Scott Arfield had a disappointing start to his managerial career when Livingston skidded to a 3-0 defeat at Dens Park. The victory means Dundee are safe and will play in the William Hill Premiership next season.
The Dens Park side opened the scoring early but the points-clinching goals arrived in 12 second-half minutes. Bottom club Livingston remain with only two wins to their credit this season.
Earlier, Livingston’s interim head coach, Arfield, decided to remain on the bench and it was Lions midfielder, Macaulay Tait, who had an early chance after a defence-splitting pass from Scott Pittman.
He shot from the edge of the box but Dundee’s stand-in goalkeeper, Kieran O’Hara, standing in for crocked No 1, Jon McCracken, dived to his left to send the ball for a corner.
Tait’s frustration showed and minutes later the already-relegated men from The Home of the Set Fare Arena were a goal behind. Tony Yogane’s chip into the box was nodded down by Dundee captain Simon Murray and the ball fell for Cameron Congreave who found the net from close range. Time 13 minutes.
The scoreline stayed that way to the break despite former Dundee player, Mo Sylla, driving to the by line and sending in a tempting cross to the back post but the ball was cleared.
Then Murray had an opportunity from eight yards, the skipper scooping the ball over, and Yan Dhanda fired against the wall from a free-kick after a clumsy challenge from Brooklyn Kabongolo just outside the box.
Livingston were lively at the start of the second half but Dundee worked their way into proceedings with patient, controlled possession. Chances were at a premium but ex-Hearts and Rangers player, Barrie McKay, found big Joel Nouble with a chip to the edge of the six-yard box but he was policed by two Dundee payers and sent his header wide.
Home fans voiced their frustration as their favourites stroked the ball around the park seeking a second, but Livingston broke and earned a corner on the left. The ball found Cammy Kerr but he blasted the ball high over the bar.
There was little to excite the home fans and a slick pass from McKay on the left found Sylla who drove the ball across the box. There were no takers.
Arfield made a change, Robbie Muirhead replacing ineffectual Nouble, but it was the home side who drove forward thanks to a long ball down the right from Dhanda but Murray failed to gather.
Steven Pressley, Dundee’s manager, prepared to make changes, as Livingston enjoyed a good spell, Tait then McKay putting the Tayside team under pressure, but they survived.
There was an even bigger scare when Lewis Smith drove to the by line aiming for Muirhead but the big striker failed to make contact and Kerr sent the ball just wide of O’Hara’s left-hand post.
Murray, Bradley Halliday and Yogane were replaced by Billy Koumetio, Imari Samuels and Fin Robertson and substitute Robertson made an immediate impact with a strike from six yards after a Congreave-inspired move down the right. Time 71 minutes.
Smith and McKay fashioned another chance as Livingston continued to press and seconds later Ethan Hamilton brought down Smith. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and substitute Muirhead fired down the middle. O’Hara saved with his legs and the ball was cleared. Time 75 minutes.
More movement on the Dundee bench with Joe Westley and Congreave leaving the action and Ash Hay and Scott Wright coming on before Dundee claimed a penalty when Jerome Prior was involved in a challenge.
Seconds later Dundee were three ahead when Hay out jumped the Livi defence to head home after a cross into the six-yard box from the left by Fin Robertson with Wright also involved in the move. Time 83 minutes.
Arfield made moves and Kerr departed for Cristian Montano while Sylla left the field of play for Emmanuel Danso. The scoreline did not change and the vast majority of the 5,573 fans went home happy.
CHANCE: Dundee goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara saved an early chance involving Macaulay Tait, pictured behind Livingston’s media officer, Jen Dodds. Picture Nigel Duncan
