Dundee and Ross County missed their chance to fly up the Scottish Premiership table as they played out a stalemate at Dens Park.

James Brown thought he had given the visitors victory when he tapped home a Trevor Carson fumble but referee Colin Steven ruled an offside Jordan White to be interfering with play.

With a point each, Dundee remain 10th and County stay 11th – both four points clear of St Johnstone and three points off fourth place.

It’s been a long time since Dundee or Ross County last kicked a ball in anger – this was the first game in October for both sides.

The rust was plain to see in the first half. Too often, players panicked in dangerous areas and the only chance of note was a Brown header that Carson showed good reflexes to claw away.

Referee Steven was busier than either shot-stopper, dishing out six bookings for County and one for Dundee – and it was something of a surprise the match ended with 22 on the pitch as tackles flew in.

The big moment arrived late on when Brown bundled in from close range but White was offside and, after a long delay, the officials stuck with their initial decision.

As the game crept towards the end, the introduction of Diego Pineda signalled some intent from the hosts. He had a hat-trick of chances, none of which he could bury.

Player of the Match – Finlay Robertson (Dundee)

Plenty of bark, not so much bite – analysis

A night with 21 shots and no goals to show for it. Dundee dominated most of the stats – nine shots on target, more possession, more touches in the opposition box – but they couldn’t sufficiently test Ross Laidlaw.

Of course, it will encourage Tony Docherty that his side created so much – and how well his substitutes did – but these are the kind of nights they need to take maximum points from. That’s five draws from eight outings now.

Ross County, too, might feel aggrieved to return north with a mere point. However, the final ball was all too often chipped into the willing arms of Carson, instead of onto the head of White or Simon Murray.

Admittedly way too early for a six-pointer, but both sides lacked a clinical edge they will need to find before the season is done – or else rely on St Johnstone’s poor form to continue.

What they said

Dundee manager Tony Docherty: “It did look like two teams that have not been playing competitive football for a while. I was pleased with how we started – on the front foot, our centre backs were stepping out, we were getting into good areas.

“But after 10 or 15 minutes, it became a game that didn’t suit us. It became a bit stodgy and that favoured the opposition. So the overriding feeling is disappointment, but the important thing to focus on is the unbeaten home run, and we kept a clean sheet.”

Ross County boss Malky Mackay: “I felt we had clearer chances. I’m looking at the goal again and again – Colin [Steven] has told me it’s subjective. He thought Jordan’s [White] movement towards the ball interfered with the goalie. They’re so far away from the goalkeeper. I’m amazed it’s not been given. I thought it was a poor decision.

“I think we can be better. Dundee have been getting plaudits and rightly so. So for us to come down and get a point, sometimes we have to be happy with that.”

What’s next?

Dundee visit Livingston on Saturday, while Ross County face a trip to Motherwell (both 15:00 BST).