BLACKLEY PRAISES TEAM'S PERSEVERANCE AT RUGBY PARK

Earlier today, Assistant Manager John Blackley was reflecting back on the last match of the Tangerines' 2001-2002 campaign versus Kilmarnock at Rugby Park: "It was definitely a fine match to end this season on, with good football ball being played by both sides in a competitive spirit. The first half was to a great extent dominated by Kilmarnock and Paul Gallacher did exceptionally well to keep us in the game. The first goal came at a bad time, just before the interval, and the second half started on the wrong foot when we soon conceded another from a set piece. We really had our work cut out by that point and the team showed great character in the way they fought back. Our first goal, headed in by Thompson from a superb O'Donnell cross gave us a splendid lift and the momentum to take the game to Kilmarnock. Easton's wonderful strike from 20 yards then levelled the scores and, had the match lasted longer, we could have won, as we almost did in the dying moments had it not been for a stunning save from the Kilmarnock keeper. It was an excellent team effort and the young players deserve every praise for their contribution. It was good to finish the match on the ascendancy and better even is to end the season as the top team in Dundee. With one or two signings to strengthen the existing squad, the prospect for next season is very promising."