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On the back of their first away win of the season, the Cove players head for Dens Park on Sunday with renewed confidence, and a belief they can now emerge stronger from what was a dismal start to 2023.

After a January from Hell, the victory over Partick Thistle was a much-needed boost, and one which came as a reward for their endeavours according to the manager, Paul Hartley:

“A lot of hard work on the training ground, it really paid off last Saturday, and I think the clean sheet was really important. In this league, scoring the first goal can be vital, and the boys did a great job holding on to the lead.”

“I was also pleased with the work rate, not just of those who started, but the players who came on too. Sometimes it’s the guys who come on, the ones who play maybe ten or fifteen games a year, that can make the difference, and they all played their part.

“Some of them are still getting up to match fitness, but I can see the work is paying off, and keeping Thistle out will, I hope, help instil the self-belief you need.”

Paul went with an experienced line-up last weekend, and he hopes the knowhow of the likes of Scott Fox and Jason Naismith in particular will pay dividends in the weeks ahead:

“When they were at Ross County, they’ve had to fight their way out of trouble, they’ve had to deal with that pressure and they know what it’s all about. Guys like that understand the need not to panic, and they can certainly help the younger players and those who have never had to deal with life at the bottom end of the table.”

So, was the line-up at Firhill an indication that Paul is a step closer to getting the settled selection he has talked about?

“Potentially. We’re still looking to strengthen, still hoping to add one or two to the squad, so there might still be changes, but yes, getting a settled team is going to be important.”

One man who seems to have been given a new lease of life since the change in management is striker Leighton McIntosh. He has started the last four matches, his best run of the season, and is relishing being played in his favoured position:

“It has been great being more involved, and I’m enjoying playing through the middle, which suits me best I think. Of course I’m happy to do whatever I’m asked to, but every player has a preferred position, and I feel as if I can contribute there. It’s all about getting into the right places, helping to create and score goals.”

“The Championship was always going to be a big step up, but we’ve gained more experience as a group now. There will be some ups and downs ahead, but we’ve got to take the Partick performance, to be positive, and use that as a foundation for gathering more points, starting at Dundee on Sunday.”

It will be just a second meeting of the sides this season, the first ending in a 3-1 victory for Cove on what was a night to remember for Connor Scully. The manager was there that evening as an interested spectator:

“That was such a strong performance against one of the title favourites, and the players showed that on their day they can match Dundee. It will be tough on Sunday, but we go there with more confidence than of late, and if we can put in a similar effort to last Saturday, then we’ll certainly be giving ourselves a chance.

“I’ve watched Dundee a couple of times in the last few weeks, and they do change personnel and formation at times, but we have to be ready for whatever they throw at us, and we will be.”

Having received international clearance during the week, recent signing Gime Toure is now available for selection along with deadline day capture, David Bangala. Blair Yule will again be missing with a heel injury while Fraser Fyvie, having had an ankle operation on Thursday, is out for the remainder of the campaign. One or two players are nursing knocks and are being monitored.

Fans are reminded that tickets cannot be bought in advance for this match and that cash only turnstiles will be in operation at the stadium.

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