Dundee made it back-to-back cinch Premiership wins with a comfortable victory over Ross County at Dens Park.
Scott Tiffoney was the Dark Blues’ hero with what proved to be a decisive double as the win took Tony Docherty’s side within three points of St Mirren in fifth.
County had chances but failed to take them, with Don Cowie’s strugglers now facing a huge match next week against rock-bottom Livingston who moved to within three points of County with their shock win over St Mirren.
How Dundee eased to victory
Dundee’s Scott Tiffoney celebrates scoring to make it 2-0
The hosts were the first to threaten in the third minute when Luke McCowan linked with Lyall Cameron, who fizzed a low 25-yard shot just inches past the post.
The Staggies responded immediately with Eamonn Brophy hitting a speculative long-range effort that flew over Dundee ‘keeper Trevor Carson’s bar.
Brophy had another opportunity when he made space for himself inside the home box but his fierce shot was blocked at his near post by Carson.
Dundee then put together a well-worked string of passes that ended with another Cameron shot that was deflected over the bar thanks to a last-gasp intervention by Staggies defender Michee Efete.
The Dark Blues continued to press, with Jordan McGhee the latest player to have a pot shot at goal but his attempt flew well wide of County ‘keeper George Wickens’ left-hand post.
McGhee then came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when he was first to a superb Owen Beck cross but his header was acrobatically tipped over the bar by Wickens.
Dundee were enjoying the majority of possession but they survived a huge scare just after the half-hour mark when Carson had to come to the rescue with a great reaction save to deny Staggies striker Simon Murray, whose point-blank header seemed destined for the back of the net.
Instead, it was the home side who finally made the breakthrough in the 45th minute when Dara Costelloe slipped a pass into Tiffoney to send him in on goal and the winger kept his cool, hitting a clinical finish past Wickens.
Dundee doubled their advantage in the 65th minute when the ball broke to Tiffoney on the edge of the County box and the winger took full advantage, hitting a low shot past Wickens and into the bottom corner of the net.
County huffed and puffed for a way back into the game but Dundee comfortably held on to take all three points.
What’s next?
Dundee’s next Scottish Premiership match is away to Hibs on February 24, while Ross County host Livingston.
Both games kick off at 3pm.