Dundee

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Captain Joe Shaughnessy insists there's no extra pressure on the crucial trip to Kilmarnock this weekend as Dundee battle to remain in the top flight.

Tony Docherty's side sit just two points clear of Ross County, who occupy the Premiership play-off spot with three games remaining.

Despite that, and suffering a controversial defeat to Motherwell last time out, Shaughnessy insists the squad know what's required in the run-in.

"We know it's in our hands," Shaughnessy said. "We know we've got to put in the performances now to keep ourselves in the division.

"We've got the chance to really go and show that we deserve to be in this league next year.

"I don't feel like there's any more pressure now than there has been over the last few months.

"We've known we've been in a relegation battle for the last couple of months, really. So it's not like there's any extra pressure. It's just another game that you go and deal with.

"You go and deal with this weekend and then you move on to Wednesday and there's no point thinking 'What if I do this wrong? What if I make this mistake, all these bad things are going to happen.'

"It's just a game football that you've got to go and deal with and make sure you're on top come the end."

Opponents Kilmarnock have found form at a good time, with consecutive wins leaving them with the chance to secure their Premiership place against Dundee.

Victory for Dundee would leave them just a point behind Derek McInnes' side.

"At this stage of the season, the result is all that matters," added Irish defender Shaughnessy.

"Everyone would love to win pretty, but you've just got to win any way you can. You've got to get the results. We're ready to do that.

"They [Kilmarnock] put you under pressure and you've got to stand up to that.

"If you can't stand up to that, there's no point going to play Kilmarnock away if you're just going to lie down. You've got to fight that."

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• Kilmarnock have only lost one of their past 13 Scottish Premiership games against Dundee (W4 D8), a 3-2 defeat in November this season.

• Dundee are winless in five Scottish Premiership visits to Kilmarnock (D3 L2) since a 1-0 victory in May 2017.

• Kilmarnock have won their past two league games (both 2-0), while they last won three in a row within a single season in the Premiership in October 2020, and last did so while also keeping a clean sheet each time in April 2018.

• Dundee have alternated between winning (3) and losing (3) their last six league games, losing 2-1 at home to Motherwell last time out.

• Dundee have dropped more points from winning positions (26) than any other side in this season's top flight, while no club has recovered more from losing positions than Kilmarnock (13, level with Hibernian and Rangers).

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty has hailed Simon Murray as a "role model" to younger players in his squad after the striker's second player of the year nomination.

Having been beaten to the PFA Scotland award, Murray is shortlisted for the Scottish Football Writers' Association prize.

The 33-year-old has been an inspirational figure this term for the Dens Park side who, despite his form, sit just two points clear of second-bottom Ross County with three games remaining.

"He's been brilliant," Docherty said.

"He's not just displayed fantastic ability on the pitch, but in the dressing room he's brilliant as well. That's the reason why we went to such lengths to get him here.

"Simon, for me, is a role model for the younger players. The biggest kind of credit I can give Simon Murray is he's really developed as a player.

"Last year, people would say to me he can only play, for example, in the front two. He's showing this season he can adapt to any formation because the qualities that he's got and that doesn't just happen.

"That's as a result of how hard he works during the week, how much he puts into his game, how he loves his life and how he dedicates himself to to the sport and he's now getting the credit that I think he richly deserves.

"The age Simon is, to keep on improving the way he's improving his huge credit to him. That's a role model for the younger ones."

Dundee side face a crucial trip to Kilmarnock on Saturday and Docherty insists his side are in good form despite suffering a controversial defeat against Motherwell last time out.

"I need to emphasise and reinforce we're still in good form. We've won three of our last six games, two of our last four which were against St Mirren and Hearts," he added.

"It's important that we display that resilience and also that quality of play that's allowed us to win three out of six.

"It'll be a really difficult game. We know they're a very difficult opponent. A very organised and competitive team but we need to do our utmost to make sure that our cause is greater."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Manager Tony Docherty has been speaking with the media before Dundee's Premiership trip to face Kilmarnock this weekend.

Here are the key points:

• Docherty did not wish to dwell any further on Antonio Portales' controversially disallowed strike in the defeat to Motherwell but did say he has had no from Scottish FA head of referee operations Willie Collum regarding the incident.

