A Zach Robinson-inspired Dundee move three points clear in the Championship title race after a 3-1 victory over Raith Rovers.
Miserable weather buffeted the players throughout but there was nothing miserable about the home fans leaving at full-time.
They’d seen their team confidently dispatch Ian Murray’s Rovers with both Robinson and Alex Jakubiak among the goals as their strike partnership continues to blossom.
It took the home side just 40 seconds to signal their intent with good play down the left eventually seeing Luke McCowan on the end of a deep cross, only for his volley to be well-blocked.
Rovers were doing their best to antagonise the home crowd but they weren’t able to test Adam Legzdins in the Dundee goal.
And the hosts took a deserved lead on 29 minutes as the returning Robinson exchanged passes with strike partner Jakubiak before slotting past Robbie Thomson.
Robinson should have had a second moments before the break but blazed over from eight yards out.
But he made no mistake on 53 minutes, turning home a wonderful cross in from Luke McCowan.
And his partner up top got in on the act with 15 minutes remaining as he smashed home from Lyall Cameron’s cutback.
Rovers, though, weren’t completely out of it as they grabbed a goal back just two minutes later, William Akio knocking in Ryan Nolan’s header from close range.
But Dundee were unworried as they saw out an important victory in their quest for promotion back to the top flight.
Zach’s back
Robinson’s availability gave Gary Bowyer the chance to name the same team for two home matches in a row.
With that last home game being the 7-0 demolition of Hamilton Accies, hopes were high of a similar show of attacking strength.
Robinson’s return meant Paul McMullan dropped to the bench after starting the weekend draw at Arbroath.
And just about the same time Robinson departed against Accies due to a clash of heads, he got himself on the scoresheet.
It was his first strike since the end of February and was well-timed as the partnership between him and Jakubiak proved deadly once more.
Robinson took the ball in with back to goal, nipped it back to Jakubiak who then played it in behind the defence for the on-loan Wimbledon man to finish confidently.
And shortly after the break he was the one man in the area on the move as McCowan sent in a wonderful cross from the right. Robinson got his boot to it and found the corner, moving level with Lyall Cameron at the top of the scoring charts.
It was a fine display with Raith Rovers unable to handle the big striker.
Multi-threat
Just at the key time of the season, the Dark Blues are showing threats from all over the park.
Robinson has obviously been that most of the season, being top scorer.
But last week against Hamilton it was Lyall Cameron, the first half of the season saw Paul McMullan in fine form. He’s quite the sub to throw on against tiring legs.
Luke Hannant, too, is building a real understanding with Jordan Marshall down the left flank while Luke McCowan is bringing goals and assists to the table.
And Jakubiak is now on three goals in his last four games – his best spell of form in dark blue.
Just looking at the Raith Rovers bench tonight with only five spaces missing, Dundee’s strength in depth is beginning to show.
Tip top
Three points clear with a far better goal difference than chasing Queen’s Park and only four games to go, the Dark Blues have got themselves into a strong position.
It’s a different sort of pressure they face now being the team on top – for the first time all season Dundee have been top of the Championship for more than a single game.
But there is a confidence about this team now that doesn’t suggest nerves will be an issue.
Fans in the stands have been waiting all season for their team to click into gear, the players have been waiting for it, too.
What a time to do it.
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