'Fan craved big response after derby despair - and Dark Blues delivered'

Losing to your city rivals is always a sore one. We had a lot of built-up frustrations and it was taken out on St Johnstone.

First, though, a few derby grumbles to get off my chest. Dundee were the only team in the contest for the first half and when Simon Murray opened the scoring with half an hour left, I thought we would see it through.

But the result was completely on brand as we threw away the lead and found a way to lose the game. Once again we were our own worst enemy.

I felt Tony Docherty had to make changes in the last 15-20 minutes to secure a result but he didn't act until injury time.

The only silver lining from that result is we will get a second crack of the whip when we host United again in the Scottish Cup. Winning the cup tie is the only way to make up for that collapse.

The fans were looking for a big response against St Johnstone and the Dees delivered - we were 3-0 up before 25 minutes and it could have been five by half-time!

We displayed the spirit shown last season in responding to adversity and in the second half the instructions were to sit back and defend the lead.

We were unlucky not to keep a clean sheet but I am delighted the team held out and got the practice of defending on the back foot for a large spell as that's how we will set up in our next three league games against Rangers and Celtic (twice).

Luke Graham in particular felt like a breath of fresh air, the youngster provided a level of maturity that has been lacking from Dark Blue defenders all season. He is one to keep an eye on.

Next up is Rangers, who have taken just two points from their last three matches on the road. Dundee in recent years have given them a good run for their money at Dens Park.

My main worry is that our squad are a bit depleted as a handful of injuries left us unable to fill our bench on Sunday.

The teams we want to compete with have all taken points off Rangers this season and there is no reason we can't secure a result, but it will take great grit, tenacity and spirit.