Millar’s late strike not enough for Loons

ROSS COUNTY U20 2 FORFAR ATHLETIC 1

County progressed to the second round of the Irn Bru Cup with a win over League 1 Forfar last night.

First-half goals from Billy Mckay, who lasted 67 minutes in his comeback match following a groin operation, and Ross MacIver were enough for the young Staggies in their first match of the new season, following their Development League title triumph last term.

Mark Millar pulled a goal back for the Loons late on but the hosts held on to go through.

Former Dundee United attacker Mckay made his first outing for the Staggies as one of manager Stuart Kettlewell’s two over-age players.

County went within inches of scoring on nine minutes when James Wallace struck the inside of the post from 20 yards.

The Staggies threatened again but Grivosti’s flick was off target.

Grivosti had goalkeeper Ross Munro to thank on 17 minutes when his slip allowed Ousman See to run at goal but the attacker’s heavy touch allowed Munro to make the save.

The Staggies made a spectacular breakthrough on 25 minutes when Mckay picked the ball up on the edge of the box before angling a chip past keeper Marc McCallum.

County doubled their advantage two minutes later when Greg Morrison’s cross was cleared only as far as midfielder MacIver who sent a fizzing shot in off McCallum’s post from 20 yards.

The keeper denied Mckay a second goal on the break on 40 minutes but it was Forfar that spurned a decent chance six minutes after the break when Millar scooped high over from 16 yards.

Morrison has a shot turned behind by McCallum but Gary Bollan’s side set up a nervy finish with a goal in 88 minutes.

Millar’s low free-kick found the bottom corner of the net, but Kettlewell’s side held on for a place in the second round draw.