It may not have been the title-winning party Dundee and their supporters craved when the season started back in August. But after arguably the most turbulent period in their history the Dark Blues partied long into the night after defeating Partick Thistle on Saturday.
With safety in division one secured the previous week against Ross County, the club cut their admission prices to attract as many fans as possible through the gates for the last home game of the season and it worked, with over 7700 turning up to laud Barry Smith’s players for achieving what was considered mission impossible and avoiding relegation to division two.
As well as the chance to hail the players who have shown such determination since the club was docked 25 points by the SFL, the fans were also treated to a scintillating game which yielded five goals.
Craig Forsyth, perhaps playing his final match at Dens, chipped in with two and Matt Lockwood hit a penalty to ensure victory over a Jags side intent on spoiling the party and who scored through Tom Stewart and Kris Doolan.
Dundee’s players did a lap of honour after the final whistle and stayed behind late for a team reception.
“The party we’re having is well deserved because the lads have been amazing this year,” said Lockwood. “The fans also deserved to have their day as well because it has been a collective effort.
“The supporters have been amazing and we would not have been able to do it if it wasn’t for them.
“It has been emotional this season has had a bit of everything. But, apart from the people losing their jobs, obviously, I wouldn’t have changed it.”
Forsyth opened the scoring on 58 minutes, slamming a shot past Scott Fox from eight yards after being played in by Nicky Riley.
With Partick who lost Martin Grehan to a serious neck injury right after the break all at sea, he added a second with his head after the ex-Dens keeper one of the players sacked in October made an initial save.
The Jags hit back through Stewart before the game swung against them again with Willie Kinniburgh’s sending-off for clambering all over Forsyth in the box.
Lockwood stepped up to take the penalty and scored with aplomb. That won the game for Dundee, although Doolan made them sweat with a goal seconds from time.
Forsyth has been a revelation for Dundee this term and his performances have attracted interest from a number of clubs. Lockwood fears Dundee will be unable to keep him beyond the summer but predicts a bright future for his team-mate.Click here for a full photo gallery“Craig Forsyth has been excellent this season, but I think a lot of that is down to having me play behind him,” joked Lockwood. “When he gets his move to the Premiership I’ll be expecting him to give me a bit of the credit.
“He’s got all the attributes he’s big, strong, direct, quick and good in the air. He has also scored a lot of goals this season, so it’s no surprise teams are looking at him.
“If he keeps doing what he’s doing and he will because he’s such a good, level-headed lad then I have no doubt he will play at the very highest level.
“These days people look for athletes and he’s a superb sportsman. The boys couldn’t believe that he wasn’t nominated for player of the year but he’ll get plenty of recognition in future.”
Smith has indicated to his entire team he wants them to stay and will be discussing contracts when the season ends.
Lockwood is keen to remain at Dens and hopes that the majority of his colleagues will stick around to launch an assault on the title next year.
“The club have said they want me to stay, so it’s a case of sitting down with them and seeing what’s on offer,” he said. “I want to stay. It has been an amazing experience, a total rollercoaster.
“As for the rest of the boys, I don’t know. There will be interest in the players here because I think we’ve proved we are one of the best teams in the league. Teams from above and from down in England will be looking to nick some of the boys.
“It would be great if the club could keep everyone but if they think they want to try something else then nobody could blame them. But if we keep the basis of this team together and if we add a few new faces we can really be a force to be reckoned with.”