Dundee manager James McPake said his players will relish the city derby after securing three successive league wins for the first time in five years.
You have to go back to 2014 to find a comparable run after last night’s 2-1 victory home over Morton was added to away successes over Alloa and Ayr.
Championship leaders Dundee United, who face Inverness in the Highlands today, are the visitors next Friday night and they will come up against a Dark Blues team in good shape.
Kane Hemmings opened the scoring for the Dens men, who were pegged back by the Greenock side after just a couple of minutes.
However, sub Jamie Ness grabbed the winner on 79 minutes to keep the feelgood factor flowing through the club. Significantly, man-of-the-match Graham Dorrans claimed assists for both.
McPake said: “It was a good night for us.
“It wasn’t the performance we wanted to put on in front of that good crowd but it’s three points.
“It has finished off a really good seven days.
“All the talk had been that we hadn’t done it since 2014 but that’s not something to be proud of at a football club like ours.
“So it is the first time in five years that we have won three (league) games in a row and that’s not good enough.
“However, it was a box that had to be ticked.
“It was a tough game tonight.
“To ask players to play three games in a week is a big ask.
“We scored two really good goals. Graham’s ball for Kane’s header was excellent and then his touch for Jamie and the finish was a great way to win the game.
“We are getting our quality players up to speed now and it’s really showing.
“Our character has been questioned by certain people…but I think you saw a lot of character out there.”
As for the United match looming large on the horizon, McPake added: “Three wins is a great run-up to any game, regardless of what it is.
“We are excited and there is a buzz about the place.
“Derby week will take care of itself and we have a big week’s training ahead.
“We will then look forward to a full house here, good backing and a great atmosphere. It is a game we are really looking forward to.”
