Yan Dhanda's first-half penalty secured a pivotal first win in five Scottish Premiership matches for Dundee as Steven Pressley's side moved seven points clear of bottom-team Livingston with victory against a flat Falkirk.
Image source, SNSDundee manager Steven Pressley told BBC Scotland: "We obviously haven't had enough of those [good performances] thus far. We played more like how we train, with more fluency in our passing.
"The second half wasn't as fluent; it was a different type of performance. There was a nervousness around the stadium and understandably so. I thought the players were terrific, they played with such passion, determination and courage.
"The one thing I say about this group of players is that they train properly. They play with such determination. I can honestly say there have been very few occasions where they haven't applied themselves."
Image source, SNSDundee have doubts over skipper Simon Murray and vice-captain Finlay Robertson because of knee knocks but Ryan Astley and Ethan Hamilton return.
Falkirk hope Brian Graham will recover from a knee knock in time to feature while Coll Donaldson, Aidan Nesbitt and Keelan Adams are fully in contention.
Gary Oliver (hamstring), Ross MacIver (ankle), Lewis Neilson (ankle) and Tom Lang (foot) are all due to return in January.
Image source, SNSPaul Digby has stressed the importance of Dundee's togetherness and fighting spirit as they look to boost their survival hopes in two pivotal home games.
The 10th-place Dark Blues - currently four points behind St Mirren - host Falkirk on Saturday and Kilmarnock three days later as they bid to move away from the bottom two.
Midfielder Digby said: "There is starting to become a bit of a gap and it's important that we're fully focused on the weekend, that we can go into the game full of confidence and get the three points.
"That's what we're planning to do to make sure that that gap doesn't get any bigger and that we can move up the table ourselves, which I believe we can do.
"We've got talented players, a really great group of people that are all fighting in the right direction to move up the table."
Steven Pressley's side have only taken four points from a possible 27 since beating Celtic in October, but Digby believes other big wins are on their way.
The 30-year-old former Cambridge midfielder said: "I've been in positions like this before where it's so important that everyone sticks together, which is what we've got as a group. Everyone's still fighting and pulling in the right direction.
"Day-to-day everyone's working so hard, whether it's the players, the staff, you see how hard everyone's working.
"That gives you confidence when you're all working so hard as a group that you can get results at the end of it and that's what we're working to do."
Image source, SNSThis will be Falkirk's first away game against Dundee in the top flight since December 1992, when they lost 2-1 under Jim Jefferies.
Having already beaten Livingston 3-2 in September of this season, Dundee could win at home to two different newly-promoted sides in the same top-flight season for the first time since 2000-01 (3-0 v Dunfermline, 5-0 v St Mirren).
Dundee have only won one of their past nine Scottish Premiership matches (D1 L7), failing to keep a clean sheet in each outing. On home soil, however, they have only lost two of their past six league games (W3 D1).
Falkirk have kept a clean sheet in four of their past six Scottish Premiership games, including one in a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock last time out. This is as many clean sheets as they had kept in their previous 28 games in the top-flight (4).
Dundee's Cameron Congreve has the most goal involvements of any player aged 21 or younger in the Premiership this season (7 – 1 goal, 6 assists), while he is the outright leader for assists (6) in the division.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
To coin a well-used football phrase... "it is a results business".
At a time when all sorts of statistics and measurements are used to analyse a team and its progress – or lack of it – the most important stats are found in the wins, draws and losses columns of the league table.
And Dundee head coach Steven Pressley wasn't pulling any punches after watching his side's latest defeat in a 1-0 loss at Motherwell.
"I'll only be given enough time if I get appropriate results," he said.
"I've been in football for 35 years I'm not delusional. We have to win games and if we don't eventually the hammer falls on the manager."
While there is no shame in losing to the high-flying Steelmen, the big picture is gloomy for the Dark Blues.
Pressley's side are on the grimmest of runs – nine defeats in their last 12 games, a run which has seen them muster just seven points from the 36 on offer during that sequence.
They are 10th in the table – above Kilmarnock and Livingston who are enduring similarly miserable campaigns.
With the bottom three in real danger of being completely cut adrift from the teams above them – make no mistake, these are worrying times for Dundee.
