First Division roundup: Riley’s dismissal takes gloss off as Dundee set sights on Ross County

DUNDEE set up a Christmas cracker of an encounter at league leaders Ross County next Saturday when they continued their run of good form by defeating Queen of the South 2-1 and moving into second place in the table.

The Dark Blues sit eight points behind Derek Adams’s side, who have a game in hand after Saturday’s trip to Ayr was cancelled after Somerset Park took a battering from the wind last week.

There could be an exciting 2012 in store if Barry Smith’s men gain a psychological advantage by winning at Dingwall.

Dundee’s win over the Doonhamers did come at a cost – the Dens Park men will be without winger Nicky Riley in the Highlands as he picked up what was arguably one of the softest sendings-off of the season.

Riley was yellow carded for over-celebrating when he scored his side’s second goal and then red-carded when he picked up a controversial caution for simulation.

Dundee had taken the lead on eight minutes, when Jake Hyde flicked home a Steven Milne through ball.

Sixteen minutes later, it was two when Riley converted a Ryan Conroy cross.

It looked like the game was over when the visiting Kevin Holt was dismissed shortly afterwards for his second robust challenge on Riley.

Queen’s battled back, and Chris Higgins scored 10 minutes after the break when he headed home a Scott McLaughlin free kick.

Although Riley was sent off two minutes later, Gus McPherson’s men could not force a leveller.

Smith said: “We will be without Nicky for the Ross County game, which is disappointing, but we have other players who can do a good job.

“I have spoken to the referee and he told me there had been contact but not enough to bring Nicky down. I am not sure how he can judge that.”

Falkirk surrendered second place when they were held to a goalless draw against Hamilton, who sprung a surprise by bringing in former Stirling Albion goalkeeper Scott Christie from Bo’ness Juniors as a trialist.

Christie was called into action in the first half to beat away a Mark Millar effort, with Farid El Alagui hitting the rebound against the bar. However, there was nothing the shot-stopper could do late in the game when the Bairns’ David Weatherston was presented with an open goal – but he shot over the bar to cap a frustrating afternoon for Steven Pressley’s side.

Partick Thistle picked up their second away win of the season when they defeated Morton 2-1.

Jags’ David Rowson opening the scoring from the edge of the box six minutes from half-time.

The Greenock side equalised eight minutes after the interval, when Darren McGeouch rifled the ball past Scott Fox from 20 yards out.

The sides appeared to be settling for a point apiece until Thistle substitute Kris Doolan converted a low Aaron Sinclair cross two minutes from time.

Raith Rovers remain at the foot of the table after losing to visitors Livingston by a goal; Craig Barr heading home a Mark Fotheringham corner on 57 minutes.