‘Real concern’ for Dundee as skipper Simon Murray limps off in Montrose thumping.

The Dark Blues won 5-0 at Dens Park, but manager Steven Pressley expects more from his side.

Steven Pressley admits that Simon Murray’s potential knee injury in Dundee’s 5-0 home win over Montrose is a “real concern”.

Murray scored the first two goals as the Dark Blues easily defeated the League One outfit. Despite scoring five goals and keeping the first clean sheet of his career, Pressley expects much more from his team.

Happy with result – but not performance

“I was happy with the result but not the performance,” Pressley said.

“Second half, much better. Although we started very aggressively, I was uncomfortable with some of the aspects in the first half.

“For us to be a really good team, it’s going to be about the unit and being really synchronised in everything we do.

“We were a little bit disjointed, especially without the ball.

“Our decisions without the ball, the distances without the ball, people’s positioning without the ball, those elements were not good first half.

“We addressed a couple of them second half and I thought we were much more compact, better in shape, and countered with good effect in the second half.

“After the result on Tuesday, it was important we followed that up with a positive result going into the game next Sunday.

“We’ve certainly done that. But I’m still not satisfied with certain elements.”

Set-piece threat

After a disappointing start to the season with back-to-back defeats to lower league sides, Dundee needed to finish the League Cup group stage on a high note.

The crowd was only 1,808, but they cheered quickly. Two minutes in Cesar Garza was the first to react to a loose ball in the area, but former Dundee player Ross Clark made a late tackle, resulting in a penalty.

Murray stepped up and fired into the corner for his first goal of the season. Montrose were having success down the right side of the Dee defence, and chances to extend their lead came and went.

Halftime brought changes, and the home team went ahead 2-0. Tony Yogane fed Emile Acquah, his shot was saved, and Murray finished. Then came three more set-piece goals, with Imari Samuels’ deliveries causing havoc.

Clark Robertson scored his second goal in two games, Ryan Astley nodded in Luke Graham’s header, and Graham finished on 88 minutes. “The other aspect is that set plays paid off again,” Pressley explained.

“It’s something we’re working very hard on, and it will be a significant part of what we’re trying to accomplish. “So that was another positive factor.

“In that regard, I thought Imari Samuel’s performance today was exceptional. Today has been exceptional. So well done to him.

Simon Murray injury

However, the final stages saw Murray limping off with a knee injury, which was concerning. The Dens skipper was working with the physios after the game. When asked how Murray was, Pressley replied, “I’m not sure yet.

“Of course, that is a serious concern because he is a key player. “He scored two goals and is off to a good start. “Of course, it’s a concern when your captain, your main man, goes down. “Fingers crossed he’s okay. Because losing him would be a huge blow.

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