Gary Bowyer has “food for thought” after his first defeat in charge of Dundee.
The Dark Blues had been installed as the bookies’ favourites to top the table this season in the Championship ahead of the campaign opener.
On target for the Jags were Aidan Fitzpatrick, Steven Lawless and Cole McKinnon while Cammy Kerr and Tyler French got a couple back for the Dee in the second half.
‘Simple’
The new Dundee gaffer was hugely disappointed with the manner of the three goals conceded and says he learned a lot about the mentality of his side.
“It was really simple – you can’t gift teams three goals,” Bowyer said.
“We gave the ball away cheaply for the first goal. It took a deflection but we should still stop that.
“The second was a real mix-up and the third was too easy with not tracking a runner.
“Credit to Partick, they were clinical.
“The way we reacted was pleasing in the goals we scored and chances we missed. Alex Jakubiak could’ve had a hat-trick, we’ve hit the post and double figures in corners.
“So, we haven’t been clinical enough. Partick were but we did gift them the goals.”
Mentality
Dens Park was filled with optimism ahead of the clash with more than 5,500 turning up for the first league match of the season.
Going into the game, the Dark Blues had put together a perfect record in the Premier Sports Cup with four wins from four.
However, that form deserted them as the Jags earned a big win to kick off their campaign.
“I learned a lot today,” Bowyer added.
“Something I’d not seen in pre-season because we’d been winning games.
“It was interesting for me and gives me real food for thought having seen the mentality of one or two when we are up against it.
“Who really stood up and said ‘come on then, I’ll do something’.
“The reception from the fans was brilliant, disappointed we couldn’t send them home happy.
“At the death we were knocking on the door and I think they saw there was a team trying to get back in the game but we can’t be doing that too many times this season.”
Ben Williamson
Rangers loanee Ben Williamson earned his first start since joining on loan in the summer.
However, his Dundee league debut lasted just 27 minutes as he limped off.
Bowyer said: “Disappointed with that. He got a knee injury last week but he trained this week.
“He just said it had re-occurred there so that’s going to need some investigating.”
Paul McGowan
And the Dens boss hopes to have experienced midfielder Paul McGowan back available next week after he missed the clash through injury after impressing in the early-season games.
“He picked up a knock. Hopefully, he’ll be back next week because we missed his leadership on the pitch,” Bowyer added.
“That’s another thing was good for me to see that we need more leaders.”
Dundee verdict: Key moments and player ratings as Dee suffer opening day defeat to Partick Thistle
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