From The Other Side

Craig Anderson takes a look at the start made by Alex Rae’s Dundee, who visit Broadwood tomorrow for an IRN-BRU First Division clash with The Bully Wee …

Clyde v Dundee (1/9/2007)

Colin Hendry’s side has that taste of victory and will be looking to feast on it again when Dundee come to Broadwood on Saturday. The Dark Blues have had an excellent start to the season so far and are currently hanging on the coat-tails of league leaders Hamilton Accies.

But just how much of an effect Tuesday’s marathon CIS Cup tie with Livingston will have on Alex Rae’s (pictured) men will become apparent. Derek Lyle’s late penalty secured a 2-2 draw with the Almondvale club, but extra time couldn’t separate them, meaning the lottery of penalty kicks. However it was Dundee who were victorious as keeper Craig Samson saved two spot kicks to send the Dens Park side into the third round draw.

Clyde though should come into the game much fresher after having the midweek off and that feel-good feeling should still be around after Ruari MacLennan’s winner dumped St Johnstone last week. It means the Bully Wee come into the game with wins in their last two at Broadwood, while Dundee will look to continue their unbeaten league start in four games so far.

This Saturday also means a return for former Clyde captain Paul McHale who could play against the club for the first time at Broadwood since moving to Tayside in January. McHale didn’t feature in April’s 1-1 draw between the clubs, but wouldn’t mind getting one over his former team-mates as they look at strengthening their position near the top.

However Dundee’s overall record at Broadwood isn’t very good and their last win in Cumbernauld came in 2003 in a League Cup tie when a Fabrizio Ravanelli hat-trick helped the Dee to a 5-2 win. It remains their only win in six visits to Broadwood and it will be a statistic Rae will want to put right, especially with Accies setting the early pace.

Quite what Colin Hendry will have in mind for this game is anyone’s guess, but he has been active in the transfer market before the window closes. Defender Dan Kirkup and winger Joe Cardle have joined from Carlisle and Port Vale respectively, which should give him some options ahead of the game.

Early points are much-sought after at this stage in the season and with Clyde finally getting that winning feeling, it will give them huge confidence for the visit of Dundee. No doubt Alex Rae, Paul McHale and the rest of the Dundee squad will have their own thoughts on that issue…