Three of their next four games are at home (to Falkirk, Kilmarnock and Hearts) with a trip to play city neighbours Dundee United in among that little lot.
Given everything highlighted above, this feels like being a critical quartet of games for Pressley and his team.
Image source, SNSDundee could be without both captain Simon Murray and Finlay Robertson for Saturday's visit of Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership.
Murray didn't start in the 1-0 defeat to Motherwell at the weekend but was substituted on in the second half while Robertson, who was given the armband, had to be replaced at the break.
Now, Steven Pressley could be without both players for Saturday's must-win game against Falkirk.
"The unfortunate thing for Simon is he has got a little bit of an injury from Saturday's performance," the Dundee manager said.
"When he came on he clashed with the goalkeeper and sustained an injury to his knee.
"Now we hope that he will recover by the weekend but there is still doubt about that. He hasn't trained this week.
"But I know Simon and I spoke to him on Monday at length. And he is a very resilient character. You only have to look at his career to know that.
"He will have a real determination and drive to get himself back in the team and amongst the goals again."
"When you consider Fin injured himself in the first half, in our last six games we have had five enforced changes within the first half, which is not perfect. He is also a major doubt for the weekend
"But coming back into the equation is Ryan Astley, who got the all clear to train earlier. Ethan Hamilton will return to training. His partner gave birth and he missed a few days because of some private issues."
Daldeep Kaur
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSDundee manager Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for the visit of Falkirk on Saturday.
Here are the key lines from his press conference:
Pressley wants his side to be "braver" following their 1-0 loss to Motherwell.
He adds that they did "some really good things" despite the defeat but is urging his side to be more "consistent."
Insists Simon Murray is "a very resilient character" and adds that even though the striker picked up an injury against Livingston he's hopeful he will return but says he's "still a real doubt."
The manager adds that Murray's "determination and drive" will see him back in the squad soon.
Finlay Robertson is also "a major doubt" after being substituted at half-time against Motherwell but Ryan Astley and Ethan Hamilton are back in training.
Pressley says Falkirk's visit to Dens Park is a "pivotal game" and he hopes that his side can pick up points to "start moving in the right direction and start alleviating the pressure of relegation."
He adds: "We need to show the correct mindset, the correct resilience, the courage, and if we can do that, then there's no reason we can't win the game. Stability and continuity are key to success."
Pressley is impressed with the job that John McGlynn has done with the Bairns and says "they've grown and really understand what they are."
Pressley says he understands the "importance" of the festive fixtures and doesn't "pretend" that he knows Dundee need to pick up points.
The Dundee boss is confident they can start getting results and says he doesn't "sense any negativity within the group."
Sportscene pundit Neil McCann analyses the goal that condemned struggling Dundee to defeat at Motherwell and the challenge Steven Pressley faces in the January transfer window.
Watch highlights as Motherwell win 1-0 against Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.
We asked for your views on Dundee's 1-0 defeat against Motherwell.
Here's what some of you said:
Martin: Steven Pressley needs to go now. Another ultra-negative, zero-ambition performance. Motherwell deserved to win. It was like watching a training session with defenders vs attacker.
Albert: Another frustrating afternoon for us Dundee fans. The problem is ultimately down to the ownership rather than the manager.
Scott: Please, enough is enough – Pressley has to go. I'm sure he's a decent man but unfortunately he is woefully inadequate as a manager; both tactically and motivationally. His record pre-Dens showed that.
I've seen many poor Dundee teams over the years but this is taking the cake. He cannot be allowed to oversee another transfer window in January. Get someone else in with some fresh ideas and perhaps, who knows, someone who, on the touchline, actually looks like he wants to motivate the team. Or indeed cares!
George: The funny thing is that you need to score goals to win games. Five shots in 90 minutes is useless. Motherwell had 16 shots.
Bye, bye, Pressley. Can we have a manager who knows how to get a team playing, taking shots, and is organised? All this talk about lots of effort is wonderful, but it does not get us any points.
Motherwell moved up to third in the Scottish Premiership after Callum Slattery's late goal edged them to victory against a struggling Dundee.
Read the full match report here.
Have your say on the game via this link.
Image source, SNSDundee head coach Steven Pressley: "I think over the course of the 90 minutes Motherwell deserved to win the game but from our own team's performance we started really aggressively.
