By Ian Roache

DENS PARK can be the key to Dundee’s bid to climb up the first division, believes born-again striker Greg Strong.

The big defender took on an unaccustomed role up front against Airdrie United as the Dark Blues pulled out all the stops to record their first home win since mid-September.

The 1-0 scoreline was just deserved and no more, with the hosts shading it because they had more of a cutting edge to their play than the visitors.

Now Strong wants Dundee to build momentum on the back of successes on their own park.

“Any team that does well in anything needs a good home record,” said the Englishman, who came off the bench to replace a tiring Bryan Deasley with a quarter-of-an-hour to play.

“We must concentrate on making this a place teams won’t enjoy visiting.

“We have always been looking upwards as far as the league table is concerned and will continue to do so.

“The reason is that we have the quality in the dressing room to enable us to put a run together. There is a good mix of youth and experience.

“Also, there are so many teams so close together and they will take points off each other.

“So it is important that we win our games to give ourselves a leg-up the league.”

Saturday’s victory was all about the end justifying the means because Dundee were often out-passed by the Diamonds only for Kenny Black’s men to run out of ideas in the final third of the park, although they did hit the woodwork twice.

The Dark Blues just made sure they took their chance when it came along on 37 minutes.

A corner was delivered by Gavin Swankie from the left and, after the ball was nodded on by a defender, new boy Gary Smith was on hand at the far post to head home from close-in.

“I don’t think anyone can go through a season playing good football every week,” said Strong.

“You have to grind out results and I think we did that.

“Those games could be the important ones come the end of the season.

“You have to battle in this league—it’s very tough—and once you win the individual contests then you can start playing your football.”

When Strong replaced Deasley, it was assumed player-boss Alex Rae was enhancing his defence in order to hang on to the lead.

However, much to everyone’s surprise, the player raced upfield and proceeded to make a nuisance of himself.

“I’ve played there for Boston and Hull so the gaffer knew I could do it,” added Strong.

“Deasley had done well but was tiring and getting knocked about a bit so I think the purpose was to get some physical presence up there.”

Rae revealed that he had no hesitation in pushing Strong into attack.

“Sometimes he plays there at the five-a-sides and used to be a striker when he was younger,” he said.

“I wanted him to hold the ball up a bit more and cause them problems which he did.”

Rae praised the determination and guts of his team while also pointing out they were not without chances of their own.

“I am really pleased with the way we ground out that result,” he said.

“I thought we could have had the game wrapped up sooner than we did, though.

“Deasley missed a great opportunity in the first minute (his chip was saved by keeper Stephen Robertson), Derek Lyle missed from a couple of yards, while we (sub Robert Campbell) hit the bar late on when it seemed easier to score.

“Mind you, I am pleased to get the win and to get back on track.”