Dundee delight for ‘real talent’ Charlie Reilly as boss hails key Dee’s ‘incredible’ response to Kilmarnock error in comeback win.

The Dark Blues won 2-1, due to Charlie Reilly’s winning goal. Steven Pressley praised the effect of matchwinner Charlie Reilly after Dundee defeated Kilmarnock at Dens Park.

Since signing for the club in 2023, the attacker has struggled with injuries and has yet to start a competitive match for the Dark Blues.

However, Cam Congreve’s injury created a breach against Killie, and Reilly took advantage of the opportunity.

The Dark Blues had been the superior side in the first 45 minutes, but fell behind to Greg Kiltie’s opening goal after a Luke Graham error. But they fought back in the second half, with Reilly setting up Ash Hay for the equaliser on 57 minutes and then scoring the victory on 72 minutes.

“I told Charlie a while back that if he was patient, his opportunity would come,” Pressley said after the win.

“I had no idea he had been waiting two and a half years to start a game right! “I could not believe it.

When he got off the training ground on Monday, I asked him when his last start was. “He informed me he hadn’t had one. “So he’s obviously been patient, but he’s up and running now, has ambitions, and is a true talent.

“I believe in him and expect a lot more from him. “I’m very happy for Charlie. “He was outstanding with the ball, and his one strength is his ability to finish.

“Fortunately, he scored as I was hauling him off! “He needs to get healthy, but you do that by playing games.

“There’s a real exciting player for the future there.”

Luke Graham epitomised character

 

Pressley was especially pleased with the aggressive effort his team put up at Dens Park.

The Dark Blues had 26 shots on goal throughout the game and deserved all three points.

“It was a really positive first half performance, but we were one goal down,” Pressley remarked. “It’s easy to lose your bearings in that situation.

“But I was so proud that we continued to play the way we wanted to. “Luke Graham exemplified that.

He had that moment in the first half, and his response to it was tremendous. “There were a lot of things to be proud of, but it’s only three points.”

He continued, “I’ve been seeing some really positive signals. “We had one of our greatest performances of the season tonight.

“From a creative standpoint, we’ve definitely created more opportunities than in any other game tonight. “So it was another positive thing.

It wasn’t simply the outcome tonight. I would have preferred a result over the performance tonight.

“But to get both was really pleasing.”Dundee won, moving ahead of St Mirren in the Premiership table and opening up a six-point lead over Kilmarnock in 11th.

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