Dundee were searching for a spark to ignite their season – Cammy Kerr’s winner to seal a comeback victory at Partick Thistle could very well be it.
As half-time whistles rang out across the country, the Dark Blues were sitting in seventh place and six points behind leaders Ayr United.
Come full-time they are now level in second spot in an incredibly condensed Championship table with three points between them and the Honest Men.
More than just a much-needed win – their first in four games – this victory will surely see belief flow through Dundee.
More work is required to get this team where they want to be but every run needs a starting point.
For now, Dees can revel in their side’s fightback at Firhill.
But what can we take from a rollercoaster 90 minutes?
Half-time
After 45 minutes, Dundee were in trouble. And fans’ patience with team and manager was wearing thin.
But both came up with the goods after the break and in some style.
Gary Bowyer said post-match there had been “no ranting and raving” in the dressing-room but his message obviously resonated with the players.
Most importantly he recognised where things weren’t working in the first period and did something about it.
Three subs came on and made an impact – Zach Robinson in the first two goals, Zak Rudden in sheer work-rate and Max Anderson laying on the third.
Throughout this campaign, Dundee have played with a back four – that changed for the second period at Firhill.
Jordan McGhee moved to the backline, Kerr and Tyler French became wing-backs while Rudden and Robinson led the line as a two.
It worked. Partick had one or two moments of danger but once Robinson’s goal went in, the contest was heading in only one direction.
The question was whether Dundee could make the most of it – one they answered.
Robinson/Osei
Losing Robinson at Queen’s Park left a hole in the Dark Blues attack last time out.
With illness keeping him out of training for most of the week, a starting place was never likely.
That gave Derick Osei his first opportunity in the starting XI after grabbing the equaliser at Queen’s Park.
But the Frenchman didn’t take it with little coming off as the lone striker.
Robinson on the other hand is swiftly cementing his place as the go-to frontman, not least because he is now the club’s top scorer this term.
Max Anderson
After such an impressive breakthrough season and then a decent first campaign in the top flight, this term hasn’t been one to remember for Dundee youngster Anderson.
The 21-year-old hasn’t started for over a month now.
However, more substitute appearances like this one and he’ll be back in the first XI in no time.
Anderson looked much more like himself in the second period at Firhill.
A starting point for attacking moves, the Scotland U/21 international probed at the home defence before an excellent cut-back brought the big moment.
Beating his man down the right flank, Anderson found Kerr free on the edge of the area with the full-back bagging his fourth goal of the season.
Fighting form
Saturday was a case in point as they showed the ultimate never-say-die attitude.
Dundee could easily have gone under with the score 2-0 and the home crowd thinking their team’s own troubles were over.
But they didn’t and they got their reward.
This game also demonstrated what a fickle thing form is for a side – lose this and Dundee would have just one win in seven.
However, a victory now means they are unbeaten in five Championship matches.
And looking forward to two home matches with real optimism after a memorable afternoon in Maryhill.
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