Tony Docherty hails impact of Michael Mellon in Dundee win at Livingston

Posted Sunday, January 28, 2024 by PA

Dundee manager Tony Docherty hailed Michael Mellon after the striker capped a fine debut with a goal and two assists in a 4-1 victory at Livingston.

The on-loan Burnley player only entered the pitch as a substitute in the 61st minute but that was still enough time to set up Luke McCowan and Zach Robinson either side of a penalty from Livingston forward Tete Yengi.

Amadou Bakayoko opened the scoring in the 19th minute and Mellon wrapped up the scoring with a finish from outside the box late on.

Docherty, whose side are now 13 points clear of basement side Livingston, said: “He was outstanding.

“I’m not surprised either. He played over 28 minutes I think and got two assists and a goal.

“I know what he is. It’s the reason we waited and went to such lengths to get him.

“It’s great credit to the relationship the board have with Burnley.

“He had so many suitors and you could see why.

“For Luke McCowan’s goal, there is a real calmness. For Zach Robinson’s goal, he chases a lost cause and gets an assist and then his goal was outstanding.

“Really pleased but not surprised.

“I know what he’ll bring to the team.”

Dundee also had to overcome the loss of McCowan to a second yellow card in the 74th minute when they were leading 2-0.

McCowan later apologised to Docherty for his cynical trip on Yengi that led to his dismissal but Docherty was thrilled with how his team responded after throwing away a two-goal lead in the defeat to Hearts on Tuesday evening.

Docherty added: “I’m absolutely delighted with the team’s resilience, spirit and mentality.

“My team came in for a lot of criticism on Tuesday night at Hearts and questions were asked about the mentality of the team.

“I thought my players answered that in spades today.

“The resilience of the group was there for all to see.”

Livingston – without a victory in 14 league games – remain six adrift at the basement ahead of Tuesday’s crucial bottom of the table clash with Ross County.

Manager Davie Martindale said: “We don’t want to speak too much about what goes on in the changing room.

“But, we’ve had these discussions throughout the season – and we don’t seem to be getting any better, if I’m being honest.

“I’ve tried everything over 23 games to lift the group. I’ve tried everything, done everything.

“But as individuals I think we’ve got to look at ourselves.

“Individuals now need to start taking their individual responsibility.

“There’s too many ‘sorrys’…every week there’s a ‘sorry’.”