James McPake watched Charlie Adam score a big goal but reckons it will only be special if Dundee are playing in the Premiership next season.
The skipper scored his first Dens Park goal in front of fans and it was enough to give the Dark Blues a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock in the play-off.
Adam and Jordan McGhee got Dundee’s goals but a late Brandon Haunstrup strike gives Killie hope ahead of the Rugby Park return on Monday.
McPake said: "It was a bit weird. Although it was only 500 it did seem very loud. And what a moment for Charlie.
"The very first minute he gets a chance to score a goal in front of Dundee fans, I know he scored at Crystal Palace, he does it. But it will only be extra special if we finish the job on Monday night “
McPake praised his players but has insisted the job still has to be finished.
He added: “I am delighted for my players and staff for all the hard work that has been put into the tie.
"It paid off and I thought it was a solid performance and a dominant performance against a Premiership side.
“We have the advantage but there is loads of football still to play. We still have to go to Rugby Park but if we play like that again then we will give ourselves the best possible chance of being a Premiership club.”
He accepted the goal was a disappointment but reckons his team reacted well to it.
He claimed: “Every goal you concede is a disappointment but we didn’t let it affect us, which is huge because we have been there before.
“They are a good side and they will create more chances on Monday and defensively we will need to be just as good.
“It is a goal where two boys block it and he has put it through Adam’s legs but we have won the tie and have the advantage.
“We enjoy playing on artificial surfaces and as long as it is not a loss on Monday night then we will be a Premiership club. I am proud of the players.”
