Dundee boss Steven Pressley sees pressure build just TWO games into reign as gaffer admits situation is ‘worrying'

Scottish Sun

10 hours ago

A second straight League Cup loss to lower-league opposition has left Pressley under immediate pressure
DEAR OH DEE Dundee boss Steven Pressley sees pressure build just TWO games into reign as gaffer admits situation is 'worrying'
BIBLICAL rain rattled the corrugated iron roofs of the Recs.
And down on the touchline, storm clouds gathered over brooding Dark Blues boss Steven Pressley.
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Steven Pressley is under pressure just two games into his Dundee reign
Credit: Michael Schofield
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The new Dee boss has seen his side lose back-to-back League Cup games to lower-league opposition
Credit: Michael Schofield
He took the rap and admitted his sluggish Dundee side are OUT of the cup after being humbled for the second time in seven days.
But his players need a good long look at themselves after part-time Alloa Athletic did to them what Airdrie had last time out.
A Steven Buchanan strike just after the hour made it three wins on the spin for Andy Graham's men – and what Pressley would have given for half the desire the home side showed.
As hundreds of fed-up travelling trooped home in dismay, he admitted: "With the players we had out, we didn't do well enough – that's the harsh reality and I take ownership of that.
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"I hoped we'd play with more intensity. We need to pass the ball quicker. We were laboured, predictable.
"It looks like we're out. We have to concentrate on the next couple of games, make sure we see improvements and make sure we're ready for the first league game.
"My message to be the fans would be that I believe in what we're doing. It's a big task, it'll take time. I'm a realist and I know we need reinforcements, that was evident here.
"We need some dynamism in the team, some real legs. We need more speed and power, but finding the right players is difficult and I don't want to sign anyone who doesn't upgrade us.
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"It's worrying for me that we need to improve the fitness of some players – in the second half in particular, you could see we need to bring some of them up to speed.
"In future, if I'm here, I'd probably come back a week earlier and play a couple of friendlies prior to the League Cup. Before we faced Airdrie last week, some players had only played two lots of 45 minutes.
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"But I say again, we still have to do better."
Hulking frontman Emile Acquah, brought in from Barrow, had three huge chances from Drey Wright corners – but headed two wide and beat the turf as the other struck a post.
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Apart from that, though, Finlay Robertson's bobbling 85th minute shot straight at home keeper Liam McFarlane was their only shot on target.
And the truth is that the longer the game went, the more Alloa looked like pulling off a shock.
One side of half-time, Kurtis Roberts almost caught keeper Trevor Carson out with a cheeky chip from 40 yards; the other, the midfielder played young striker Luke Rankin clean through only for the ball to bobble up off the plastic and his shot to fly wide.
But then, a looping cross from the left flicked off a defenders' head, fell to Buchanan at the far post and stopper Luke Graham could only help it into the roof of the net.
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It was officially given as an own goal, but on the last day before the pitch here is replaced, it was DEFINITELY Buchanan's.
Delighted gaffer Graham said: "It's a great move and Steven does really well to turn it in – I couldn't believe it when the announcer gave it as an own goal, I was for running up and having a word, they can't take it away from him!
"It was a great moment and to win three games in a week is testament to the fitness and togetherness of the players."
Elsewhere, Falkirk maintained their unbeaten start to the new season, despite a goalless draw with League One side Cove Rangers.
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Scott Bain came up with two huge shoot-out saves to keep his side within a point of Group A leaders, The Spartans.
Curtis Main was at the double as Ayr United hammered Arbroath 4-0 in their home opener.
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Main's brace had Scott Brown's side looking comfortable, before debutant Jude Bonnar and George Oakley put the game to bed.
John Robertson made it five goals in three matches as East Kilbride coasted to a 4-1 victory at Elgin.
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Captain Jack Leitch had Kilby two to the good inside twenty minutes - before Jack MacIver halved the deficit from the spot.
However, second half goals from Nathan Flanagan and Robertson put the game beyond reach.
Elsewhere, Uche Ikpeazu was St Johnstone's hero in the Highlands, as his 90th minute winner against Inverness sealed an all important 1-0 victory, maintaining his side's 100% record.
Dunfermline battered Dumbarton at The Rock, in a dominant 4-0 display.
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Goals from Josh Cooper - who hit two - Chris Kane, and Andrew Tod sealed the deal for Neil Lennon's side.
Ross County snatched all three points in the Borders after a close encounter with Queen of the South.
A phenomenal strike from Jay Henderson was enough to pull County back within reach of the knockouts.
Clyde pulled off an incredible injury time comeback as they defeated Peterhead 2-1 at Balmoor.
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Kieran Shanks' late penalty had Peterhead looking home-and-hosed, but a 96th minute leveller from Craig Howie and subsequent own goal by Caleb Goldie saw the Bully Wee heading back to Glasgow with all three points.
East Fife claimed victory in the Fife Derby, with a 1-0 victory over Kelty Hearts.
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Alan Trouten came up with the goods late on as the visitors claimed their first points of the group stage.
Montrose battered Bonnyrigg 4-1 despite heading into the break a goal down.
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Kallum Higginbotham sent the visitors into the break in front with an effort on the stroke of half time.
But goals from Ewan Loudon, Terry Masson, Craig Wighton and an own goal by Corrie Fellows saw them remain rock bottom of the group in a second half collapse.
The Spartans comfortably saw off Brechin in a 2-0 victory at Ainslie Park.
Mark Stowe had the hosts up and running late in the first half, before Cillian Sheridan doubled the lead with an own goal.
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Stranraer forced their second penalty-shootout of the group stage after a goalless draw with Edinburgh City.
But this time, it was the opposing number one, Mark Weir who was the hero for City.
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