• He says Dundee need the "resilience" they have shown through the season to bounce back from a game "we should never have lost".

• Docherty cited three wins from Dundee's past six matches as "good form" and wants his side to show "that quality of play".

• Kilmarnock can secure their Premiership status this weekend and Docherty recognises "it will be a really difficult game" but insists Dundee "need to do our utmost to make sure that our cause is greater".

• Having worked with Derek McInnes at clubs including Killie and Aberdeen, Docherty is not surprised the Rugby Park boss has been linked with the Hearts job, saying: "It's recognition of the body of work Derek has done over a number of years."

• Docherty praised Simon Murray as being a role model for younger players in the squad after the striker was nominated for the PFA Scotland and SFWA player of the year awards, adding that his dedication to improve at age 33 is a huge credit.

• Ethan Ingram looks likely to miss the remainder of the season but Oluwaseun Adewumi is available this weekend.

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Dundee striker Simon Murray has been nominated for the Scottish Football Writers' Association player of the year award.

The 33-year-old was also shortlisted for the PFA Scotland prize but lost out to Celtic's Daizen Maeda, who is vying for the SFWA's equivalent with team-mate Callum McGregor, Hibernian midfielder Nectar Triantis and Dens Park forward Murray.

After returning to Dundee last summer, Murray has scored 21 times across all competitions this season in Tony Docherty's struggling side.

The former Hibs striker also leads the Scottish Premiership scoring chart, along with Maeda, on 16 goals and there have been calls from fans and pundits to reward the forward with a call-up to the Scotland squad.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

I should be writing about two sensational volleys from Antonio Portales. Instead I'm forced to vent about VAR.

Saturday started so promisingly when it looked like Portales had scored a second worldie of a volley just before half-time.

However, in Scottish football we can't have nice things, so the goal was ruled out for a bizarre offside call.

Clark Robertson, for me, did not interfere with play and his sin was merely existing in an offside position. Dominic Thompson goes to clear the ball regardless of what the Dundee defender is up to – and thus Robertson's actions clearly had no impact on Portales' finish.

Even if one were to make the argument he moved towards the ball and that's enough for an offside offence to be considered, that would imply that if Robertson had taken a half step 30 degrees to each side instead then it's suddenly alright? Nonsense.

It's no wonder all pundits are unanimous on this being an awful decision from VAR, maybe even the worst one seen all season.

Had the goal stood, no one would have been calling for it to to be disallowed.

On one hand, at 2-0 up the dynamic of the game completely changes if the second goal stands. Dundee have command of the game, a healthy lead at home.

On the other hand, Dundee didn't do nearly enough to win the game in the second half, particularly when Motherwell went down to 10 men.

So Dundee were viciously hard done by from poor officiating and also performed abysmally in the second half, both things can be true.

In the end, Motherwell were worthy winners and Dundee once again found a way to lose a game by surrendering a lead they should never have lost.

We should be going to Rugby Park with a weight off our shoulders, but we could potentially slump back to 11th this weekend. The pressure is ramping up as we are within touching distance of Ross County in the relegation play-off.

It's three cup finals for Dundee, we simply can't afford anymore stale performances like that second half against Motherwell.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Dundee boss Tony Docherty couldn't help but vent his frustrations at the officials following Saturday's defeat to Motherwell, where there was a controversial disallowed goal.

The fantastic strike came from Antonio Portales - who had already opened the scoring with a similar effort - and though it was chopped off, the defender still makes my team of the week as he showed his quality.

Watch the Sportscene analyse Antonio Portales' disallowed goal against against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

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Watch all the action from Motherwell's 2-1 win over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

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We asked for your views on Dundee's 2-1 loss to Motherwell.

Here's what some of you said:

Gregor: I fear a play-off and possible relegation now. We are in a rut and the manager blaming officials isn't helping our cause. Onwards to next match, but it's a worrying time to be a Dee.

Gary: The game changed on the disallowed goal. Antonio Portales had two perfectly good strikes but chalking off the second gave Motherwell the impetus and we fell out of it.

To concede another late goal, and to lose the game, is just as frustrating as the season has been as a whole, with a poor individual act compounding it. We still need points and favours to be safe.

