Dundee must today put a lie to one sorry statistic or be damned in the process. Alex Rae's side have been unable to win in five matches against Scottish Cup finalists Queen of the South and know that only victory this afternoon will keep their slim title hopes alive.
Of course, their efforts will all be in vain should Hamilton beat Clyde but Dundee still cling on to the belief that they could yet be involved in a winner-takes-all showdown next weekend.
Paul Dixon, the Dundee defender, knows from previous experience the trip south with be an arduous one but believes Dundee can grab that elusive win over Gordon Chisholm's side. "I think I was still in nappies the last time we won at Palmerston," he joked. "The last time was actually the last game of my first season in the first team when Bobby Mann and Barry Smith were taking the side after Alan Kernaghan left and we won 3-1.
"It's a really tough place to go and they'll be full of confidence after reaching the Scottish Cup final then beating Partick in midweek. But its clear-cut for us - we must win.
"Clyde are a stuffy team who give 100% every game so fingers crossed something gives at Hamilton. The New Douglas Park pitch definitely gives Accies an advantage, though. They've only let in three goals at home and two were in one game so that tells you everything about how difficult it's going to be for Clyde. But we're not thinking about that."
Dixon's contract expires in the summer and he has been linked with moves away from Dens Park. The youngster has put all talks of his future on to the backburner until the promotion race is decided.
"I'm keeping my options open to the end of the season. I want to see what happens with Dundee then go away on holiday and think things through before making a decision."