"We had a lot of the ball which was encouraging but we didn't manage to get control in last 20 minutes. In terms of the group it was an incredible effort. They worked so hard in terms of their recovery and pressure, they were terrific in that regard we just need to be more confident on the ball. The winning of games and getting results gives you confidence.
"It's about working hard on the training ground and continuing to work towards good habits, giving players the belief to take the ball. Winning games of football is the best habit and the best way to get confidence into the team. We've now got a couple of home games coming up, Falkirk and Kilmarnock, two very important games and these are the sort of games that if you can win you can get that confidence.
"I think we need a number of windows before we manage to mould and shape this squad. We've also got players that probably need to go out and play some games so I think there will be a number of ins but also a number of outs.
"I'll only be given enough time if I get appropriate results, I've been in football for 35 years I'm not delusional. We have to win games and if we don't eventually the hammer falls on the manager. But if we want to get the squad to the level that we believe is suitable for Dundee then we need a number of windows."
Image source, SNSMotherwell defender Stephen Welsh has recovered from a facial knock. Andy Halliday is working towards fitness while Aston Oxborough is close to returning to training after a broken bone in his hand.
Well remain without long-term absentees Filip Stuparevic (knee), Sam Nicholson (knee), Zach Robinson (Achilles), Jordan McGhee and Eseosa Sule (both thigh).
Dundee defender Ryan Astley (concussion) joins Clark Robertson (thigh) and Joe Westley (ankle) on the sidelines.
Cam Congreve, Tony Yogane and Yan Dhanda have all been hindered by injuries this week but manager Steven Pressley is hopeful they will be available.
Caleb Akpo-Young
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSDrey Wright says Dundee must not "fear" in-form Motherwell as they target a first away win of the season.
Steven Pressley's side sit 10th in the table, four points above Livingston at the bottom, and are winless in their past three while taking just three points from a possible 27 on the road.
Hosts Motherwell are flying high in fourth and unbeaten in their past nine league games under Jens Berthel Askou.
These sides last met in September, drawing 1-1 at Dens Park, and despite the fine form Askou's side are enjoying, Wright is confident Dundee can cause Motherwell issues.
The 30-year-old winger, who joined from St Johnstone in the summer, said: "It's one we'll be looking to win because that's what we need at this moment in time.
"I think we are playing well enough to win games. Motherwell will pose challenges as they've shown over the course of the season.
"I'm sure it will be another challenging game because I've seen a bit of them and they're a team really well coached.
"Every other game is just another opportunity, we know what we'll be going there to do, we've worked on that in training over the past couple of days.
"We strongly believe we can cause them problems, as we know they will do to us.
"It's a game to look forward to because they're a real footballing side. You see the possession stats they have, we faced that once before this season, the first half was some of the best football I've played against up here and that was obviously them in their early stages, so they'll be more cohesive as the season goes on.
"But it's not one to fear at all and hopefully we go there and enjoy ourselves and come out with a positive result."
Cesar Garza has joined Mexican side Pumas on a year-long loan from Monterrey after the 20-year-old midfielder's spell at Dundee was cut short. (The Courier), external
Steven Pressley says Brendan Rodgers told him a few things about his frustrations and concerns at Celtic and the Dundee head coach was therefore not surprised the Northern Irishman left the Scottish champions' manager post just days later. (Scottish Sun), external
Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSMotherwell have only lost one of their past nine Scottish Premiership home games against Dundee (W5 D3), a 1-0 defeat in October 2024.
Both sides have scored in eight of the past nine league meetings between Motherwell and Dundee, the exception being that 1-0 Dark Blues win in October last year.
Motherwell have kept a clean sheet in five successive league games; the last side to keep a clean sheet in 6+ Premiership matches in a row was Celtic in December 2024 (six), while the last non-Old Firm club to do so was St Johnstone in November 2018.
Dundee have earned fewer away points (three) this season than any other top-flight side, winning none of their nine league games on the road (D3 L6).
The two players who have been directly involved in the highest proportion of their side's goals in the Premiership this season are Dundee's Cameron Congreve with 47% (7/15) and Motherwell's Tawanda Maswanhise with 36% (9/25). Congreve has one goal and six assists in the league, while Maswanhise has eight goals and one assist.