Brian: Yet again, we throw away a lead. The referee was absolutely shocking, however Tony Docherty has never had a plan 'B' - never mind a plan 'A'. Lyall Cameron, Fin Robertson and Olawaseun Adewumi have been very poor for many games but remain on the park, Scott Tiffoney was poor today also. If we stay up we need a new management team and a half-decent team.

Iain: That game sums up or season perfectly. We threw away another game. 26 points lost from a winning position. Basic errors yet again. Tony Docherty's rinse and repeat post-match excuses are beyond tiresome. We'll do well to avoid the play-off.

Innes: I can't even think who to call out for this. The VAR has a portion of blame here as a two-goal cushion changes the game dramatically. However, the players and manager have to have a good, long look at themselves in the mirror.

John: Possibly our worst display this season. Again, no midfield. Scott Fraser at least looked like he could to a player in dark blue, rather than hump up-field for Simon Murray to chase. Their keeper was hardly tested though he did pull off good save in first half. Squeaky bum time!

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• Dundee have lost 26 points from winning positions in the Premiership this season, more than any other team.

• They have scored 31 first-half goals in 35 games, only Celtic (49) have scored more in the Premiership this season.

• Tony Docherty's side have conceded 18 goals to opposition substitutes in the Premiership this season, more than any other team.

• They have conceded 18 goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, only Ross County (19) have conceded more in the Premiership this season.

• Meanwhile, Motherwell won after trailing at half-time away from home in the Premiership for the first time since 6 April 2024 against Dundee (nine games without a win after trailing at half time).

• Lennon Miller assisted his seventh goal in the Premiership this season, while Tom Sparrow and Tawanda Maswanhise both scored their sixth goals of the league season, more than any other Motherwell player.

Dundee fans, how are you feeling after that one then? Should Portales' goal have been ruled out? Whether you were at Dens Park or following the drama from home, we want to hear from you!

Let us know your thoughts

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter at Dens Park

While Dundee were full of intent and desire in the first half, playing with plenty of confidence, they dropped off in the second half and their disallowed goal was at the centre of that.

Antonio Portales' goal was a beauty, but when his second was disallowed for offside against a team-mate, it almost proved a turning point and they're under severe pressure going into the last three games.

Their heads didn't quite go down, but Motherwell looked to receive a lift from not going in at half-time two down.

Dundee didn't quite find the same level in the second half and they paid the price. It was a sore loss especially as they were up against a numerically disadvantaged Motherwell.

Tony Docherty will have to move on quickly and he definitely can't allow his frustrations over refereeing decisions to fester as he prepares his side for massive games.

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty tells BBC Scotland: "I'm really, really angry and really frustrated. And most of that is directed towards the officials.

"We're finding a way in this country with our officials to disallow goals. We're looking for reasons to disallow goals.

"I will not abdicate responsibility as Dundee manager - I will take full responsibility for my team contriving to lose that game. But, if we go in at half-time like we should, justifiably, 2-0 up, the dynamic of the game is totally different.

"If we brush this under the carpet again and don't address it then it's a disgrace.

"Tony Portales scores a brilliant goal with his right foot and an even better one with his left foot. And the officials contrive to disallow that goal – something to do with Clark Robertson being in an offside position. Does he affect anything to do with that strike into the top corner?

"The officials are killing the game."

Antonio Portales, 28, is "very, very happy" at Dundee as he nears the end of his contract. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Dundee attacker Oluwaseun Adewumi returns after missing the victory at Hearts but Jordan McGhee is still missing.

Motherwell have Tawanda Maswanhise back in contention after he missed the win over St Johnstone with a minor injury.

Centre-backs Kofi Balmer (hamstring), Shane Blaney (knee), Paul McGinn (thigh) and Liam Gordon (concussion) remain out along with Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (wrist), Sam Nicholson (knee), Jack Vale, Zach Robinson (both Achilles) and Archie Mair (hand).

Daldeep Kaur
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty says he is not "aware" of a move to Rangers for Josh Mulligan, but it would not "surprise" him if the Ibrox club wanted the midfielder.

Mulligan, 22, is out of contract in the summer and has reportedly attracted interest from Rangers and English Championship clubs.

