Livingston 2
Dundee 0
Friendly

Match Report

DUNDEE’S first pre-season friendly ended in a 2-0 defeat at Livingston, as Robbie Muirhead scored twice to seal the victory for the West Lothian side.

Three trialists took part in the encounter for the Dark Blues, with one starting at centre back alongside Billy Koumetio. New signing Idris Odutayo was not a part of the travelling squad to West Lothian following his unveiling on Friday.

Livingston had several new signings involved, with Sam Nicholson, Liam Polworth, and Cammy Palmer among those taking part.

Former Dee Cammy Kerr, who spent 12 years at Dens Park, started for Livingston.
With over a month since both sides played a competitive game, the first half saw a lack of chances on goal as the teams looked to gain back full fitness.

Early possession was mostly with the West Lothian team. However, it was Dundee who had the first opportunity at goal, when a ball given away by Mitchell Robertson on the edge of the box was picked up by Ethan Hamilton. Dundee’s vice-captain took several touches before placing his low effort wide of the left-hand post.

Finlay Robertson and Joseph Bevan showed good chemistry along the right wing. A good move halfway into the half saw a low cross by Bevan run across the face of goal, but no one there to tap in.

Hamilton looked to emulate his heroics from Parkhead and Pittodrie last season, but his long-range effort ended up well over the bar.

As the first half drew to a close, it was Livingston who had the first shot on target. A lay off from Cristian Montaño was laid off to Stevie May, but his low shot was comfortably pushed away by Harrison Sharp.

Steven Pressley made eight changes at half-time, with Emile Acquah, Ashley Hay, Ryan Astley, Ethan Crombie, Ryan Bland, Joe Leiper, and two trialists replacing Simon Murray, Finlay Roberton, Charley Oosenburgh, Billy Koumetio, Ethan Hamilton, Joseph Bevan, and Rory Hughes. Aaron Donnelly also made way for Leo Howlett as the half commenced.

Livingston also made several substitutions, with a mix of youth and veteran players coming on the pitch.

The second half began with Livingston on the front foot, increasing their goal threat as the game progressed.

However, it was the Dark Blues that found the first great chance of the half. A good ball on the right-hand side found Acquah, whose fizzed cross was flicked on by Hay towards Bland. Unfortunately, the youngster mixed up his footing and could not get his shot away.

Dundee did not see many more chances, and it was Livingston who found the first goal. A deep cross by Lewis Smith on the right flank reached substitute Robbie MUIRHEAD, who outjumped his marker. His downward header was well guided and beat Sharp on its way to the bottom corner.

Just over 10 minutes later, it was MUIRHEAD again. A pass down Dundee’s right-hand side was missed by a substitute triallist and ended up at the feet of Muirhead. A low finish from the outside of his left foot beat Harry Sharp and put Livingston 2-0 up.
The Dark Blues tried to hit back immediately, but to no avail. A curled attempt for Acquah was blocked and ended up being the final Dundee chance of the game.
Steven Pressley’s side will head to Budapest, Hungary, on Sunday for a weeklong pre-season training camp before taking part in several friendlies in July.

Match report written by Tom H. Wilson - Dundee Official Website