Dundee 2 - 1 Airdrie United

Published on Saturday 7 November 2009 21:54

Higgins 28, 35 Baird 25

PROFLIGACY usually leaks points and Dundee were fortunate yesterday to emerge with the full quota against Airdrie. A first-half double from Sean Higgins cancelled out John Baird's opener and then put Dundee in a commanding position.

But although they dominated for long spells in the second half they were guilty of some glaring misses, leaving themselves vulnerable. The points gained, though, ensure Jocky Scott's team remain firmly locked together with leaders Queen of the South, who forge ahead on goal difference.

Dundee were without goalkeeper Tony Bullock because of a knee injury so Rab Douglas, a fellow veteran, was drafted in following his return from his own fitness issues. Any rustiness was tested within minutes, as Baird fired an angled shot across his body from 18 yards but the 37-year-old got down well to block.

Dundee's first tangible opportunity came on 10 minutes when Leigh Griffiths, electrifying as ever, drifted to the left before landing a cross square on Sean Higgins' head.

The striker timed his run well but somehow nodded over from six yards.

Dundee should have made more of an opening three minutes later, though, when Colin McMenamin broke through on the angle and tried to lash a shot across goalkeeper Stephen Robertson's body.

But the striker dallied slightly too long, allowing Simon Storey to get back and block with his thigh.

Higgins then contrived to miss another glorious chance, again nodding well wide after a cross was planted square on his head.

Dundee had to replace Gary MacKenzie, who appeared to be suffering from illness, with midfielder Gary Harkins introduced. Airdrie then gave their hosts a lesson in clinical finishing, as Baird scored the opener. Dundee failed to clear a ball into the box properly and were punished when it fell to Baird, who flicked a shot beyond Douglas from 12 yards out.

The lead was short-lived, though, as Dundee equalised within four minutes. It was a moment of atonement for Higgins, who finally provided the finish Leigh Griffiths' crossing deserved by flicking a header over Robertson from eight yards. The former Ross County player added another on 37 minutes, squeezing a powerful drive in at the near post from 18 yards.

Dundee should have gone three ahead on 56 minutes when Griffiths played through Harkins but he shot narrowly wide.

The Dark Blues had to survive a scare on the hour mark when Scott McLaughlin was given too much space on the edge of the box but Douglas repelled his shot with a fine two-handed save.

Douglas got Dundee out of jail on 74 minutes by brilliantly saving after a defensive lapse allowed McCann through on goal.