Dundee Football Club's injury crisis deepened during a 2-1 Premiership defeat at Tynecastle on Sunday, 6 September 2026. The loss, reported by Tom Wilson on the club's official website, saw Bradley Fink score his first goal for the club but was overshadowed by serious injuries to Joe Westley and Finlay Robertson.
Hearts scored a late winner through Sabah Kerjota in the seventh minute of added time, leaving Dundee sixth in the Premiership with seven points from six games. Their recent form reads LDLWW and they have scored seven goals while conceding six this season.
How did the injuries affect the match?
Dundee's plans were shattered within the opening minutes. Striker Joe Westley, who had started every game this season, was knocked unconscious in a clash of heads with Oisin McEntee. Medical staff stretchered him off with a fractured cheekbone, replaced by Bobby Wales in the 10th minute. The disruption continued after the break when midfielder Finlay Robertson, making his first league start of the campaign, was also stretchered off with a twisted knee in the 76th minute. Summer signing Žan Bešir came on for Robertson.
Despite the setbacks, Dundee took a 17th-minute lead. A long ball from defender Imari Samuels bypassed the Hearts defence and Bradley Fink won the foot race, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Beau Reus. The centre-back partnership of Ryan Astley and Owen Bevan marshalled the defence well for long periods, with Astley making a key interception from a dangerous cross by former Dee Josh McPake.
What led to Hearts' comeback?
The home side's equaliser came from the penalty spot after a VAR check confirmed Owen Bevan's arm had made contact with a cross from substitute Christian Borchgrevink. Cláudio Braga converted the spot-kick. Dundee's discipline then unravelled in added time. Žan Bešir was initially shown a yellow card for a rash challenge, but a VAR review upgraded it to a red card for serious foul play. With the visitors down to ten men, Hearts scored the winner from a short corner routine finished by Sabah Kerjota.
Dundee's captain Ethan Hamilton was among four players booked, alongside Ryan Finnigan, Imari Samuels, and Alan Forrest. Finnigan was substituted at half-time due to an ankle problem after his earlier booking for a two-footed challenge, with new loanee Jack Moorhouse taking his place. You can view the full squad details on the club's squad page.
Where does this leave Dundee in the table?
The result means Dundee remain eighth in the title race, eight points behind leaders Celtic. They have a game in hand in the league but will be without several key players for the foreseeable future. The team's next fixture is a home match against Motherwell at Dens Park on 19 September, which is followed by a Boxing Day clash with third-placed St Mirren. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings.
Manager Tony Docherty, who watched from the touchline, now faces a major selection headache. The club's Premier Sports Cup exit prior to this match adds pressure to secure results in the league. Dundee lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Owen Goodman in goal, a back four of Drey Wright, Ryan Astley, Owen Bevan, and Imari Samuels, while Charlie Reilly came on late. The next run of fixtures, including the match against St Mirren on 26 December, will be critical. The full schedule is available on the fixtures page.
