Dundee

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Steven Pressley told BBC Scotland: "I can't recall being involved in an end like that as a head coach, certainly not in a game as important as a Dundee derby.

"I'm thrilled that we managed to take something from the game.

"We played reasonably well for the first 35 minutes without being dominant or truly ourselves. Then for 55 minutes we looked a shadow of ourselves.

"But we have scored so many late goals over this period and there's a great determination about this group of players. They deal well with adversity and have that never-say-die attitude.

"Although there were certain aspects I wasn't overly pleased with, the one thing that can never be questioned is that will and that grit.

"It's an amazing result. At 93 minutes, it's a disappointing day for our supporters. A few minutes later, it feels like a win."

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Dundee boss Steven Pressley knows a poor performance in Sunday's derby could undo all of his side's recent good work.

The Dens Park club ended 2025 ninth in the Premiership table, six points above Kilmarnock in 11th and five points behind Falkirk who were the team ahead of them at the time.

After a bright start to 2026, which has seen them lose just three of their 10 league games, Pressley's men are 10 points clear of the relegation play-off place and have the chance to leapfrog rivals Dundee United and move into seventh with a victory on Sunday.

Dundee head into tomorrow's game against United in slightly better form but Pressley is aware just how quickly things can change in football.

"We go into this on the back of some good form," he said.

"But we also know that one disappointing performance can change all that.

"We know how important it is for momentum at this stage of the season. A lot of people seem to think we'll be okay but I've had to remind people that over an eight-day period, we collected nine points.

"Why can't the Kilmarnocks, the St Mirrens, the Livingstons of this world not do that themselves? If they do that, the landscape changes.

"That's why we must keep focusing on that next game and ensuring that come Sunday we get the right outcome."

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Dundee boss Steven Pressley expects to have Callum Jones back in contention while Billy Koumetio has a chance of returning after a knee injury. Clark Robertson (thigh) is still out.

Dundee United pair Amar Fatah and Iurie Iovu are available after suspension, but Craig Sibbald (hamstring), Isaac Pappoe (knee) and Bert Esselink are set to miss out again.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Striker Simon Murray feels he is "in a good place" before Sunday's Dundee derby after rediscovering his scoring touch.

The 33-year-old scored 22 goals for Dundee last term but struggled for much of this season, netting just once in the league until mid-February.

However, since losing his starting place Murray has responded emphatically and has scored four times in his past four appearances.

"Obviously, it's been a difficult season for myself at the start," he said.

"Injuries, not full fitness, not firing, not getting many chances but at the same time just not feeling probably myself.

"The manager said I'd been in these positions before and that I just need to go away, take some time.

"I wasn't in the team for six, seven games and so I just did what I normally do, I got my head down and worked hard. And then with that, you get maybe a bit of luck at times and the balls start falling to where you are.

"I got a deflected goal against Hibs, which maybe when I wasn't feeling a bit more confident, I would have passed it or not taken up the opportunity to shoot.

"I'm feeling good, I'm in a good place. I've been training well since probably the start of January, not feeling any niggles, so my fitness is in a good place and I'm playing well."

Dundee can overtake their city rivals United in seventh when the sides meet at Dens Park on Sunday.

Steven Pressley's men are unbeaten in four matches, including a 2-1 win over high-flying Motherwell last weekend.

"It's been a good run of games for the team," Murray added.

"Since the middle of December, we've been picking up a lot of good results, along with some very good performances.

"It's been a big transition from the start of the season to where we are now, but there's still a lot of work to be done.

"The derby brings its own incentive, as big as the rivalry is and how big the match is, but going into it knowing that we can jump above them with a win is something we need to look at and really take that opportunity."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee have gone from being many people's tips for relegation, to a team that could well finish top of the bottom six.

While it's open to debate whether achieving that feat in a 12-team league is anything to celebrate, it is all about context and Dundee - and head coach Steven Pressley - have proved their doubters wrong as the weeks have ticked by.

