Struggling Aberdeen are now 11 Scottish Premiership games without victory after losing their first match since Neil Warnock’s surprise departure as Dundee moved back into the top six.

Luke McCowan’s penalty was the only goal on the night and took Tony Docherty’s side into sixth above Hibernian, who conceded a last-gasp equaliser at Ross County.

The spot-kick was awarded for handball against Jack MacKenzie following a VAR review after Scott Tiffoney, Lyall Cameron and Owen Dodgson had all threatened an opener as Dundee tried to force the issue.

Aberdeen were too often overrun in midfield and passive in attack, particularly in the opening period.

They remain 10th, a point below St Johnstone and now three above second-bottom County with four rounds of fixtures until the split.

Aberdeen had started tentatively in their previous game under Leven against Celtic in early February and so it proved again as Dundee’s Tiffoney tested goalkeeper Kelle Roos early on.

Roos made a brave block to deny Cameron and had to look sharp again to tip over Dodgson’s strike from distance. Aberdeen then had to get bodies in the way to block efforts by McCowan and Tiffoney.

And, as half-time neared, Cameron came close with Dundee’s best opportunity yet, latching on to a loose ball and flashing a shot wide.

The visitors improved after the break without seriously troubling keeper Jon McCracken.

McCowan’s delivery into the box put Aberdeen under pressure and Tiffoney eventually fired against the post but VAR advised a second look for referee Steven McLean.

The ball did appear to catch MacKenzie’s arm on the way down after he, Angus MacDonald and Dundee’s Antonio Portales tried to meet Joe Shaughnessy’s headed pass from the right. McCowan took responsibility and sent Roos the wrong way.

Cameron almost put the game beyond Aberdeen when he swept a shot wide of the left-hand post and both he and Main tested Roos with the Dons continually stretched.

Aberdeen could not carve a big moment to change the result as they sustained a ninth league loss on the road this season.

Player of the match – Luke McCowan

Aberdeen plight deepens as Dundee claim deserved win – analysis

Warnock’s whirlwind spell in charge of Aberdeen lasted eight games, including two cup wins and none in the league. The overall stats do not make good reading for the Dons with 0.93 points per league game after 29 fixtures.

Leadership is needed both on and off the pitch with a relegation fight an increasing prospect following County’s draw at home to Hibs. Aberdeen also have a Scottish Cup semi-final with holders Celtic on the horizon.

Bojan Miovski was too isolated in attack but still managed to create openings and win set pieces for his side. Servicing and supporting the prolific striker will be crucial if Leven or his successor are to make something of the season.

Dundee showed far more hunger on the night and got the full reward of three points. They maintained their intent after Aberdeen started to show ambition and in the wake of the goal. A home win always looked the most likely result.

What the managers said

Dundee manager Tony Docherty: “Absolutely delighted. I’m really proud of the players, I thought the level of performance was outstanding. We created so many opportunities.

“At half-time, I just said to the boys to continue that play and the law of averages is we’ll get that opportunity to go and score. There was a real mentality about them to make sure we saw the game out and got all three points. That pleases me most.”

Aberdeen interim manager Peter Leven: “Not good enough. Started poor. Our passing was poor, decision-making was really poor. We never picked up second balls. Second half, started bright, created a few chances and obviously the VAR decision went against us and it just killed us.

“We look nervous, we look panicky on the ball. We’ve won games in Europe and the cups and then inconsistent form in the league has killed us this season. We’re in trouble. We’ve got a massive game on Saturday but the games are running out.”

What’s next?

Aberdeen are away to Motherwell on Saturday (15:00 GMT) with Dundee’s weekend Premiership fixture at home to Rangers on Sunday (12:00).