Dundee suffered a narrow defeat against Motherwell at Dens with the result undoubtedly harsh on the home side.
The Dark Blues had the majority of chances especially in the first half but unfortunately lacked composure when it mattered most while the Steelmen could consider themselves fortunate to leave with all three points courtesy of their penalty-spot counter.
Dundee boss Jim McIntyre kept faith with the same starting XI that won at Tynecastle on Wednesday night although there were places on a strong-looking bench for recent signings Andreas Hadenius and James Horsfield as well as Darren O’Dea on his return from suspension.
Motherwell only arrived at Dens just an hour before kick-off after being delayed in traffic around Perth.
Dundee had to make an early change in just the ninth minute when Jesse Curran pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury and he was replaced by Roarie Deacon.
The Dark Blues had a half chance in the 18th minute when Craig Curran won possession before playing the ball out to Andy Dales on the left but the winger’s shot flew off target.
Motherwell came close in the 37th minute when Curtis Main turned inside the home box and hit a shot that flew just wide of goalie Seny Dieng’s right-hand post.
Dales embarked on another good run but his strike from the edge of the box flew over the Motherwell bar.
However, it was the Dark Blues who scorned two fantastic chances to open the scoring before the break, firstly in the 38th minute when the ball broke kindly to Martin Woods just inside the Motherwell penalty area but the midfielder sliced his shot well wide.
Then in injury time, Deacon headed on to Nelson who seemed to have time and space to pick his spot but the striker fluffed his lines and dragged his shot wide of the target.
Dundee had the first big chance of the second half in the 53rd minute when Nathan Ralph swung a great cross in from the left with Craig Curran sending a header inches past the post.
The Dark Blues were now making all the running with the home support finding their collective voices.
However, those fans were left stunned in the 60th minute when the Steelmen took the lead.
Referee Willie Collum ruled that Ryan Inniss had fouled Motherwell sub Elliot Frear inside the home box and had no hesitation in pointing to the spot with teenager David Turnbull stepping up to send Dieng the wrong way with his penalty.
Dundee looked to hit back straight away with Deacon trying his luck from long-range but his effort flew just over the bar.
The winger then had another opportunity in the 75th minute inside the box but his fiercely-struck shot was turned over by Motherwell keeper Mark Gillespie.
Deacon had yet another chance but he cut inside and his shot was blocked with the home fans howling for a penalty when the Dundee player was bowled over as he tried to regain possession but this time Collum was not convinced.
McIntyre’s side tried desperately hard to mount a grandstand finish but Motherwell held on to secure the win.