Last weekend's 2-1 Premiership win over Motherwell felt important. It was a significant victory over a side flying high and who have been riding a wave of plaudits. Now those plaudits are coming the Dark Blues' way.

It has rightly been noted Dundee's improved performances haven't necessarily been reflected in their results – but that is starting to change.

They have now lost just three of their past 11 league games.

And that success over Motherwell not only lifted them up to eighth in the table – just two points behind neighbours United – it also had the air of being a statement win.

They have the chance to deliver another serious statement when they host United in the derby on Sunday.

I've sensed a feelgood factor on numerous occasions at Dens Park in recent times. A win over their big rivals would make it soar further and help them leapfrog their neighbours in the table.

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• After their 1-0 win in January, Dundee could secure back-to-back top-flight victories over Dundee United for the first time since November 2004 under Jim Duffy.

• The past four Dundee derbies in the Scottish Premiership have been won by the away side (including United in their past two visits); this is as many away wins as the previous 25 top-flight meetings beforehand (10 home wins, 11 draws, 4 away wins).

• Exactly half of United's Premiership goals this season have come from non-penalty set-plays (18/36) – the highest ratio of any side. Conversely, Dundee have only conceded 19.6% of their league goals from non-penalty set-pieces (9/46), a division-low ratio.

• After only losing two of their opening 10 away league matches of the season (W2 D6), United have since lost three of their past four on the road (W1).

• Dundee have only lost one of their past six home games in the Premiership (W3 D2), a 1-0 defeat to leaders Hearts in January.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Steven Pressley is seeking to lead Dundee to back-to-back wins over fierce rivals United - but admits he doesn't "enjoy" derby fixtures.

The Dark Blues, who won 1-0 at Tannadice in January, can replace United in seventh place with a home victory on Sunday.

"I don't enjoy it, to be perfectly honest," Pressley said.

"I think if you asked any manager, unless they lie to you, there's a lot of relief at the end of it.

"It's not a game or a period you particularly enjoy. It's okay if you get the right outcome, as we did at Tannadice, but it's not an enjoyable game.

"It goes without saying that the derby games carry that extra pressure, that extra burden. We're not hiding from that fact."

Opposite number Jim Goodwin is under pressure with inconsistent United set to miss out on the top six, but Pressley is braced for a "difficult challenge".

"That's what goes with the territory when you play at a club where you do play a derby that there's such fierce rivalry around," he added.

"Whether it's Tannadice or whether it's Dens, the importance doesn't change. Your own supporters expect you to get a result, so that doesn't change.

"That's for both sides at the weekend. Dundee United supporters will turn up expecting their team to win, as will Dundee fans, and ultimately that brings a degree of pressure."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee manager Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Sunday's derby against Dundee United.

Here are the main points:

• Dundee's victory over in-form Motherwell last weekend was "no surprise" to the Dundee boss, adding his players "showed an incredible resilience and determination to find a way to get a result".

• Pressley believes there's "a lot more to come" from his players but is pleased "they want to get better all the time".

• The head coach says the Dundee derby is a "terrific spectacle and a great game of football" and, in the wake of the pitch invasion and violence that followed last weekend's Old Firm showdown, he insists "we want the attention to be on the pitch".

• Dundee can leapfrog their city rivals in the table with a win but Pressley insists his players "don't need" that motivation.

• Having lost their previous home meeting with United 1-0 in August, Pressley says: "It was sore, it was hard for the players and myself. We don't want to experience that again."

• Pressley knows how important Sunday's derby is for "momentum" and wants his side to "get the right outcome".

• But the 52-year-old admits he "doesn't enjoy" derby outings, adding "there's a lot of relief at the end of it".

• United have just one win in five games but Pressley says: "Form is over the course of a season. You can have five or six good performances, that doesn't mean you don't get relegated. When I look at form, I look at the form for the 29 games. At present, Dundee United's form is better than ours."

• Clark Robertson remains unavailable, Billy Koumetio returned to full training on Tuesday and while the weekend may still come too early for him, Pressley insists "he's certainly a consideration".

