Dundee had Jesse Curran to thank for salvaging them a replay in a hard-fought 1-1 William Hill Scottish Cup fourth-round draw with Championship Queen of the South at Dens Park.

Jim McIntyre's struggling Premiership outfit could not get 2019 off to a winning start as Gary Naysmith's visitors more than held their own on Tayside.

Stephen Dobbie gave the Doonhamers a 28th-minute lead which looked like seeing them go into the interval with their noses in front.

But Australian ace Curran had other ideas as he struck with perfect timing to save the hosts.

It means both sides will have to do it all over again in a replay at Palmerston Park in Dumfries, with Queens surely fancying their chances having given such a good account of themselves against top-flight opposition.

Dundee handed debuts to new keeper Seny Dieng as well as Craig Curran who joined from city rivals Dundee United earlier in the transfer window.

But it was the visitors who went ahead just prior to the half-hour mark after enjoying the majority of possession up until then.

Josh Todd went racing down the left and his low cross was perfect for Dobbie who finished past Dieng for his 33rd goal this season.

Dobbie then set up team-mate Lyndon Dykes but only some good defending from the hosts prevented another goal for the visitors.

However, Dundee levelled in style on 45 minutes. Curran picked up possession and unleashed a shot from 20 yards which left Queens keeper Alan Martin helpless.

Dobbie had a chance to put Queens back in front in 57 minutes but his effort lacked the power to trouble Dieng.

Then Dobbie released Todd whose shot was saved by Dieng before his rebound attempt was deflected over by Dundee defender Cammy Kerr.

Neither side could get the winner in the final stages despite their best efforts, so a replay will decide who progresses to the fifth round.