top six, but Pressley is braced for a "difficult challenge".

"That's what goes with the territory when you play at a club where you do play a derby that there's such fierce rivalry around," he added.

"Whether it's Tannadice or whether it's Dens, the importance doesn't change. Your own supporters expect you to get a result, so that doesn't change.

"That's for both sides at the weekend. Dundee United supporters will turn up expecting their team to win, as will Dundee fans, and ultimately that brings a degree of pressure."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee manager Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Sunday's derby against Dundee United.

Here are the main points:

• Dundee's victory over in-form Motherwell last weekend was "no surprise" to the Dundee boss, adding his players "showed an incredible resilience and determination to find a way to get a result".

• Pressley believes there's "a lot more to come" from his players but is pleased "they want to get better all the time".

• The head coach says the Dundee derby is a "terrific spectacle and a great game of football" and, in the wake of the pitch invasion and violence that followed last weekend's Old Firm showdown, he insists "we want the attention to be on the pitch".

• Dundee can leapfrog their city rivals in the table with a win but Pressley insists his players "don't need" that motivation.

• Having lost their previous home meeting with United 1-0 in August, Pressley says: "It was sore, it was hard for the players and myself. We don't want to experience that again."

• Pressley knows how important Sunday's derby is for "momentum" and wants his side to "get the right outcome".

• But the 52-year-old admits he "doesn't enjoy" derby outings, adding "there's a lot of relief at the end of it".

• United have just one win in five games but Pressley says: "Form is over the course of a season. You can have five or six good performances, that doesn't mean you don't get relegated. When I look at form, I look at the form for the 29 games. At present, Dundee United's form is better than ours."

• Clark Robertson remains unavailable, Billy Koumetio returned to full training on Tuesday and while the weekend may still come too early for him, Pressley insists "he's certainly a consideration".

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Motherwell hadn't conceded a league goal in six-and-a-half hours before Dundee broke the deadlock on Saturday.

Tony Yogane finally scored his first senior goal - the only thing that had been missing from his game.

Between him and Cameron Congreve, it feels like the perfect time to have sharpened their finishing with the Dundee derby on the horizon.

We are unbeaten in four games now and the starting line-up has remained unchanged in the past three.

Dundee have found their rhythm and, pleasingly, it's not limited to the starting XI. All the substitutions changed the dimension of the game, showing both tactical diversity and a squad pulling in the same direction. In fact, the three substitutions made on the hour all linked up for the winning goal.

If you can beat Motherwell, you can beat anyone in this division and it was a superb result against one of the league's strongest sides.

The previous Dundee derby - 1-0 win at Tannadice in early January - felt like a turning point for us. That day we recorded our third consecutive victory with an excellent display - that's the standard expected for this meeting.

The last derby at Dens, a 2-0 defeat in August, was a remarkably flat showing and this weekend is the chance to make things right in front of the home crowd.

Form often goes out the window in these matches, but coming it upbeat and confident is far better than carrying the weight of needing a response.

The overriding feeling in the build-up is excitement. This is bragging rights, a chance to leapfrog our neighbourhood rivals in the table and for the players to carve out cult-hero status with the supporters.

These are season-defining matches, the previous two derby results reflect the story of our season accurately. If that upward trend continues, I sense a beautiful Sunday ahead.

Former Dundee and Dundee United defender Lee Wilkie believes the pressure will only increase on United manager Jim Goodwin should Dundee win Sunday's city derby. (Courier - subscription required), external

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Dundee pick up all three points in an entertaining Scottish Premiership encounter with Motherwell (UK only).

A selection of views from Dundee supporters following their 2-1 Scottish Cup win against Motherwell...

Steven: Pressley says, 'let us entertain you' then sets up like we're playing Arsenal away? That said, what a terrific result against a very good Motherwell team and it looks like, at last, we have a bench capable of effecting a game.

Kenny: The improvement in performance level has been outstanding. SP clearly had a plan that most mere mortals couldn't see. Making the pundits and many fans eat humble pie including me.

Ewan: A huge win, against the best footballing side in the league this season. McCracken silenced his critics (for now) and the defence put in a very solid shift. I think the win all but ends Motherwell's title-winning chat, and steers us to safety. Finishing above United is now the target. On to the derby next Sunday, 'mon the Dee.

Roberto: First off, a really impressive Motherwell display. The best controlled performance at Dens this season. Second, a very disciplined Dundee showing. Gritty, determined and with some good football also. McCracken's save at 0-0 was outstanding.

Alex: PRESSLEY PRESSLEY BALL, absolutely outstanding performance and Steven Pressley, what a man. It looks like this team is constantly performing now, just a shame for a poor start but really looking forward to next season if we can build on this.