Dundee have a January budget to bring in several signings even before players leave the Scottish Premiership club. (The Courier), external
Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSSimon Murray is "searching for confidence" as he chases a first league goal in three months when Dundee travel to Motherwell on Saturday.
The Dundee captain has only netted once in the league - in the 3-2 victory over Livingston in September - this season, with his two other goals coming in a League Cup group-stage win over Montrose.
But with just one win in eight games, the Dens Park could do with the striker finding the form that yielded 22 goals last term. And head coach Steven Pressley is confident the 33-year-old will do so.
"Sometimes with strikers it's a little bit like buses, you score the first and then so many come along," Pressley said.
"I think Simon will be a little bit like that. He's searching for confidence, that's natural, he's a goalscorer and most goalscorers' confidence is bred by goals.
"He just needs to keep working hard, something he is really doing at this moment in time and I'm pretty certain it'll turn for him."
Dundee travel to high-flying Motherwell hoping to end the Fir Park club's nine-game unbeaten Premiership run.
"Motherwell have been excellent this season," Pressley added.
"They're a really progressive team, good in possession, dominated the ball a lot in most games so it's a real challenge for us but one we have to embrace and one we have to look forward to."
Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSDundee head coach Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Saturday's trip to Motherwell.
Here are the key lines from his press conference:
Pressley was "really disappointed" to only draw after being 2-0 up at Livingston and says the "very difficult conditions" played a part in the result.
The Dundee boss felt his players "got nervous" after Livingston pulled a goal back but believes "going through troubled games and difficult performances" is "part of the growth as a team".
The 52-year-old has been reminding his players "we want to win but we didn't lose the game".
Motherwell "have been excellent this season" so "it's a real challenge" for Pressley's side but one they "have to embrace".
The 2-2 draw with Livi marks a "step forward" because it was the first time Dundee have scored two on the road this season.
Pressley adds: "There's still a lot of work ahead, we still have to bring in real competition in certain areas but I do think there's some improvement in the players."
Pressley wants Dundee to "be aggressive and confident" at Fir Park on Saturday but admits "our away form suggests that's unlikely".
He says January is a "notoriously difficult time" to do business and feels they'll "have to be creative" in the market.
The Dundee boss has some players in his squad he feels "need to go out and try to find their way and play more games".
Simon Murray is "searching for confidence" but is working hard and Pressley is "pretty certain it will turn" for the striker, who has scored just one league goal this season.
Pressley is urging fans to "keep the faith and keep following us" and feels it won't be long before his side "turn a corner".
Team news: Clark Robertson and Joe Westley are out. Ryan Astley can't play after his concussion while Cameron Congreve, Tony Yogane and Yan Dhanda are all nursing injuries but Pressley is hopeful they'll be fine for the weekend.
Dundee manager Steven Pressley believes Motherwell as well as Hearts are the Scottish Premiership's shining lights this term. (Record), external
Ethan Hampton
Fan writer
After 18 minutes on Saturday we were 2-0 up. We had Livingston exactly where we wanted them.
Instead of looking to pile on the misery and kill the game off, Dundee sat off and allowed the hosts to grow back into the game.
We lacked maturity defensively. Both goals we conceded were easily avoidable, similar to our defeat to Aberdeen. This habit is costing us points, and frustrations are magnified given we were on the cusp of a very good result.
This had shades of Falkirk away all over again - another gaping opportunity missed - and I'm dreading it comes back to bite us given how tight the league is.
That's now three games this season we've capitulated from winning positions, throwing away seven points in total. If those points were in our tally just now, we'd be seventh, just four points off the top six.
The silver lining is Yan Dhanda and Cameron Congreve got on the scoresheet, demonstrating we are capable of scoring from other areas of the park.
As I said last week, unlocking that dimension to our game is huge. But with that step forward, we've taken two back by failing to commit to basic defending.
Motherwell next. We simply need to improve our defensive standards - or this match is over before it begins.
I back Billy Koumetio to be a better player on the back of his mistakes. This is his time to make amends and step up, back at the scene where he had his best display for Dundee, last season at Fir Park.
With Ryan Astley and Clark Robertson out, this is his chance to solidify his place in the team.
