Pressure mounts on Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann after loss to Dundee

Ash Hay piled more pressure on Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann after netting a late brace to earn Dundee a 3-1 win at Dens Park in the William Hill Premiership.

The Dark Blues took the lead in the first half through Joe Bevan but Killie drew level thanks to a Joe Hugill penalty with 15 minutes left.

However, Dundee snatched all three points late on with Hay netting a double. The win lifts the Dark Blues up to fourth while Killie dropped to the bottom of the table.

The hosts made just one change to the team that was beaten at St Mirren on Saturday, with former Killie defender Joe Wright coming in for the injured Owen Bevan.

The visitors, who lost at Falkirk at the weekend, made two alterations to their starting line-up, with Robbie Deas replacing Erik Ring and Nico Mantl making his debut in goal at the expense of Calum Ferrie.

Before kick-off there was a minute’s applause in memory of legendary former Dundee player Giorgi Nemsadze, who passed away last week.

Opportunities were few and far between in the opening stages, with Hugill inches away from connecting with a great ball from Greg Kiltie across the face of the Dundee goal before home skipper Ethan Hamilton hit a shot that flew well over the bar.

In the 29th minute, Bevan burst into the Killie box and hit a low shot that was deflected wide for a corner, then shortly after Bradley Fink had a point-blank header saved before hitting the rebound off Mantl’s post.

However, Dundee took the lead in the 32nd minute. Hamilton made a run from midfield before finding Bevan with the winger chopping inside and sliding the ball past Mantl.

Shortly before half-time, Hamilton had another chance when he ghosted in at the back post to connect with a Callum Jones corner but he could not hit the target with his volley.

The visitors had the first opportunity after the break but Tyreece John-Jules dragged his angled shot wide.

Owen Goodman made a spectacular stop in the 55th minute to keep out a rasping shot from Hugill that looked destined to hit the back of the net.

However, the keeper could not prevent Killie drawing level in the 75th minute. George Stanger went down in the Dundee box with referee Duncan Nicolson pointing to the spot. Hugill stepped up and blasted his penalty past Goodman.

Hay thought he had given Dundee the lead once more but his goal was ruled out after a VAR check for handball.

However, the striker made no mistake in the 83rd minute, sending a superb glancing header past Mantl, and wrapped up the points in the fourth minute of stoppage time, beating Mantl and sliding the ball into the empty net.