Dundee secured bragging rights in the Tayside derby with St Johnstone thanks to this narrow victory.
The Dark Blues opened the scoring in the 16th minute when James McPake who netted his side’s last-gasp equaliser in the derby on Tuesday night superbly volleyed home a Nicky Low corner.
The home side continued to create chances but it was Saints who came close to equalising when Graham Cummins sent a looping shot goalward but Dark Blues keeper Scott Bain pulled off yet another stunning save, tipping the ball over his bar.
Dundee then increased their advantage in the 39th minute when Low capitalised on a St Johnstone error and sent an inviting cross from the left towards Kane Hemmings who expertly headed back across goal past Saints keeper Alan Mannus.
Saints pulled one back nine minutes into the second half, when danger man Michael O’Halloran burst into the Dundee box and crossed for Steven MacLean to shoot home at Bain’s far post.
Dundee should have made it three in the 73rd minute when Hemmings played Nick Ross in on goal but his shot was blocked by Mannus.
Ross had an even better chance seconds later when it looked like he would have a simple tap in from a Paul McGinn cross but the midfielder missed the ball completely.
However, Dundee saw out the game to take all three points.
For full report, reaction and analysis, see Monday’s Courier.