Dark Blue Showboaters Turn On The Silky Soccer

They probably baffled most of their fans as well. Many were left wondering how a team who lost their way halfway through the season could suddenly turn on the style, the panache, the dazzling passing movements we all knew they were capable of but were simply not producing.

The arrival of Ivano Bonetti minutes before kick off had the crowd muttering among themselves, and when he went round each player to offer a welcome back handshake in the pre-match warm up it seemed like he was rallying his troops into action. Though for most of the game it seemed to me Dario was the one out of the dugout giving out the instructions.

The first half ended with Dundee leading 1-0, a true score could easily have been something like 4-3 as both teams created chances with little in the way of any rough stuff being dished out by either side. Juan Sara's 12th goal of the season separated the teams at the break though the same player could have had a hat trick but for two magnificent saves by Gordon Marshall and some dubious offsides decision.

When Steven Milne made it 2, forcing home after Wilkie had rose high to power in a great header from a corner kick, it was easy street from then on.

Stevie Milne Scored Today

The showboating began and to the delight of the crowd the Dundee players led Killie a merry dance in the final 15 minutes, showing what amazing things they can do with a leather ball on a grassy pitch with the sun shining down on a mild April afternoon. Summer football would suit this team to a T.

The only reply Killie had was to try to hack them down, trip them up, elbow them off the ball or pull their jersey. This led to a spate of yellow cards for the away team late in the match. To be fair, it was all Killie could do to try to stop being made complete fool's of, though in the end I don't think they managed to prevent that.

With the pressure of a top six place gone, the players seemed to relax and enjoy themselves for the first time in months. If only this self belief was evident more often. A most entertaining second half, with once again both team's missing several chances.

I wouldn't say there was a real weakness in the Dundee team, though Artero and Rae could have produced more than they did at times.

Special mention must go to Lee Wilkie in central defence. His wonderful aerial ability came to the rescue whenever danger threatened, and since his return Dundee have won three of their last four games and now lead the race to overtake Killie in 7th place. With the Ayrshire lads faltering it is not beyond them. If that, and staying above the Arabs is all there is to play for, then, yes, of course, we must go for it.

Barry Smith, Kiki Torres, excellent as well. When he came on late in the game, not for the first time Khaled Kemes dazzled with some wonderful footwork, nifty running into space and bad luck with his finishing.

Beto Carranza was another gem in the dark blue colours. His amazing vision and passing ability, not to say his dazzling footwork, made him stand out until he tired near the end. Juan Sara, there will always be only one, and how nice to see him score and flash that t-shirt to the fans, not for the last time, we hope. With 4 games to go he can still beat last season's tally of 17, even although he's played far less games because of injuries this season. Young Mackay forced tiny dynamo Steven Murray into having his quietest game for some time. Stevie Milne ran his socks off and deserved his goal. Julian Speroni did all he had to do and kept yet another clean sheet. Certainly one of the best goalkeepers to have ever graced Dens Park, and there have been many.

Hopefully, PAUL WALKER'S match report will be online tomorrow.