Kilmarnock gained revenge for their opening-day 4-0 thrashing by Dundee with this narrow win at Dens Park.
Dundee were stunned in the ninth minute when Kallum Higginbotham swung a cross in from the Killie right into the home penalty area with the in-form Josh Magennis rising high to head past Scott Bain in the Dark Blues’ goal.
Dundee boss Paul Hartley had selected a bold attacking line-up with four recognised strikers in Greg Stewart, Rory Loy, Kane Hemmings and Rhys Healey but his side struggled to fashion a chance worthy of the name as the half progressed.
Indeed, Killie could and possibly should have extended their lead in the 31st minute when Magennis was played straight in on goal but Bain made a vital block to keep out his shot.
As referee Andrew Dallas blew for half-time, the Dundee players headed down the tunnel with the boos of the home support ringing in their ears.
The second-half was just three minutes old when Dundee fell further behind with Killie’s Steven Smith fizzing a long-range shot past Bain.
Gary Locke’s side then came close to making it three with the Dark Blues’ Nick Ross having to clear a Conrad Balatoni shot off his own line.
However, Dundee finally gave their fans something to cheer about in the 77th minute when Healey headed past Killie keeper Jamie MacDonald to make it 2-1.
The Dark Blues pushed hard for an equaliser but Killie held on to take all three points.
For full report, reaction and analysis, see Monday’s Courier.