Tony Docherty has admitted he initially believed Vaclav Cerny’s decisive goal in Rangers’ narrow 1-0 victory over Dundee might have been offside.
Speaking after the match, the Dundee manager expressed pride in his team’s performance at Ibrox, despite leaving empty-handed.
Rangers missed a host of opportunities to extend their lead, but Dundee’s disciplined and resolute display made life difficult for the hosts throughout the contest.
Docherty, while disappointed by the result, hailed the defensive organisation of his side and the effort they put into challenging a Rangers team in strong form.
Tony Docherty Reflects on the Rangers Goal
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Docherty shared his thoughts on the key moment of the game:
“I was really proud of that level of performance I got from the players,” he said.
“I thought coming in against a Rangers team that were really in form, their last two league games they won 6-0 at home and 3-0 away from home.
“We worked a lot during the break on our defensive organisation and I thought it was outstanding in the first half.
“We come in at 0-0 and limited Rangers to hitting the bar from a free kick.
“Second half, I’d asked the boys to be a wee bit braver in possession and I think we did that. I think we really gave Rangers a game.
*“I’m really disappointed with the goal that we lose. I’ve not seen it back. I thought it was maybe offside. I don’t know.
“They’ve obviously checked it and it obviously is onside going with the VAR decision.
“I’m disappointed with that, you know, because I thought we were on the front foot at that stage. We should’ve had a shot at goal and it breaks and it comes on to us. But I think overall, a really strong performance from us.
“For the level of performance put in by each individual player, I was really proud of that.”
A Proud Yet Disappointed Manager
Docherty went on to reveal the disappointment felt by his players after leaving Ibrox without a point. Despite their valiant effort, Dundee couldn’t capitalise on their performance to secure a result.
“There’s a disappointment in the dressing room,” he admitted.
“I think that’s important. As strong as that level of performance is, nobody likes getting beat.
“To come to Ibrox, particularly in the recent form Rangers have been in, against Tottenham and in the Cup Final, to put in that level of performance against a very good Rangers team—I’ve got to be proud of the players for doing that.
“I said that to them. I want them to be disappointed that we lost the game but I want to pick as many positives heading into the next game.”
The victory lifted Rangers to second place in the Scottish Premiership, overtaking Aberdeen after their defeat to Hibernian. For Dundee, the result may have been a setback, but Docherty’s focus remains on building momentum for the challenges ahead.
