Proud Dundee celebrate top-six berth as Tony Docherty reveals late switch after Hibs twist

The Dees drew at Pittodrie but it was enough to secure sixth place at least

Tony Docherty emphasised his pride in his Dundee players after seeing his side clinch their spot in the cinch Premiership top six after a trying week.

The Dark Blues weathered an early Aberdeen storm but grew into the game and dominated proceedings, although only Lyall Cameron’s 70th-minute effort, which was blocked by Angus MacDonald, really threatened the home goal. The hosts had a late flurry before captain Graeme Shinnie saw red deep into injury time for a second bookable offence.

Docherty, whose side’s game against Rangers was called off in mid-week due to a waterlogged pitch, said: “There’s an enormous sense of satisfaction and pride in the players. They deserve all the credit for everything they’ve done. There are certain seasons a team can get to a cup final by winning four or five games, but to do it over the course of a season, from being the newly-promoted team. It’s the youngest group in the league and it’s huge testament to them.”

Dundee's Jordan McGhee (L) and Ricki Lamie celebrate securing top six at Pittodrie.

Dundee’s top-six spot was confirmed thanks to Motherwell’s late equaliser against Hibs. “Our kitman was keeping in touch with the Hibs game, but the supporters got there before him,” added Docherty. It was a day where we had to adapt. We threw on strikers and then the goal (for Motherwell) comes so we throw on defenders. Today was a fantastic, gritty performance, but we’ve earned it over the course of the campaign. It’s testament to the players and I’m so pleased for them.”

Aberdeen caretaker Peter Leven felt his side had to score when they were in the ascendancy in the first half. He said: “I thought we were really good first half, but I turned to the bench and said we need to score when we’re on top. We caused Dundee problems and they had to change their shape, then they changed personnel, but we really had to get that goal. We lacked a bit of cutting edge. We generally played well in our tempo and intensity, but in front of goal we’re a wee bit shy. I’ve not seen the red card as yet. I didn’t even know if it was for a second yellow, but I’ll need to watch it back.”