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THE Manager was pleased with the effort put in by the players as we continued our build-up to the new season with a hard fought and thoroughly deserved 1-1 draw with Championship side Dundee in our closed-doors friendly at Dens Park.

A late goal had given the Dark Blues a 1-0 victory at Balmoral Stadium in midweek and the return was just as keenly contested, despite the fact Fraser Fyvie was forced to limp off after suffering a knee injury with just two minutes on the clock.

“It was another good test for us against tough opponents,” said Paul.

“We knew we would have to work hard to compete and we certainly did that. It was also a test for Dundee because we played some good stuff, particularly in the second half. We had three at the back in the first half but changed the shape in the second half and got at them a bit more.”

“I was happy with how the back three worked, although it’s something we will need to spend a little more time working on. But it was a good run out for us despite losing Fraser so early because he took the knock on his knee.

“The fitness levels are looking good and the players have continued to work really hard, so I’m pleased with the way things have gone so far.”

Stuart McKenzie was forced to make great saves from Graham Dorrans and Jordan McGhee, with Dundee midfielder Charlie Adam also striking the post from a corner-kick as the home side created the better chances of the first half.

It was a different story in the second period.

We went ahead in the 50th minute when Broque Watson’s perfectly flighted corner from the right was swept home by Scott ROSS from the edge of the Dundee six yard box.

The players were upset when the referee waved away claims for a foul by Adam on Watson at the edge of the Dundee area in the 62nd minute.

Even more so when the Dark Blues immediately swept up the park and when Max Anderson crossed the ball Ryan STRACHAN was unfortunate to see his attempted headed clearance go beyond loan keeper Ryan Mullen, who had replaced McKenzie at the interval, into his own net.

We were also denied a penalty in the 75th minute when the referee waved play on after Rory McAllister was clearly impeded as he prepared to slot home a right wing cross from Watson.

But a draw was still a pleasing outcome against a side that is expected to be among the contenders for the Championship title in the coming campaign.

McAllister and Harry Milne also went off injured during the course of the game but the manager Paul hopeful they will make quick recoveries.

COVE RANGERS: McKenzie, Leighton, Milne, Scully, Ross, Livingstone, Semple, Yule, Megginson, Fyvie, McIntosh.

Subs: Mullen, Higgins, Strachan, Masson, Watson, McAllister, Brown, Redman.

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