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Motherwell hadn't conceded a league goal in six-and-a-half hours before Dundee broke the deadlock on Saturday.

Tony Yogane finally scored his first senior goal - the only thing that had been missing from his game.

Between him and Cameron Congreve, it feels like the perfect time to have sharpened their finishing with the Dundee derby on the horizon.

We are unbeaten in four games now and the starting line-up has remained unchanged in the past three.

Dundee have found their rhythm and, pleasingly, it's not limited to the starting XI. All the substitutions changed the dimension of the game, showing both tactical diversity and a squad pulling in the same direction. In fact, the three substitutions made on the hour all linked up for the winning goal.

If you can beat Motherwell, you can beat anyone in this division and it was a superb result against one of the league's strongest sides.

The previous Dundee derby - 1-0 win at Tannadice in early January - felt like a turning point for us. That day we recorded our third consecutive victory with an excellent display - that's the standard expected for this meeting.

The last derby at Dens, a 2-0 defeat in August, was a remarkably flat showing and this weekend is the chance to make things right in front of the home crowd.

Form often goes out the window in these matches, but coming it upbeat and confident is far better than carrying the weight of needing a response.

The overriding feeling in the build-up is excitement. This is bragging rights, a chance to leapfrog our neighbourhood rivals in the table and for the players to carve out cult-hero status with the supporters.

These are season-defining matches, the previous two derby results reflect the story of our season accurately. If that upward trend continues, I sense a beautiful Sunday ahead.

Former Dundee and Dundee United defender Lee Wilkie believes the pressure will only increase on United manager Jim Goodwin should Dundee win Sunday's city derby. (Courier - subscription required), external

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Dundee pick up all three points in an entertaining Scottish Premiership encounter with Motherwell (UK only).

A selection of views from Dundee supporters following their 2-1 Scottish Cup win against Motherwell...

Steven: Pressley says, 'let us entertain you' then sets up like we're playing Arsenal away? That said, what a terrific result against a very good Motherwell team and it looks like, at last, we have a bench capable of effecting a game.

Kenny: The improvement in performance level has been outstanding. SP clearly had a plan that most mere mortals couldn't see. Making the pundits and many fans eat humble pie including me.

Ewan: A huge win, against the best footballing side in the league this season. McCracken silenced his critics (for now) and the defence put in a very solid shift. I think the win all but ends Motherwell's title-winning chat, and steers us to safety. Finishing above United is now the target. On to the derby next Sunday, 'mon the Dee.

Roberto: First off, a really impressive Motherwell display. The best controlled performance at Dens this season. Second, a very disciplined Dundee showing. Gritty, determined and with some good football also. McCracken's save at 0-0 was outstanding.

Alex: PRESSLEY PRESSLEY BALL, absolutely outstanding performance and Steven Pressley, what a man. It looks like this team is constantly performing now, just a shame for a poor start but really looking forward to next season if we can build on this.

Jay: Well done. At one point I was settling for a draw. Motherwell certainly tested us but a great three points. Our keeper had a good game and let's hope he keeps that up.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee winger Tony Yogane says netting his first senior goal is "a good feeling" and insists he has "more to score".

The 20-year-old netted the opener at Dens Park, his first for Dundee and the first of his senior career, as Steven Pressley's side beat Motherwell 2-1 in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Yogane, who arrived on a season-long loan from Brentford in the summer, is hoping that the goals will flow now his scoring duck has been broken.

"First senior goal, I am very happy," he said.

"Especially to do it here with all my team-mates and the staff who have been working with me for seven months to try and get a goal. I am really happy to get it and share it with the team, it is a good feeling.

"I have played a lot of minutes, getting a lot of good balls, showing the league what I can do, that is what you want to do as a young player, just express yourself.

"[Manager] Steven [Pressley] has given me the platform but the season isn't finished. I have got more to do, more goals to score and assists to give."

