While all Dundee fans will be absolutely delighted their side secured their Premiership status once more this season, no doubt many would agree that for the second campaign in a row, the flirting with danger was a little bit too close for comfort.
The Dark Blues had all but made themselves safe following the win over Hamilton at Dens on Saturday that took them six points clear of second bottom Partick Thistle – and with a much better goal difference – but boss Neil McCann was determined they would finish the job when they travelled to Dingwall on Tuesday night.
They faced a Ross County side battling for their own Premiership survival but in much more desperate straits, rooted to the foot of the table.
The Dark Blues had to weather an early storm but finally found their feet in the game and scored what proved to be the winner through Simon Murray in the 51st minute.
The on-loan Hibs striker put in a whole-hearted shift on the night and could have added to his tally but there were stand-out performances throughout the team against the Staggies.
The two centre-halves, Steven Caulker and Darren O’Dea were immense with the full-backs Kevin Holt and Cammy Kerr also showing huge commitment.
Skipper Paul McGowan was tireless as ever and must have thought he had scored with a curling effort that cannoned back off the post.
However, the man-of-the-match performance for me – as it has been so many times this season – came from the outstanding Glen Kamara.
It is worth remembering that the classy midfielder is still only 22 and this is his first full campaign of senior football.
Yet, once again the former Arsenal Academy product was calmness personified in the middle of a full-blooded battle that was not for the faint-hearted.
Other clubs including English Premier League sides are already showing interest in the Finland international but McCann will be absolutely determined to fend off any possible advances once the transfer window opens.
Before all that, the Dens manager is looking for the fans to turn out in big numbers on Saturday at Dens as his side look to finish with a flourish against Partick.
However, McCann has high ambitions for the club and he will simply not accept Dundee being satisfied with merely surviving in the top tier during his tenure.
Once the game against the Jags is out of the way, the work will begin in earnest to ensure that the Dark Blues do more than simply achieve safety next season.
