St Mirren 0 Dundee 1

Photo courtesy of Jeff Holmes

Tommy Craig cut a frustrated figure after watching his St Mirren side falter for the third successive match of a season in which they have yet to score a goal.

However the elder statesman of Scottish Premiership management was quick to downplay any talk of any crisis so early in the campaign, despite the fact the Paisley side now occupy 11th spot in the table.

Everyone can see today why we lost this match - we just cannot put the ball into the back of the net,'' he said after the 1-0 home loss against Dundee.

That's no goals in our first three games, but what I don't want is that to put any pressure on the boys.

There is no panic. Yes, we would take a ricochet or a 25-yarder, but I've had a word with the players and I don't want them to be too concerned.

I'm old enough to know that the result is all that matters, but the points will come.

I'm a great believer that the goals will come too. We have three of four lads who probably should have scored a few already this season.

I know the fans will feel frustrated and have some anger, but that is only because they care and it is their club.

We will go on and now get ready for the League Cup game against Dunfermline next week.''

Dundee manager Paul Hartley was gushing his praise for his charges after Peter MacDonald's decisive 80th-minute strike helped reinforce the belief the promoted team have what it takes to retain their top-flight status.

It was a great three points,'' he said.

We know we can play better, but I was really pleased with the manner that we ground out this result. Our work-rate was fantastic.

The squad have been terrific so far this season, though it was important we got our first three points of the season.

If you include the cup games, we have now gone unbeaten in our last five matches.''

Hartley reserved particular praise for match-winner MacDonald, who coolly slotted home not long after coming off the bench.

He said: Peaso's touch was fantastic - he showed a real calmness to score.

We changed the system a little, playing just the one up front, and it was really a great day too for the fans who gave us a terrific backing.''