One game down 37 to go but already there are clear signs that Motherwell are in for another torrid season.
As if losing 3-0 at home on the opening day of the new campaign was not bad enough, Motherwell also missed a crucial penalty and saw local hero James McFadden booked for his by now customary loss of temper.
The penalty miss was far more damaging however as summer signing Alex Burns blasted high and wide after McFadden had been pulled back by Jonay Hernandez. The Well were already two goals down at that point and could not afford to waste such a golden opportunity.
McFadden had started the match on the bench due to lack of match fitness following injury while keeper Gordon Marshall and skipper Scott Leitch returned to a side already boosted by an unbeaten pre-season build up.
The visitors made a last minute change when striker Steven Milne pulled out with a knee problem but his replacement Nacho Novo forced Stephen Craigan into an important challenge after Georgi Nemsadze had carved open the home defence.
Leitch then tested Dundee keeper Julian Speroni with an angled left foot drive before the Dark Blues took the lead in bizarre fashion midway through the first half.
Marshall seemed certain to reach Steve Lovell's knock down ahead of Novo but he somehow let the ball slip from his grasp, allowing Gavin Rae to fire the rebound low into an empty net.
Motherwell needed a lift and thought they might be about to get it when McFadden came on for Steven Craig shortly before half time, but Dundee responded by scoring again.
This time Lee Mair flicked a corner from Garry Brady on, and defender Lee Wilkie volleyed home at the back post.
Burns' spot kick blunder virtually ended any prospect of a Motherwell come back and Barry Smith's 85th minute goal from Novo's pass confirmed Dundee's first win since April.
A UEFA cup qualifier awaits them in Albania on Thursday but they can hardly expect their hosts to be as accommodating as Motherwell were.