Jay: Well done. At one point I was settling for a draw. Motherwell certainly tested us but a great three points. Our keeper had a good game and let's hope he keeps that up.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee winger Tony Yogane says netting his first senior goal is "a good feeling" and insists he has "more to score".

The 20-year-old netted the opener at Dens Park, his first for Dundee and the first of his senior career, as Steven Pressley's side beat Motherwell 2-1 in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Yogane, who arrived on a season-long loan from Brentford in the summer, is hoping that the goals will flow now his scoring duck has been broken.

"First senior goal, I am very happy," he said.

"Especially to do it here with all my team-mates and the staff who have been working with me for seven months to try and get a goal. I am really happy to get it and share it with the team, it is a good feeling.

"I have played a lot of minutes, getting a lot of good balls, showing the league what I can do, that is what you want to do as a young player, just express yourself.

"[Manager] Steven [Pressley] has given me the platform but the season isn't finished. I have got more to do, more goals to score and assists to give."

Dundee leapfrog Aberdeen to move up to eighth in the Scottish Premiership after inflicting title-chasing Motherwell's first league defeat since December.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Dundee manager Steven Pressley: "I'm really proud of the players today because that was an enormous effort against a really top Motherwell side that ask so many different questions of you but the players found the answers.

"We set up in a certain way, Motherwell adapted, tested us but time and time again the players found solutions.

At times we showed good bravery. It's small steps from us in the right direction, that's now seven points from our last nine against Aberdeen, Motherwell and Hibernian which is a good return but the most pleasing thing for me is that we're making progress and the players are showing a lot of personality and a lot of character.

"Motherwell had a lot of pressure, a lot of efforts on goal and made it really difficult for us but time and time again the players came up with the answers and defended for their lives.

"I think for that effort alone it's really pleasing for them to get the rewards with the win.

"We're moving forward but we're nowhere near where we need to be. The players take a lot of responsibility and ownership and that's what pleases me most.

"Jon McCracken has been terrific for us all season. There's been a couple of moments of late but he's responded brilliantly to that. There hasn't been that many, and also we have to remember it's his first real run of games at this level. he's played more games this season than in any other season so he's learning all the time, growing all the time.

"I'll not lose sight of what I continue to say. For me the most important thing for us is remaining in the Premiership. If we can do that after what the players have had to endure this year, that would be a great achievement. There's a lot of work going on and that's why it's so essential we stay in the Premiership."

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Dundee manager Steven Pressley hopes eye-catching recent performance will have fans flocking to Dens Park for Saturday's visit from Motherwell.

Supporters saw the Dark Blues share six goals with Hibernian in their last home game and Pressley felt the team delivered with an entertaining display.

"We had a good support (against Hibs)," he told Dee TV. "The recent performances of the team, the increase in their goals, I think has got people back in the stadium, and that's important.

"And, of course, hopefully that type of performance brings them back."

The team now take on high-flying Motherwell, who have taken plenty of plaudits for their own attacking style, and who Pressley sees as a "standout" in the league. He says Dundee face a tough task but one they should embrace.

"They're in amazing form, but Hibernian were in amazing form coming here," Pressley said.

"But Motherwell have probably been the real standout performers this season.

"The manager has done a wonderful job, they play some wonderful football, they score a lot of goals, give very few away. It's not a very good tonic…

"But that's the challenge for us – can we beat a very good Motherwell team?"

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• Motherwell's Tawanda Maswanhise has 16 goals in the Scottish Premiership this season; since the competition rebranded in 2013-14, the only African to net more in a single campaign is Cyriel Dessers in 2024-25 (18) with Rangers.

• Dundee have only won one of their past seven league games (D3 L3), a 3-2 victory at Aberdeen in February.

• Motherwell have won their past three league outings; the Steelmen last won more in a row in February 2019 under Stephen Robinson (run of six wins).

• Dundee have only won two of their past 10 Scottish Premiership home games against Motherwell (D2 L6), although both were by a three-goal margin: 3-0 in November 2021 and 4-1 in December 2024.

• Motherwell have won three of their past four league games against Dundee (D1), after only winning one of their previous seven beforehand (D3 L3).

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

It is turning into a season of 'what ifs' for Dundee. Their last outing, against Hibs, is a case in point.

Steven Pressley's side came back from a goal down to lead on 72 minutes - but had to rely on a Cameron Congreve wonder striker in the dying seconds for a 3-3 draw.

What if Dundee had managed to hang on to that lead?

