Dundee all but assured their Premiership safety with a narrow but richly-deserved 1-0 victory over Hamilton at Dens.
The win took the Dark Blues six points clear of second bottom Partick Thistle – Neil McCann’s side also have a much better goal difference over the Jags – and eight ahead of Ross County with just two games of the season remaining.
The match wasn’t pretty but the result was all that mattered with the hosts having to survive a late scare when Accies were awarded a penalty.
Dundee took the lead in the 18th minute with a fine finish from left-back Kevin Holt and then had the greater share of possession and chances.
However, any attempts at flowing football by the Dark Blues were constantly disrupted by a succession of Hamilton fouls.
Dundee did end the half strongly with further opportunities for Steven Caulker and skipper Paul McGowan.
Just five minutes after the restart, the home side had a huge scare when a Rakish Bingham free-kick clipped the outside of Elliott Parish’s left-hand post.
The nervousness in the stands increased again in the 64th minute when Bingham was played in with Parish having to parry his shot to safety at his near post.
The Dark Blues broke straight up the pitch with Cammy Kerr galloping into the Hamilton box but he could not keep his feet and the chance was lost.
Hamilton then had a gilt-edged opportunity to score the equaliser in the 85th minute when they were awarded a spot-kick after Dundee sub Daniel Jefferies brought down Marios Ogkmoe in the home penalty area.
The normally-reliable Dougie Imrie stepped up but Parish saved his spot-kick with his legs and then gleefully grabbed the loose ball with the home support erupting in delight and relief.
