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It was a good team performance overall by Dundee, who often find it difficult to play against teams like St Johnstone. But on this occasion we more than matched them for fight and determination and in the end the best team won. The passing movements were a delight to watch and the confidence a few wins gives players was clear to see.
Dundee have now won 4 out of their last 5 matches, the best record since Ivano took over in the summer of 2000, and with the Dens Park derby coming up next Saturday this should ensure that game will be a sell out.
From the goal out Dundee didn't have a weakness. Julian Speroni had some work to do and a brilliant one handed save in the first half gave him yet another clean sheet, his 4th in the last five. Young Dave Mackay continues to improve by the game and faced by perhaps St Johnstone's best player on the day, Lovenkranz, he was given the run around at times but he made many great tackles and passes. Barry Smith and Lee Wilkie formed a tremendous partnership in central defence, with Barry leading his team superbly, tackling well and keeping very cool under pressure. Lee turned on yet another blinding performance. One or two moments of over confidence when he gave the ball away needlessly but stopped a lot of danger by heading clear and caused havoc at corners. Marcello Marocco was a tower of strength at left back and always tried to be positive in everything he did.
In midfield Javier Artero had his best game for some time and showed glimpses of his old blistering pace and weaving runs past players. Gavin Rae as I said was simply magnificent and I made him my man of the match. Beto Carranza was easily the most skilled and entertaining player on display, the magic man was amazing, though the goal apart his final pass or final cross into the box were disappointing. Surprise start was Alessandro Romano, who has stated he's definitely leaving at the end of the season. He only played in the first half and wore the jersey of Kiko Torres, surprising the team announcer. Must have been a late injury to Kiko.
Up front Juan Sara continued his run of good form, battling hard for every ball, and was done out of a clear penalty in the 12th minute, which the Referee ignored. That apart he seldom got into dangerous positions and he was well marked by the Perth defence. Stevie Milne was the striker who caught the eye today and he did a power of running from start to finish, showed neat flicks and touches and scored with a good finish. He was unlucky not to score in the first half as well, so a fine game by the youngster. Garrido replaced Romano and put in a good shift in the second half. Kemes replaced Sara midway through the second half and though I've seen him dazzle better when coming on he caused no end of problems for the Saints defence.
So it's on to next Saturday and the Dundee derby. The blood's tingling already.