Dundee leapfrog Aberdeen to move up to eighth in the Scottish Premiership after inflicting title-chasing Motherwell's first league defeat since December.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Dundee manager Steven Pressley: "I'm really proud of the players today because that was an enormous effort against a really top Motherwell side that ask so many different questions of you but the players found the answers.

"We set up in a certain way, Motherwell adapted, tested us but time and time again the players found solutions.

At times we showed good bravery. It's small steps from us in the right direction, that's now seven points from our last nine against Aberdeen, Motherwell and Hibernian which is a good return but the most pleasing thing for me is that we're making progress and the players are showing a lot of personality and a lot of character.

"Motherwell had a lot of pressure, a lot of efforts on goal and made it really difficult for us but time and time again the players came up with the answers and defended for their lives.

"I think for that effort alone it's really pleasing for them to get the rewards with the win.

"We're moving forward but we're nowhere near where we need to be. The players take a lot of responsibility and ownership and that's what pleases me most.

"Jon McCracken has been terrific for us all season. There's been a couple of moments of late but he's responded brilliantly to that. There hasn't been that many, and also we have to remember it's his first real run of games at this level. he's played more games this season than in any other season so he's learning all the time, growing all the time.

"I'll not lose sight of what I continue to say. For me the most important thing for us is remaining in the Premiership. If we can do that after what the players have had to endure this year, that would be a great achievement. There's a lot of work going on and that's why it's so essential we stay in the Premiership."

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Dundee manager Steven Pressley hopes eye-catching recent performance will have fans flocking to Dens Park for Saturday's visit from Motherwell.

Supporters saw the Dark Blues share six goals with Hibernian in their last home game and Pressley felt the team delivered with an entertaining display.

"We had a good support (against Hibs)," he told Dee TV. "The recent performances of the team, the increase in their goals, I think has got people back in the stadium, and that's important.

"And, of course, hopefully that type of performance brings them back."

The team now take on high-flying Motherwell, who have taken plenty of plaudits for their own attacking style, and who Pressley sees as a "standout" in the league. He says Dundee face a tough task but one they should embrace.

"They're in amazing form, but Hibernian were in amazing form coming here," Pressley said.

"But Motherwell have probably been the real standout performers this season.

"The manager has done a wonderful job, they play some wonderful football, they score a lot of goals, give very few away. It's not a very good tonic…

"But that's the challenge for us – can we beat a very good Motherwell team?"

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• Motherwell's Tawanda Maswanhise has 16 goals in the Scottish Premiership this season; since the competition rebranded in 2013-14, the only African to net more in a single campaign is Cyriel Dessers in 2024-25 (18) with Rangers.

• Dundee have only won one of their past seven league games (D3 L3), a 3-2 victory at Aberdeen in February.

• Motherwell have won their past three league outings; the Steelmen last won more in a row in February 2019 under Stephen Robinson (run of six wins).

• Dundee have only won two of their past 10 Scottish Premiership home games against Motherwell (D2 L6), although both were by a three-goal margin: 3-0 in November 2021 and 4-1 in December 2024.

• Motherwell have won three of their past four league games against Dundee (D1), after only winning one of their previous seven beforehand (D3 L3).

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

It is turning into a season of 'what ifs' for Dundee. Their last outing, against Hibs, is a case in point.

Steven Pressley's side came back from a goal down to lead on 72 minutes - but had to rely on a Cameron Congreve wonder striker in the dying seconds for a 3-3 draw.

What if Dundee had managed to hang on to that lead?

For a while now their performance levels have been on an upward trajectory - but that hasn't been fully reflected in their accumulation of points.

For example, the Dark Blues, who are ninth in the table, have taken six points from the last 21 on offer.

Few would argue they have not merited a better return.

Following their outing with Hibs, Congreve admitted they have to "learn how to control the game better".

He is right – but that is simply part of the continued learning curve for this Dundee squad, which was rebuilt last summer.

If they can add a streetwise streak, they should avoid getting dragged back into the battle for the relegation play-off spot.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

A thrilling draw crowned by Cameron Congreve's sublime equaliser showcased Dundee's new-found fluidity.

