A Good Point: Dundee 2-2 Caley

By: Ian Rose | August 22nd, 2009

Scorelines, as every fan knows, can be deceiving. On the surface, there’s not much difference between our draw last weekend and the point we took today, and it’s true that they’re worth the same amount come season’s end. But there is a gulf of playing quality between both our performances and our opponents in those two matches, and at this point in the season, this is quite a good result. While the draw with ~~Airdrie~~ Ayr United was two points lost, this is certainly one earned.

Dundee fans could be forgiven for being a bit out of breath the past two weeks. Last time around, they trailed twice to Raith and twice came back, earning a 2-2 draw. This time around, they led twice, and were twice equalized, for another 2-2. They certainly have an argument for the most exciting team to watch in the first division so far, but that’s not an altogether complimentary title. I’m sure they’d rather have Dunfermline’s relatively quiet six points (as we would) than the five they’ve earned with back and forth matches.

Dundee’s offense was all Gary Harkins, and the former Partick man opened the scoring on just nine minutes. It was Dani Sanchez who gave us our first equalizer in the 20th. Harkins took back the lead just nine minutes later, but Lee Cox hammered one in before the break to keep us even. It’s really looking like Lee Cox is a legitimate scoring threat from the wing, which is something we haven’t always had. With our front men (aside from Sanchez) seeming to need a trip to the target range, it’s important that the midfield can step up and score. The second half was the more exciting, but fruitless for both sides. Some of the best end to end football in Scotland this season was seen, but the nets remained unbulged, and 2-2 was our final.

The draw brings both Caley and Dundee to five points. Dunfermline took the league lead alone today, with a 2-0 over Airdrie (the result I predicted we’d have, and that we should have had, against them). Queen of the South and Raith did the Caley great favors by beating Ross County (spit) and Partick respectively, so we gained a valuable point on both our local enemies and one of our big rivals for promotion.

Next up – the first Highland Derby in years, as hated County comes to Caledonian Stadium. I’ll be talking about the matchup as the week goes on, but this one is about more than points and standings, as all derbies are. Good result today, and I’m happy with it, especially the stylish way we went about it. Mon the Caley.