Dundee found Queen of the South a much tougher proposition on the first day of the league season than at the weekend, according to defender Declan Gallagher.
The former Clyde star, who was part of the Dark Blues rearguard that day when they lost 4-3, believes Dundee showed how far they have progressed this season by going back to the same venue on Saturday and coming away with all three points.
The 23-year-old added: “They are a big team so it was a hard game at setpieces. We knew they would be at their most dangerous then but I think we handled it well.
“It has been a big learning curve since they defeated us on the first day of the season.
“A lot of people were shouting about us (as favourites) and there was a lot of pressure on us.
“It was a wee bit of a turnover from them but we learned from that and through the rest of the season.
“It showed on Saturday that we knew what was required when we went down there.
“We have been ready to go for it (league title) all season. It is a hard division but we are starting to get a bit of momentum together and hopefully we can keep that going.”
Gallagher is fully aware that Dundee face another stern test of their title credentials when they travel to face Cowdenbeath this Saturday.
The last time the two sides met in December at Dens, the Blue Brazil under new boss Jimmy Nicholl stunned the Dark Blues, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Jordan Morton and the dangerous Kane Hemmings, who has netted 19 times so far this season for the Championship strugglers.
Gallagher added: “Kane has always been a good player. I have known him since youth level and he has always been hard to play against as he is fast and strong.
“Cowdenbeath as a whole have been on a good run of form since their new manager came in. They came here and got a result against us so we know we are in for a tough game.
“However, if we can keep our momentum going, then we are hoping for another win.”
Cowden boss Nicholl completed his seventh new signing when he secured 20-year-old left back Rory McKeown from Kilmarnock on a month-to-month loan deal.
He goes straight into the Fifers squad for the match against Dundee.