Dundee 2 - 2 Motherwell: Paul Hartley encouraged by spirit

Dundee manager Paul Hartley believes his side have proved they have the stomach for a top-six place after their brave comeback earned them a draw against Motherwell in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Chris Cadden: Late penalty. Picture: SNS

The Dark Blues were awarded a last-gasp penalty against Mark McGhee’s men after trailing 2-1, which Kane Hemmings converted in the 88th minute to secure what their efforts arguably merited.

Chris Cadden’s challenge on Dundee full-back Kevin Holt was judged by referee John Beaton to be a foul and it rounded off a day of high drama on Tayside when Dundee moved into sixth place in the table.

Dundee’s spirit was never-ending with a top-six place their aim for the season and Hartley reckons this stands them in good stead.

Hartley said: “It was a spirited comeback. We’ve always had that in our ranks and we’ll need it. Our players just keep going and going, so all credit to them for that.

“It says a lot for them that they never thought at any point they couldn’t get back into the game. We had some chances before the penalty and I’m just happy we were able to get a point.

“We’ve got a break from the league next weekend when we’re in the Scottish Cup and we know what we have to do.”

Meanwhile, McGhee was left fuming at the late penalty decision given against Cadden having watched the youngster give them an early lead.

Paul McGowan equalised for the hosts before Stephen Pearson restored Well’s advantage midway through the first half.

McGhee, though, could not fault his players for their overall display.

He said: “I thought we played well in spells. It wasn’t an easy day for football and there was some decent stuff played.

“We scored two really good goals. I can’t praise the players highly enough for that but it’s just what happened at the end which disappointed us.”