For a while now their performance levels have been on an upward trajectory - but that hasn't been fully reflected in their accumulation of points.

For example, the Dark Blues, who are ninth in the table, have taken six points from the last 21 on offer.

Few would argue they have not merited a better return.

Following their outing with Hibs, Congreve admitted they have to "learn how to control the game better".

He is right – but that is simply part of the continued learning curve for this Dundee squad, which was rebuilt last summer.

If they can add a streetwise streak, they should avoid getting dragged back into the battle for the relegation play-off spot.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

A thrilling draw crowned by Cameron Congreve's sublime equaliser showcased Dundee's new-found fluidity.

Our patterns of play have really picked up, we look a lot more dangerous moving forward and the quality of the goals speak for themselves. We've scored eight in three games!

Congreve's excellent strike will naturally claim the spotlight. For me, the delivery from Drey Wright for Luke Graham's goal is the pick of the bunch.

The main takeaway here is Dundee can threaten from each department – defenders, midfielders and forwards alike.

Crucially in the latter, Simon Murray of old is back up and running, netting four in his past three games.

It's been a lengthy wait but he seems to have found his confidence alongside catching up with fitness. He got back into the starting line-up initially through the injury of Ash Hay – now he holds that spot by merit and it's his to lose.

Neutrals might be surprised to hear Congreve has only netted twice for Dundee this season and it looks like Steven Pressley is challenging him and Tony Yogane (who is still yet to score) to boost those numbers.

A trio of Motherwell stars, duos from Hearts and Falkirk, and one each from Rangers, Celtic, Hibs and Dundee.

Jonathan Sutherland has picked his team of the week, so let's take a look and see who impressed...

Calum Ward - Motherwell

A key part of the Motherwell success story at the back. Yet another clean sheet.

Harry Milne - Hearts

Mr Versatile and Mr Reliable all rolled into one. Another team of the week appearance for Milne. Taking the liberty of forcing this auxiliary dynamo into right-back here.

Luke Graham - Dundee

A goal and an assist from the highly promising Dundee defender. His finish for the Dark Blues was like that of a striker.

Kieran Tierney - Celtic

Huge goal at a huge time in the Old Firm Derby. The Scotland international has quietly been a big player for Celtic over the past few weeks and will no doubt be a big leader for this side in the finale of this incredible season.

Nicky Cadden - Hibernian

There is almost laser precision to his deliveries from the left-hand side. His assist for Owen Elding's header was a perfect example, knowing exactly where to put the ball to elude the defence and allow the striker the best chance to finish.

Elliott Watt - Motherwell

The Motherwell orchestrator has been a key part of the Fir Park ensemble, which continues to hit all the right notes.

The ominous thing for Hearts, Rangers and Celtic is there appears to be no reason why Motherwell cannot keep on winning.

Watt is a central cog in that winning machine. An assist for Tawanda Maswanhise's second.

Dylan Tait - Falkirk

Two goals and so much to enjoy from the Falkirk midfielder. Part of a group completely in sync with each other, and loving life under John McGlynn in the top flight.

Claudio Braga - Hearts

Has led from the front in the absence of Lawrence Shankland and always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

The personification of Hearts this season, plucked by analytics from the relative obscurity of the Norwegian second division to spearheading a title charge threatening to destroy 40 years of Old Firm dominance.

Barney Stewart - Falkirk

Another barnstorming weekend for young Barney Stewart. The Grangemouth Harry Kane was on fire against Kilmarnock and was unlucky not to claim another hat-trick.

The story of the university lad now playing Premiership football has been well told, but it's now moved on to just how quickly he has developed into one of the most exciting strikers in the league.

The only thing missing from the McGlynn Falkirk success story was a goal-getting number nine. They have certainly found him.

Youssef Chermiti - Rangers

Talk about a big game player.

Looks decidedly pedestrian at times in more run-of-the-mill fixtures, but when it slams to the big matches against the big teams the 21-year-old has been the man to deliver. And in spectacular style.

His first goal was Scott McTominay-esque, an iconic Old Firm moment. His second was pure gallus opportunism full of ingenuity and initiative.

Tawanda Maswanhise - Motherwell

Another two goals for the jewel in the crown of the Motherwell story. The top scorer in the Premiership, if Maswanhise can stay fit and keep this form going the Steelmen really do have a shot at glory.

Their combination of goals and clean sheets is quite incredible. What an extra dimension Motherwell and Maswanhise have brought to this quite sensational season.

Watch as Sportscene pundit Richard Foster heaps praise on Dundee winger Cameron Congreve for his stunning late equaliser in their 3-3 draw with Hibernian.

