Dundee got their season off to a near perfect start with an emphatic Betfred Cup victory at Stark’s Park.
Raith Rovers won four out of four in pre-season – and had some decent spells in this game – but the Dens Park side were clinical in front of goal and were particularly impressive in midfield.
Andrew Nelson looked like the Andrew Nelson who was a prolific finisher when he first signed, rather than the one that ended last season struggling for form and fitness.
He scored two and Craig Curran came off the bench to grab the third, his first for the club.
Nelson’s opening goal was scored on 14 minutes when Fernandy Mendy made a mess of a simple pass over the top and allowed the former Sunderland striker to get to the bouncing ball first and slot it past keeper Ross Munro.
Raith boss John McGlynn was adamant that his French centre-back had been pushed and was sent to the stand by referee Lloyd Wilson for his protestations.
Dundee were already in control of the contest and had an iron grip just before the half-hour when it was 2-0.
Mendy’s debut was turning into a personal nightmare and his high boot in the box earned the Dark Blues a penalty, which Nelson drilled home.
The far post saved Raith from being three behind at the break when Paul McGowan’s first-time shot had beaten Munro.
Raith were much improved after the break and Joao Victoria came close to scoring with a curled shot just wide of the far post.
It was Dundee who had the last word though, with Curran finishing off a superb passing move on 74 minutes.
