'A fantastic performance': Tony Docherty hails Dundee display in derby victory

Tony Docherty praised the resilience of his Dundee side as they withstood a late onslaught to reach the last 16 of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup with a first victory over city rivals Dundee United in more than seven years.

Simon Murray’s first-minute header was enough to earn a 1-0 win for the Dee at Dens Park and set up another home tie against Championship side Airdrie in the fifth round.

Docherty was delighted with the way his team held firm amid a frantic finale to follow up their recent draws against Rangers and Celtic with victory over a United side currently third in the William Hill Premiership.

“I’m really delighted with the players, I thought that was a fantastic performance,” said the Dark Blues manager.

“We scored an absolutely brilliant goal, but then you realise you’ve got a long way to go until you see the cup tie out.

“I thought the performance was brilliant and I think the whole team contributed to keeping that clean sheet.

“We’ve not kept many clean sheets, but it’s a learning experience for a lot of them. And a lot of them had to really dig in and do the other side of the game tonight.

“I couldn’t be more pleased for them getting into the next round. I think you can see the development of the team as the season’s gone on. And I think that’s typified with our last three home games.

“We’ve played first, second and third in the league and come away with two draws and a win.

“I think the players should take a lot of confidence for that.”

United boss Jim Goodwin was pleased with the spirit his side showed to keep fighting to the end but rued the concession of the early goal.

“We gave it everything as you would expect from this group of players, but Dundee deserve a lot of credit,” he said.

“They defended the box brilliantly all night. The goalkeeper’s made one or two good saves in the second half and they obviously carried a little bit of luck when (Kristijan) Trapanovski’s shot comes crashing back off the upright.

“Obviously the disappointing thing for us is the way that we start the game. You cannot concede in the manner that we do.

“You can’t give good opposition a goal head start, albeit this season we’ve had to come from behind on numerous occasions. Tonight, unfortunately, we just didn’t carry that bit of luck that’s required.”