Dundee started to up the tempo themselves, and with 25 minutes played they took the lead. It was defender Robert Mann who was the quickest to react after Iain Anderson's 40-yard free-kick had ricocheted off a couple of players.
Dundee striker Simon Lynch continued his goal a game for Dundee when he fired the ball high into the net after a goalmouth scramble to double Dundee's lead after 35 minutes.
Three minutes later the visitors reduced the deficit when Dundee keeper Kelvin Jack failed to hold David McNiven's low drive and the ball fell nicely for Derek Lyle, who scored from two yards.
Dundee regained their two-goal advantage after 62 minutes when Ian Anderson headed Tom McManus's corner into the far corner of the net.
Three minutes later the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Lyle was shown a straight red card for violent conduct.
A short on the turn by Simon Lynch was easily saved by Richard Barnard inside the final few minutes.