Dundee secure comeback win over Kilmarnock

Dundee came from behind to secure a precious William Hill Premiership victory over Kilmarnock at Dens Park.

The visitors took the lead in the first half through Greg Kiltie but Dundee came storming back with Ash Hay equalising and Charlie Reilly netting what proved to be the winner.

The victory means Dundee have moved up to ninth and six points clear of Killie who have now not won in 13 matches.

Dundee suffered a blow before kick-off with Cameron Congreve ruled out with a quad injury picked up during Saturday’s win over Falkirk.

The Welshman was replaced by Reilly, making his first start for Dundee, while Dark Blues skipper Simon Murray was suspended after receiving a straight red card against the Bairns.

Kilmarnock kept faith with the same starting 11 that drew with St Mirren at the weekend, with Robbie Deas selected on the bench after serving a suspension.

There was a scare for the visitors in the fifth minute when keeper Tobi Oluwayemi hit a clearance straight to Dundee’s Callum Jones just outside the box but the midfielder’s shot was blocked.

Jones had another opportunity shortly after when Reilly produced a cross from the right but this time Oluwayemi made a vital save to deny the Welshman.

Killie threatened next with Tyreece John-Jules having a shot well blocked by Ryan Astley with the ball reaching Bruce Anderson but he could only blast over Jon McCracken’s bar.

In the 28th minute, Dundee’s Yan Dhanda hit a superb free-kick from 30 yards with Oluwayemi having to dive to his right to turn the ball away for a corner.

However, Dundee were stunned when the visitors took the lead in the 38th minute. A quick free-kick from inside the Killie half looked certain to be mopped up by home defender Luke Graham but he missed the ball with Kiltie running through on goal before calmly slotting past McCracken.

The Dark Blues were the first to threaten after the break, with Dhanda hitting a long-range shot and Oluwayemi having to dive at full stretch to keep the ball out of his net.

However, Dundee finally equalised in the 57th minute. Tony Yogane dug out a cross from the left to the back post with Reilly heading across goal to Hay who nodded home for his first goal for the club.

Killie had a chance of their own but McCracken made a good save at his near post from John-Jules.

Instead, it was Dundee who scored next in the 72nd minute. Hay had a shot blocked with the ball falling to Reilly and he gave Oluwayemi no chance with a fine curling finish.

Killie forced several corners in stoppage time but Dundee held firm to take all three points to the absolute delight of the home fans.