5 Things We Learned From Dundee’S 1-0 Loss To Aberdeen

[JoeCovenant]

Aberdeen extended their unbeaten run to 10 games and ended a mini-Dundee revival with a narrow 1-0 win over the Dark Blues on Friday night.

But what did we learn from the clash?

BAIN IS STILL A CLASS APART

Take Craig Gordon out of the equation and Scott Bain, for me, is still the next best keeper in Scotland.

He’s not hit the headlines nearly as much as he did last season but by the same token it can hardly be said he’s had a bad campaign.

To prove any doubters – there were a few – wrong he saved his best for Friday, in front of the live TV audience and the watchful eyes of Gordon Strachan, part of the BT pundit panel on the night.

I’m sure the Scotland boss took note of Bain’s heroics between the sticks.

THERE’S FIGHT IN THIS DUNDEE SIDE

Aberdeen were well worth their three points at the weekend. There’s no doubt about that.

Another thing that can’t be questioned is the battling qualities shown by the visitors.

Despite the Dons dominance at times the Dark Blues hung on in there.

At no point in the game could you say Dundee brought their A game, but they were always in with a shout of a result.

O’DEA IS A QUALITY ACQUISITION

Darren O’Dea has already proved he is a quality addition to the Dundee backline.

The Republic of Ireland international tends to keep things simple, which is no bad thing for a defender.

And although the Dark Blues have conceded three in his two starts, they look a lot more solid side with him in it.

It just makes you wonder what him and James McPake would be like together.

IF STEWART IS SHACKLED, CHANGE IT UP AND SET HIM FREE

Derek McInnes’ men did the perfect job on Greg Stewart.

They made sure he couldn’t get any ball in positions where he so often hurts teams.

Hats off to the Dons gaffer for that one, so few managers are able to do that. It maybe says something about how highly he rates the former Cowdenbeath forward.

In situations like this, which are few and far between, it might make sense for Paul Hartley to take Stewart off the wing and put him in behind Kane Hemmings, even just temporarily.

That way it makes the opposition change their approach and might just allow Stewart a yard around the box. If he gets an opportunity within firing range he rarely passes it up.

LOY AN UNLUCKY LAD

Frontman Rory Loy just can’t get into Dundee’s team.

His seven goals in 12 starts is impressive, but just not impressive enough.

In most teams that would guarantee your spot for the season, not Dundee’s. Not with Kane Hemmings around.

Loy is too good to sit on the bench, though.

And I’m sure before too long he’ll be back, hitting the back of the net for the club.

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