Available in UK only

Watch the best of the action as Dundee and Hibernian share six goals in a Scottish Premiership draw.

We asked for your views on Dundee's 3-3 draw against Hibernian.

Here's what some of you said:

Albert: Steven Pressley deserves a lot of praise for bringing in a strong mentality to the group. More than confident now we'll stay up.

Gary: Disappointed with the draw, but happy with a point.

Ethan Hamilton went from winner to sinner, holding the ball too long when a pass was seemingly available.

Great effort to come back for the third goal, but again our keeper doesn't instil massive confidence and had it not been for errors we'd have won that game.

Best parts were another goal for Simon Murray and injury returnees back on the bench.

Steven: We have the makings of a very good side, however, as has been the case for many years, we were exposed time and again for lack of a right and left-back.

I'm confident we would have won this had Brad Halliday been fit to play. Hibs spotted this early and exploited it to the full in the second half, as many before them have.

Brian: A great game of football, both teams played well and a draw was probably right. Would add that the referee [Ross Hardie] was excellent allowing play to flow. Happy to see some of our injured players back.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Cameron Congreve believes Dundee are getting better by the week but says they "have to learn how to control the game better".

The Dark Blues looked to be heading for a league win over Hibernian on Saturday when Luke Graham fired them 2-1 up after 71 minutes at Dens Park.

However, the visitors turned the game on its head and were leading 3-2 deep into added time before Congreve scored a spectacular leveller in the dying seconds.

"It was bit of a mad game, but I think when we are going in front now we just need to learn how to control the game better and see the game out a little bit better," the winger said.

"Hibs are a really good team, so if you go ahead, especially late on, you want to see the game out."

The result means Dundee remain ninth in the table, but they are now just a point behind Aberdeen in eighth.

Congreve added: "Some of the performances we have been putting in recently have been excellent, I think we have been unlucky with a few results, but I think we are improving week in, week out."

Despite a string of fine displays since arriving on a season-long loan from Swansea City last summer, Congreve's stunning strike is just his second goal of the campaign.

He said: "I think probably a minute before I should have slid the ball across, I should have put a better ball across and we should have equalised then, but I think I redeemed myself with the finish.

"It is probably about time I scored one of them to be fair, coming inside and into the far corner, but I'm really happy to get it."

Hibernian dropped points in the race for Europe as Cam Congreve's dramatic late screamer rescued a Scottish Premiership point for Dundee in a six-goal thriller at Dens Park.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Dundee head coach Steven Pressley tells BBC Scotland: "It was a terrific game of football, both sides going out there to try and win the game.

"Hibs are a great side and have really good quality, but I thought for 80 minutes we were excellent. We did some great things and once we got our noses in front, we just lost a bit of composure.

"Credit to Hibs, they made some really positive changes and found themselves a goal ahead.

"But it says everything about our team at present that from a position of winning, to then being behind, we didn't give up. We kept going and going until that final whistle, and we got a very much deserved point.

"Luke has been an outstanding performer this year. The amazing thing is he can play off both feet. He's terrific and a real good finish from him.

"I always critique my own performance - should I have made certain changes within the game? What could I have done better to help us get over the line? But in perspective, we've grown a lot.

"We were a team that was very pragmatic, now we're a team that scores goals and plays positive football. I'm really proud of the players just now, I mean that."

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Yan Dhanda credits Dundee's coaching staff for making him a better player and insists he is now "an all-round midfielder".

The 27-year-old Hearts loanee, who forged his reputation as a number 10 at Ross County, has been a regular starter for Steven Pressley's side since November in a more central midfield position.

"I'm playing a deeper role, so I'm getting used to that, I think the coaching staff here have definitely improved me as a player," said Dhanda.

"I'm more of an all-round midfielder now rather than just an attacking midfielder, so credit to the staff because they've improved me so much as a midfielder.

"I'm enjoying getting on the ball deeper in possession and helping in the build-up and getting us higher up the pitch. But at the same time, defensively, I'm enjoying that as well.

"I've improved so much. I can tell from where I was before I came here to now how much I've improved as a player, so I can only thank the staff for that."

Ninth-place Dundee beat Aberdeen 3-2 last weekend and Dhanda is hopeful they can continue their momentum in Saturday's visit of Hibernian.

"It was a big result for us. We have to take confidence from it, but at the same time we can't get complacent because this league's very difficult and no game's easy," he added.

"We have another very difficult game on Saturday. Hibs are a very good team. I've seen them quite a few times this season and they play some good football and have got some very good players.

"We know it's going to be difficult, but at the same time, we're at home, so we have to make that count and try and attack them."