Colin Nish believes win over Hearts could be launchpad for Dundee to climb table

Dundee striker Colin Nish believes the Dark Blues now have a platform from which to build on after picking up three priceless points at the weekend.

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It may have only been their second win of the season, and at Hearts' expense again, but the manner of Dundee's 1-0 victory on Saturday has got everyone at Dens Park thinking they have what it takes to claw their way up the table over the coming weeks.

Matt Lockwood's 22nd minute free-kick was enough to seal the win but, in truth, the margin of success should have been greater, with Nish in particular guilty of missing a couple of gilt-edged opportunities.

In the end, though, it was all about the final outcome — and it is a result that Nish reckons will kick-start their survival bid.

''We showed what we're all about,'' he said.

''We've spoken a lot recently about what we need to do and now we've actually done it. If we can continue to put in performances like that then we'll be fine. I'm convinced of that.

''We've got a right good squad and the defence was brilliant.

''They had a couple of wee half-chances towards the end but, to be fair, we could have scored more.

''It would have been nice to have gone 2-0 up and be able to have enjoyed the game a bit more.

''But we would happily have settled for 1-0 before kick-off and the boys are naturally delighted.

''It will be a nice feeling to come in to training on Monday morning, different from what we've been experiencing of late.''

The home side started brightly as sloppy defensive work from Hearts gave Nish a sight of goal in the opening minute — although the striker couldn't get a shot away.

There was a nervy moment at the other end eight minutes later, as Rab Douglas' attempted clearance cannoned off Kyle Benedictus and looped goalwards, but fortunately the ball went well wide of the target to spare the pair's blushes.

Referee Steven McLean risked the wrath of the Dundee fans in the 21st minute by awarding a free-kick to the Dark Blues just outside the area, even though Marius Zaliukas' push on Kevin McBride looked suspiciously like the foul was committed inside the box.

The supporters' need not have worried, however, as Lockwood stepped up to fire home the free-kick and send the home faithful into raptures.

Nish admitted he had wanted to take the free-kick from which Dundee scored, although he was happy to see his team-mate step up to convert.

''It's funny because I drive up with Matt for training every day from Edinburgh,'' he said.

''He asked me 'Have you seen my YouTube video?' He's actually scored about 70 goals. I couldn't believe it.

''I was sitting there for ages watching free-kick after free-kick.

''There were some crackers on it so I'm not surprised he scored.''

The sense of relief at going ahead in a game for just the third time this season was tangible for Dundee and the home side looked buoyed by their opener, with Steven Milne heading wide from Nicky Riley's cross a short time later.

Hearts were far from dead and buried, though, and threatened in the 28th minute, as Douglas could only parry Medhi Taouil's initial effort, although Callum Paterson couldn't find the target with the rebound.

After Declan Gallagher became the first name in the referee's book in the 31st minute, Arvydas Novikovas was next to test the Dundee keeper but Douglas was equal to his 35-yard free-kick.

As the first period drew to a close, there were signs that Dundee were increasingly becoming camped in their half, but a seemingly harmless ball forward by Lockwood almost — and probably should have — led to a second goal for the hosts four minutes from the break.

Nish found himself clear through thanks to Milne's dummy in midfield and he did the hard part by rounding keeper Jamie MacDonald, but Zaliukas was on hand to block his shot.

Hearts enjoyed most of the possession as the second half started and went close five minutes in when John Sutton looped an effort over the bar from Paterson's right wing cross.

Sutton then headed over from Taouil's cross as the visitors pressed, but Dundee kept their composure and could have doubled their lead on the hour mark.

It was Nish again who was guilty of squandering the opportunity after the ball ricocheted kindly to him in the area, although Andy Webster was on hand with a last-ditch tackle to clear the danger.

And with 20 minutes to go, the home side had two further clear-cut chances to put the game beyond doubt.

The first fell to sub John Baird, who saw MacDonald turn his shot round the post after a defensive lapse from the visitors, before Gallagher side-footed wide at the back post from McAlister's resulting corner kick.

The big worry would be that Dundee would be made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal and Andy Webster almost punished them with 10 minutes to go, firing wide after Douglas' punch from a corner.

The scene was set for a 'backs-to-the-wall' job in the closing stages and home nerves were indeed tested with just six minutes left, as Zaliukas headed over from close range from Ryan McGowan's cross.

Douglas then had to look sharp to hold another Zaliukas header, but Dundee survived the late onslaught to claim a much-needed victory.

Manager Barry Smith felt his side had put in a superb all-round team performance, and took time to praise the fans who backed the players throughout.

''The supporters were brilliant, they stuck behind the players and it gave them a massive lift,'' he said.

''The last time we won there was a break, but the good thing is that this time there's a game next week so hopefully we can build on a performance where we defended well and we created chances.

''Hopefully the players can play with a wee bit more confidence, knowing that the hard work they've put in has paid off.

''If they keep putting in performances and work rate like that, we'll give ourselves every chance.''

Hearts boss John McGlynn bemoaned a poor day at the office for his side.

''It was just one of those days we never really got going,'' he said.

''We might have sneaked a draw in the end but we didn't really do enough to win the game.

''It's the second game we've given Dundee all the encouragement they needed by starting a bit slack.

''They got the goal and that gave them something to defend and fair play to them, they did that very well.''

Taken from The Courier