21/42 - Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park, Dundee

26th January 2019
Ground Number: 21
Ground: Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park
Home of: Dundee FC
Match: Dundee V Motherwell
Score: 0-1
Attendance: 4887

We are officially half way there! 50% done! It felt right we should mark the half way point so close to home so today we're off to Dens Park, home of The Dark Blues. David was a Dundee supporter back in the day (before he knew better ;)) so it was great for him to get back to the ground today and it's changed beyond recognition since the last time he was here.

Before that though a huge thanks goes out to the club and to a friend (thanks Eddie!) who sorted us out with complimentary tickets for the match. We collected these from the main reception and this offered us a glimpse into the smart interior of the Main Stand. From there it was off to the Club Shop for the obligatory pin badge. Dundee Direct is located on Sandeman Street between the Main Stand and the Bobby Cox Stand and offers an impressive range of merchandise. There was a wide selection of pin badges all priced at £3.00. You could even get a picture with Oor Wullie if you wanted to!

Pin badge sorted we make our way to our seats in the Main Stand. En route though we decide on food before the match so visit the food kiosk located deep in the bowels of the old stand.

The Dundee pie (or should that be peh?) was perfectly acceptable. After that Montrose pie though it was going to take something quite spectacular to beat it. 8/10 from us for the Dundee pie seems about right.

Off to our seats in the centre section of the Main Stand and when we get there we're very impressed. We're offered a great view of the match and whilst there are some pillars obstructing the view, it wasn't a deal breaker and we'd happily sit in the same seats again. Interestingly the centre section seats in the Main Stand here are the furthest away from the pitch. Sit at either end of the Main Stand and you're actually closer to the pitch. To our left and right are identical modern stands. The Bob Shankly Stand to the left housing the away fans and The Bobby Cox Stand to our right the home supporters. Both are neat, modern stands with a steep gradient offering good views. Opposite us is the South Enclosure, home to the most vocal home supporters.

Onto the football then and let's just put it out there.....HOW did Dundee lose this match? It's quite incredible as they were on top for so long and had some gilt edged chances particularly in the first half. As so often happens when you're struggling at the foot of the table (trust us we know!) the luck just seems to desert you. 

Dundee were certainly well supported. We didn't hear many (if any) voices of discontent from those around us in the stand. They were all right behind their team. Somehow though we got to half time 0-0. David didn't attempt to get out for a cigarette today so we're unsure if you actually can or not here.

Into the second half then and, remarkably, it's Motherwell who take the lead. They are awarded a penalty on the hour mark and at first viewing it's harsh on Dundee. Having seen the replay later on it was the correct decision. The penalty is suitably dispatched and for a while Dundee lose their way. For the last 20 minutes or so they gain a foothold again and it's backs to the wall stuff for Motherwell. Incredibly they hold on and quite how Dundee didn't get something out of this game is anyone's guess. I feel a bit for David to be honest, it would've been great for him to see Dundee win today.

As it was we can tick off ground number 21 of the tour. 21 done and 21 to go. We really enjoyed our day at Dens Park or Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park for sponsorship reasons. We had a great view, enjoyed a decent pie and thought the Club Shop was brilliant. On today's evidence Dundee have enough about them to escape relegation. We hope they manage it.