A Nick Ross brace secured all three points for Dundee in their Development League fixture with Dunfermline. The former Inverness man struck twice in a matter of minutes just before half to ensure the victory for the Dark Blues.

Dundee were moving the ball well in the opening stages, but failed to test Cammy Gill in the Dunfermline goal. Evan Horne headed just wide for the visitors before Dundee’s Marc Klok fierce volley after 20 minutes was Gill’s first test. James Vincent headed Ian Smith’s cross wide not long after.

With just over half an hour gone, Dundee took the lead. Danny Williams won the ball high up the pitch and laid the ball back for Vincent, who found Ross, and the midfielder drilled the ball past Gill from the top of the box.

It took Dundee just four minutes to add a second. Sam Dryden’s cross was met by Ian Smith, who volleyed the ball across the face of goal to Ross, who steered the ball home from close range.

The Dees were threatening to run riot, as Williams saw his shot blocked by a Dunfermline defender before Gill made a fingertip save to push Ian Smith’s shot round the post. Vincent was next to have a go, but was also denied by Gill.

Dunfermline started the second half looking for a route back into the match and saw Callum Smith’s shot saved by Calum Ferrie after 52 minutes. The Pars number nine fired wide moments later.

With just over an hour gone, Ross, Vincent and Williams were replaced by Matty Smyth, Connor Coupe and Mark Smith. The hosts continued in search of a third goal, Klok’s corner fell to the feet of Kerr Waddell, but the defender’s shot was blocked.

Mark Smith was denied by Gill after 81 minutes, the striker turned Dryden’s cross towards goal, but a fine save from the keeper kept the ball out the net. Gill was called into action with 60 seconds remaining. Coupe’s volley was flicked by Waddell, and the keeper did well to readjust and push the ball over the bar.