A quickfire Zach Robinson double saw Dundee seal a second Championship victory on the bounce with a 2-0 win over Raith Rovers.
The Dark Blues hadn’t managed to put back-to-back wins together in the league since August but they were well worth this success.
The two sides were level on points at kick-off but this was a comfortable performance in the end for Dundee as they sent their fans home happy.
Robinson proved the difference with a penalty and then a close-range rebound on 49 and 54 minutes.
And moved Gary Bowyer’s side to within three points of leaders Ayr United.
Key moments
Dundee started slow with Raith Rovers slick in possession in the early stages.
But it was the home side who went closest in the opening 45 as Robinson saw a shot strike one post, hit goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald and then come out off the other upright.
There was no waiting about in the second half for the opening goal, however, as referee Grant Irvine pointed to the spot after Ben Williamson’s shot struck Scott Brown’s arm.
Robinson stepped up to stroke home before adding a second five minutes later.
His first effort was brilliantly saved by MacDonald but the on-loan Wimbledon man was there to smash into the roof of the net.
Dundee had chances late on to put more gloss on the scoreline but had to settle for 2-0.
Dundee’s star man: Zach Robinson
No other option in here but the goalscorer. Zach Robinson is now far and away top of the club’s scoring charts this season with eight goals.
He showed real quality throughout the contest and could have scored more than two.
Robinson struck the post in the first half and had more near misses in the opening 45.
And it looked like Josh Mulligan may have got in his way to deny a hat-trick in the second half.
Superb performance.
Player ratings
Lawlor 6, Sweeney 7, Ashcroft 7, McGhee 7, Kerr 7, French 7, Grayson 6 (Byrne 19, 7), Anderson 6 (Williamson 29, 7), Mulligan 7 (Osei 87), McMullan 7 (Cameron 87), Robinson 9 (Sheridan 87).
Subs not used: Legzdins, Jakubiak, McCowan, Robertson.
Attendance: 5,022
Manager under the microscope
Dundee boss Gary Bowyer stuck with the formation that worked so well at Partick Thistle last week.
That saw Jordan McGhee step back into a three-man defence alongside Ryan Sweeney and Lee Ashcroft.
Max Anderson got a first start since the beginning of October in midfield while Paul McMullan took the Zak Rudden role up front with the striker injured.
The starting XI didn’t last long, however, as Joe Grayson and Max Anderson both went off injured inside the opening half-hour.
That saw a big cheer when Shaun Byrne made his first appearance since getting injured against Rovers in August.
He replaced Grayson while Ben Williamson took the place of Anderson, who went off with a head knock.
Late on a triple substitution saw out the game.
Man in the middle
Grant Irvine had a fairly quiet first-half with no reason to get the cards out.
The big decision came shortly after half-time as Ben Williamson’s 20-yard rasper hit Scott Brown. Irvine said handball and pointed to the spot.
A few cards came late in the game but overall it was a quiet afternoon for the official.
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