Inverness knocked off top spot after Fox heroics in Highland derby draw
The eagerly-anticipated Highland derby between Ross County and visitors inverness Caledonian Thistle finished goalless with both sides slipping down the table as a result, writes Craig Stewart.
Caley, who lost possession of top spot, had the better openings but Dingwall goalkeeper Scott Fox ensured his side secured a point. Fox kept out a drive from Aaron Doran early on before making a terrific double stop from Doran again and the follow-up from Jordan White.
Liam Polworth had a freekick tipped over before the break, with County coming out for the second 45 minutes determined to do better.
Former Inverness favourite Billy Mckay fired a shot at Mark Ridgers, with Michael Gardyne firing their best opening over.
County now sit fourth and co-manager Steven Ferguson said: “We were desperate to win but we are disappointed at how we played, especially in the first half. We finished strongly and could have nicked a goal but, overall, we have to thank Scott for our clean sheet.”
Caley manager John Robertson said: “We were the better side for most of the game but could not get a goal.
“The fact that their goalkeeper was man of the match sums it up.”
Ayr United have returned to the summit after their 2-0 win over Alloa at the Indodrill Stadium, with Lawrence Shankland again showing his worth to the Honest Men by grabbing both goals.
The former Queen’s Park and Aberdeen striker sent a thumping volley past Neil Parry midway through the first half and Shankland scored Ayr’s 6,000th league goal when he darted into the Alloa box and drilled in 20 minutes into the second half.
Falkirk remain at the foot of the table and pointless after going down 2-0 to visitors
Dundee United.
The game had seen little in the way of clear-cut chances until just before the hour when Pavol Safranko rose to head home a Fraser Aird cross. United’s win was secured four minutes from time when Craig
Curran nodded in a Yannick Loemba cross.
Partick Thistle came from behind twice to defeat Queen of the South 3-2 at Firhill, with all of the goals coming in the first half. Stephen Dobbie shot the Doonhamers in front after four minutes but the Jags drew level when Kris Doolan turned in a Blair Spittal cross on 32 minutes.
Queens hit back instantly, with Josh Todd finding the net after being teed-up by Gary Harkins, but Spittal fired in from close range and then from 25 yards out to seal the win. In the second half, Doolan struck the woodwork and Lyndon Dykes was denied an equaliser when Cammy Bell made a great save from his header.
Morton and Dunfermline shared the spoils at Cappielow. Andy Ryan fired the Pars, who have not won in six league outings, in front on 67 minutes and Scott Tiffoney equalised when his shot slipped through Lee Robinson’s fingers.