No wonder Dundee manager Tony Docherty suggested “there was a bit of redemption there” as his side battled for victory against city neighbors Dundee United to reach the last 16 Scottish Cup final.
It was their first derby success in seven years, having failed to beat United in eight meetings during that period, including a 2-1 defeat in the Scottish Premiership in early January.
And it was the first time they had knocked the team across Tannadice Street out of the Scottish Cup since 1956.
Dundee still trail Jim Goodwin’s third-placed team in the Scottish top flight by 10 points and four places, but they will be hoping this win will chip away at United’s stranglehold on this match.
Unlike at the start of the month, at the same Dens Park stadium, United were not expected to come back from a goal down.
Docherty told BBC Scotland: “The players wanted to atone for that.”
Not only will Dundee fans be able to reclaim bragging rights, but they will be hoping the balance of football power in the city shifts back towards the boys in dark blue.
It was fitting that childhood Dundee fan – and former United striker – Simon Murray delivered the winning moment, with a precise header in the opening minute.
He returned to his hometown last summer and talked about what it meant to him to win on derby day.
“I came from here, I wanted to find my family,” he said. “That’s what it’s about.
“Derbies are one of the events we look forward to and it’s good to come out of it on a positive side.”
“This performance speaks volumes”
Docherty praised his team’s “mentality, resilience and character” after the match – understandable comments given the circumstances.
Dundee are currently without injured defenders Ziyad Larkeche, Antonio Portales, Joe Shaughnessy, Jordan McGhee and Billy Koumetio.
They have struggled for defensive solidity all season, with the derby winning only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
There were a series of last-minute counters as the second half progressed, none more impressive than that of Ethan Ingram on the goal line, who denied United substitute Ruari Paton a certain goal on his debut after arriving on loan from Port Vale just hours earlier. .
Whenever the defense was breached, goalkeeper Trevor Carson provided the answer – until Kristian Trapanovski’s injury-time shot bounced off the post.
“You saw the mentality, the resilience and the character of the team to finish the game and get a clean sheet,” Docherty said.
“I just think, all things considered – I have five centre-backs – this performance says a lot. I have good players and we are very good on the counter-attack.
“They put us under pressure, but my guys resisted.”
Match-winner Murray typified Dundee’s energy, leading the press from forward and providing an almost constant goal threat in an impressive first half which began with the decisive goal.
The former United and Ross County striker echoed his manager’s sentiments regarding the players’ work rate.
“We put everything into this,” the 33-year-old said. “It’s a great feeling – just the buzz to get the win.
“The old legs were torn off at the end, but it’s worth it. Absolutely delighted and looking forward to the next round.”
“We’re not going too far.”
Dundee will now host Aidrieonians – the bottom team in the Championship – on the weekend of February 8, but Docherty insists they will not get carried away despite their opponent’s struggles.
He was, however, happy to continue this cup campaign at Dens Park and praised the role of the local support in getting his players over the line.
“We will give the Airdrieonians the greatest respect,” Docherty added. “I’m just happy we got a draw at home.
“I see the atmosphere tonight and that’s what you can get at Dens Park with the synergy between the players and the fans. They see the effort the players are making.
“We’re not going too fast. Tonight it was a very big task to beat a good team at home and keep a clean sheet. We’ll see what happens.”
