Half-time team talk proves key as County move eight points clear
Ross County took a major step towards bouncing back into the Premiership at the first time of asking when they defeated Morton 2-0 on Saturday to establish an eight-point lead with a game in hand.
Co-manager Stuart Kettlewell was delighted that the County players added pace to their game after the Staggies had left their Dingwall pitch at half-time frustrated by a goalless 45 minutes.
A more energised team emerged and ten minutes into the second half they made their breakthrough when Josh Mullin netted from eight yards after a Michael Gardyne cross.
The points were sealed 12 minutes from time when Brian Graham nodded in a cross from substitute Don Cowie.
“The first half was disappointing as we did not go about our play with enough drive,” said Kettlewell. “We were not sharp enough and the players were asked at half-time to lift it. They did and we ended picking up what could bean important three points.”
Dundee United’s chances of catching County were hit by a late goal as Partick Thistle enjoyed a dramatic 2-1 win at Firhill.
Scott Mcdonald guided the Jags into the lead after just four minutes when he headed in a Joe Cardle cross but Nicky Clark curled home a free-kick equaliser 14 minutes from time.
The winner came in the final minute when Aidan Fitzpatrick took advantage of good build up play from Lewis Mansell to slide a shot pass Benjamin Siegrist
Dunfermline’s promotion push gathered further impetus as they secured a fifth consecutive success with a 1-0 win at the home of an Alloa side who return to the foot of the table.
On-loan Aberdeen striker Bruce Anderson turned in a Joe Thomson cross for the only goal eight minutes after the break.
Queen of the South look to be heading into a fight for survival in their centenary year after they racked up their seventh successive league defeat, losing 2-0 at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Aaron Doran opened the scoring on seven minutes when he pounced on a short back-pass and Brad Mckay headed in a Liam Polworth corner 13 minutes later.
The barren spell that Queens goal-grabber Stephen Dobbie is experiencing was extended by two stops from Mark Ridgers as the Doonhamers looked to hit back.