Dees Well Beaten in Dress Rehearsal

Dundee 2 Hamilton Academical 4

Wilkie 85 Ferguson 1

Robertson 88 Keogh 21

Wake 83, 87

Dundee were out played and out classed for ninety minutes in this Scottish Cup Replay dress rehearsal.

Kernaghan made 4 changes from the team that drew 0-0 with Queen of the South in midweek. Steven Craig, Colin Marshall, Andy Ferguson, and Tam McManus all dropped out to be replaced by Scott Robertson, Garry Brady, Simon Lynch, and Bryan Deasley.

Accies boss Billy Reid made several changes to his side, with the replay on Thursday in mind.

It was Accies who started the strongest, and they opened the scoring in the second minute. McCluskey failed to deal with Paul McMullen down the right hand side and his cross was easily headed home from close range by Brown Ferguson.

Dundee came more into the game following this set back, but were limited to long range efforts only, with Garry Brady and Paul Dixon both testing Accies ‘keeper Jellema. Bryan Deasley also had a decent chance but his lobbed effort fell wide of the far post.

However, Dundee managed to concede a second goal after only 21 minutes. Pat Keogh surged down the left and very easily pushed Callum MacDonald off the ball before cutting inside and firing low into Scott Murray’s near post.

Kernaghan made two changes at half time. Bobby Mann stayed indoors after aggravating an injury, meaning Lee Wilkie appeared for the first time since recovering from injury. Kevin McDonald was also replaced by winger Scott Gates.

Wilkie nearly made an immediate impact. The big defender meeting Brady’s corner and heading into the path of Simon Lynch, whose header towards goal was grabbed by Jellema.

McManus soon replaced McCluskey as Kernaghan went three up front in an attempt to salvage something from the game. But it was Accies who soon added to their lead.

Scott Tunbridge sent fellow substitute Brain Wake through on goal. The striker kept his cool and clipped the ball over the advancing Murray and into the empty net.

Dundee finally got a goal five minutes from the end. McManus’s cross was met by the rising Wilkie, who powered a header low into the corner of the net.

Hamilton restored the three goal advantage soon after though, and again it was Dundee’s defence who gifted them the goal. Brian Wake easily turned MacDonald in the box and fired low past Murray.

There was still time for one more goal, although it was merely a consolation from Scott Robertson. Lee Wilkie was again involved when he flicked on Paul Dixon’s long throw and Robertson poked home from 10 yards.

In all, it was a very poor defensive display from Dundee who will have to improve considerably if they are to progress in the cup on Thursday. The only highlight being the return of Lee Wilkie.

Dundee’s next game is the Scottish Cup Quarter Final Replay on Thursday 9^th March.

Dundee’s next league game is away to Airdrie United on Saturday 11^th March.

Man of the Match – Email Syd with your votes for Man of the Match sydeefc62@btinternet.com

Dundee: Murray, Robertson, Dixon, Mann (Wilkie 46), C. MacDonald, Smith, K. McDonald (Gates 46), Brady, Lynch, Deasley, McCluskey (McManus 70)

Subs not used: Craig, Britton (gk)

Hamilton Academical: Jellema, Elebert, Agnew, Thomson, MacKenzie (McCabe 29), McArthur, Ferguson, Galloway, Keogh (Wake 68), Torres, McMullen (Tunbridge 68)

Subs not used: Juanjo, McEwen (gk)

Referee: I. Brines

Attendance: 3540