Our patterns of play have really picked up, we look a lot more dangerous moving forward and the quality of the goals speak for themselves. We've scored eight in three games!

Congreve's excellent strike will naturally claim the spotlight. For me, the delivery from Drey Wright for Luke Graham's goal is the pick of the bunch.

The main takeaway here is Dundee can threaten from each department – defenders, midfielders and forwards alike.

Crucially in the latter, Simon Murray of old is back up and running, netting four in his past three games.

It's been a lengthy wait but he seems to have found his confidence alongside catching up with fitness. He got back into the starting line-up initially through the injury of Ash Hay – now he holds that spot by merit and it's his to lose.

Neutrals might be surprised to hear Congreve has only netted twice for Dundee this season and it looks like Steven Pressley is challenging him and Tony Yogane (who is still yet to score) to boost those numbers.

A trio of Motherwell stars, duos from Hearts and Falkirk, and one each from Rangers, Celtic, Hibs and Dundee.

Jonathan Sutherland has picked his team of the week, so let's take a look and see who impressed...

Calum Ward - Motherwell

A key part of the Motherwell success story at the back. Yet another clean sheet.

Harry Milne - Hearts

Mr Versatile and Mr Reliable all rolled into one. Another team of the week appearance for Milne. Taking the liberty of forcing this auxiliary dynamo into right-back here.

Luke Graham - Dundee

A goal and an assist from the highly promising Dundee defender. His finish for the Dark Blues was like that of a striker.

Kieran Tierney - Celtic

Huge goal at a huge time in the Old Firm Derby. The Scotland international has quietly been a big player for Celtic over the past few weeks and will no doubt be a big leader for this side in the finale of this incredible season.

Nicky Cadden - Hibernian

There is almost laser precision to his deliveries from the left-hand side. His assist for Owen Elding's header was a perfect example, knowing exactly where to put the ball to elude the defence and allow the striker the best chance to finish.

Elliott Watt - Motherwell

The Motherwell orchestrator has been a key part of the Fir Park ensemble, which continues to hit all the right notes.

The ominous thing for Hearts, Rangers and Celtic is there appears to be no reason why Motherwell cannot keep on winning.

Watt is a central cog in that winning machine. An assist for Tawanda Maswanhise's second.

Dylan Tait - Falkirk

Two goals and so much to enjoy from the Falkirk midfielder. Part of a group completely in sync with each other, and loving life under John McGlynn in the top flight.

Claudio Braga - Hearts

Has led from the front in the absence of Lawrence Shankland and always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

The personification of Hearts this season, plucked by analytics from the relative obscurity of the Norwegian second division to spearheading a title charge threatening to destroy 40 years of Old Firm dominance.

Barney Stewart - Falkirk

Another barnstorming weekend for young Barney Stewart. The Grangemouth Harry Kane was on fire against Kilmarnock and was unlucky not to claim another hat-trick.

The story of the university lad now playing Premiership football has been well told, but it's now moved on to just how quickly he has developed into one of the most exciting strikers in the league.

The only thing missing from the McGlynn Falkirk success story was a goal-getting number nine. They have certainly found him.

Youssef Chermiti - Rangers

Talk about a big game player.

Looks decidedly pedestrian at times in more run-of-the-mill fixtures, but when it slams to the big matches against the big teams the 21-year-old has been the man to deliver. And in spectacular style.

His first goal was Scott McTominay-esque, an iconic Old Firm moment. His second was pure gallus opportunism full of ingenuity and initiative.

Tawanda Maswanhise - Motherwell

Another two goals for the jewel in the crown of the Motherwell story. The top scorer in the Premiership, if Maswanhise can stay fit and keep this form going the Steelmen really do have a shot at glory.

Their combination of goals and clean sheets is quite incredible. What an extra dimension Motherwell and Maswanhise have brought to this quite sensational season.

Watch as Sportscene pundit Richard Foster heaps praise on Dundee winger Cameron Congreve for his stunning late equaliser in their 3-3 draw with Hibernian.

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