James McPake warns Dundee they still have work to do despite big win at Raith
James McPake warned his Dundee side they had only done “half a job” in their Premiership play-off semi-final after a stunning 3-0 victory over Raith Rovers.
The Dens Park boss is adamant the “job is nowhere near done” as they bid to move a step closer to a return to the top-flight.
Goals either side of the break from Jordan McGhee – both from magnificent Charlie Adam assists – put the Dark Blues firmly in the driving seat.
And a third from substitute Osman Sow six minutes from time ensured Raith have a mountain to climb in the second leg on Saturday night.
McPake said: “Other than a 10-minute spell the game-plan worked. We nullified most of their threats and we were excellent, to a man – even the three subs. They knew their roles and the trust they have in each other, they were outstanding.
“Charlie Adam – how he sees it, I couldn’t have done anything like that.
“You’ve got to look at the runs as well. We scored the same goal on January 2 against Hearts when Jordan headed in. It’s something we work on.
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“You have someone with the range of passing of Adam, and teams are worried of Paul McMullan’s runs. Adam can see a pass where he’s the only one who sees it.
“But the whole team were excellent and Charlie would be the first to say that.
“It’s half a job but we’re nowhere near done. We’re in control but there’s a long way to go. They’re a good side.”
Raith were well beaten by the end but were left cursing a potentially pivotal moment just before half-time when Reghan Tumilty had a goal disallowed.
Television replays showed the full-back was well onside when he ran on to Lewis Vaughan’s centre for what, at the time, would have been an equaliser.
Manager John McGlynn said: “I didn’t think there was much in the first half. It was very close but then there was one piece of magic from Adam and a finish from McGhee.
“Overall the difference was Adam and the balls he played were magnificent.
“The big talking point is the goal we scored and didn’t get. It was a perfectly good goal, it wasn’t offside.
“I don’t think there was much in the first half but to come in at 1-1 would be a better situation than 1-0 down.
“It’s a sore one but we have to take it on the chin. Teams have come back from 3-0 down in individual games before.
“It’s a big ask but if we don’t have a go we’re beaten and out. We might as well have a go.”
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