Raith Rovers 1 Dundee 2

Neil McCann fielded five new signings in his starting line-up for the Dark Blues

Published 19th Jul 2017
Last updated 19th Jul 2017

Neil McCann's first match as Dundee's permanent manager ended in a dramatic 2-1 Betfred Cup triumph at Raith Rovers.

McCann, having opted to remain in his role over the summer after an interim stint last term, fielded five new signings in his starting line-up but it was the introduction of 70th-minute substitute Sofien Moussa that sparked the tie into life.

Moussa opened the scoring in the 83rd minute, with Lewis Vaughan equalising for the plucky League One hosts in the 90th minute only for defender Jack Hendry - another fresh face - to head home a stoppage-time winner for the Dark Blues.

Dundee started brightly but failed to create any clear-cut opportunities and it was Raith who carved out the first real chance midway through the first half.

Jason Thomson's low cross was laid off by Greig Spence but Scott Bain got down to hold Vaughan's low shot.

Rovers' summer recruit Liam Buchanan tamed a speculative ball from Kyle Benedictus six minutes before the interval, but his excellent shot on the turn was grabbed by Bain.

The visitors went within a whisker of opening the scoring moments later as they broke forward at speed, and Dutch winger Randy Wolters found space on the edge of the box to unleash a shot which cannoned back off the corner of bar and post.

Dundee midfielder Roarie Deacon fired an effort over just after the break and later volleyed too high again 20 minutes into the second period.

Buchanan also drove wide for Rovers after neat interplay with Vaughan, and penalties were looming.

Moussa looked to have won it for the visitors when he struck home with seven minutes left, turning on a Scott Allan free-kick to power in from close range.

Vaughan swept in an equaliser as the clock ticked down, but there was still time for Hendry to rise and bravely nod in a cross with almost the last touch of the match