Thursday Sep 29 2005 20:05
Dundee's first UEFA Cup campaign for 29 years began in impressive fashion with a 2-0 away win over Vllaznia of Albania, thanks to goals from Steven Lovell and Nacho Novo.
The Dark Blues started well and dominated the early stages without putting home goalkeeper Armir Grima under too much pressure.
Georgian international Georgi Nemsadze was prominent in midfield for Jin Duffy's side and pulled the strings in a disciplined display.
He set up an early opportunity for the lively Novo but the striker's shot was blocked by a defender.
Dundee gained reward for their positive approach when they took the lead just a minute before half-time.
Nemsadze set up the chance for Steve Lovell and he made no mistake with a well-struck shot.
Novo made it 2-0 three minutes after the break when Gavin Rae sent Garry Brady scampering down the right and his cross found the little striker at the back post and he slammed the ball home.
Dundee oozed confidence after this and their passing game frustrated the Albanian side who saw the game slipping away from them.
Rae and Nemsadze were key figures for Dundee as they dictated the pace of the game and never allowed Vllaznia to settle into their stride.
The Albanians, runners-up in their national league, took the game to Dundee in the closing stages but Duffy's side stood firm to record a famous victory.
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