"No, not as far as I'm aware, but it doesn't surprise me," said Docherty.

"I've said it all along, that if these players show a level of performance that I think Josh has consistently shown now, as has Lyall Cameron previously in the season, as had Luke McCown prior to that, of course you're going to attract suitors.

"It's important Josh, he's a level-headed boy, he'll continue to focus on his performance for the team.

"Everything's about the team at the moment and just see where that takes us, but I'm just asking for him and the rest of the team to continue that consistent level of performance."

Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron is Ibrox bound this summer, having agreed a pre-contract in February, but Docherty has no doubts about the 22-year-old's commitment for the remaining four games of the season.

"He's a brilliant boy, he's just such a level-headed boy, he has a real maturity for his age and that comes with the exposure that he's had," added Docherty.

"He's played a lot of first-team football and he's played international football at his stage, as have the other ones, and Mulligan, with that brings a level of maturity and that's something that really impresses me.

"He's very focused, Lyall, and he knows Dundee is his club and he'll do absolutely everything to make sure we get results on Saturday.

"That's the players I want on my team, you know, not just good players, but players that are absolutely committed towards Dundee Football Club and Lyall's one of them."

Discussions between Dundee and Transport Scotland have been constructive since a public spat earlier this month over the Scottish Premiership club's plan for a new stadium, chief executive John Nelms has told fans. (The Courier), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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Simon Murray has been named Premiership player of the month for April after his goals helped haul Dundee out of the relegation play-off spot.

The 33-year-old striker netted a double in the 2-0 win over St Mirren and the only goal in last weekend's victory at Hearts.

Murray is t top of the Premiership scoring charts on 16 goals - alongside Celtic's Daizen Maeda - and is the only non-Celtic player on the four-man shortlist for PFA Scotland player of the year.

Daldeep Kaur
BBC Sport Scotland

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Tony Docherty has been speaking to the media before Dundee host Motherwell in the Premiership this weekend.

Here are the key points from the Dens boss.

• He was "absolutely delighted" with the 1-0 win against Hearts which lifted Dundee out of the relegation play-off place, but insists it's now "laser focus" on the Motherwell match.

• On Neil Critchley's sacking at Hearts, Docherty says he has "sympathy and empathy" for him.

• On Dundee's belief: "It is good at the moment and we need to make sure we use the confidence from Saturday's performance and result against Hearts and take that into this Saturday's game against Motherwell."

• A win against Michael Wimmer's side would put Dundee just two points behind seventh-place Motherwell, but Docherty is refusing to look beyond the next game.

• Jordan McGhee is not available for selection but Oluwaseun Adewumi is back. Seb Palmer-Houlden, Antonio Portales and Ziyad Larkeche are "all fit and ready to go".

• Docherty praised "absolutely brilliant" Scott Fraser - who last weekend made his first appearance after six months out injured - and says he's gone "from strength to strength".

• The Dens boss says Josh Mulligan's consistent performances will "attract suitors".

• Lyall Cameron has been "brilliant" despite knowing he's moving in the summer, with Docherty insisting the midfielder is committed to ensuring Dundee do well.

• On Motherwell, Docherty says they are a "tough opponent" and Wimmer's squad contains "versatility".

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• After their 4-1 win in December, Dundee could earn back-to-back home league victories over Motherwell for the first time since October 2015, and first time within a single season in the top flight since 2001-02.

• Both sides have scored in six of the past seven league matches between Dundee (13 goals) and Motherwell (11 goals), with the exception a 1-0 win for the Dark Blues in October this season.

• Dundee have won three of their past five league games (L2), as many as their previous 16 beforehand (W3 D4 L9). They are looking to pick up back-to-back wins in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since March 2024.

• Motherwell have lost seven of their past nine away league games (W1 D1), conceding 18 goals in this period (two per game on average) while scoring only five.

• Simon Murray has scored in seven of his past eight league appearances (eight goals), and is now the t top scorer in this season's competition with 16 goals (level with Daizen Maeda) – the most by a Dundee player in a Scottish Premiership campaign since Kane Hemmings in 2015-16 (21).

Watch the goals as Kilmarnock defeat Dundee 2-0 in the Scottish Youth Cup final at Hampden.