betfred cup group d

Montrose 0 Ross county 1 Graham (pen 86)

ROSS COUNTY began their defence of the League Cup with a victory at Montrose but they were pushed all the way by a gallant League 2 side.

The hosts almost shocked their Premiership opponents by taking the lead in five minutes. Andrew Steeves released Gary Fraser and the striker shot wide with Scott Fox to beat.

The visiting team had their first chance in 13 minutes when Jonathan Franks volleyed wide at the back post.

Three minutes later, Michael Gardyne crossed from the left and Martin Woods volleyed inches wide of the goal.

In 18 minutes, Alex Schalk got a sight of the home goal but the man who scored the winner in the final last season was denied by Jordan Millar.

Montrose continued to give as good as they got and a Chris Templeman shot was deflected wide.

Then, two minutes from the break, a Chris Hegarty free-kick dipped just over the County crossbar.

Montrose began the second half on the front foot and almost scored in the opening minute.

Templeman had a header saved at full stretch by Fox and the keeper got up to block a follow-up from Fraser.

County broke to the other end and Gardyne hit the post from 25 yards.

In 50 minutes a mistake by Masson gave Schalk a chance and his lob just cleared the bar.

Three minutes later, a free-kick from Paul Watson was saved by Fox.

There was controversy on the hour when a header from Chris Robertson found the Montrose net, but offside was given against Liam Boyce and the goal was ruled out.

County could see their hopes of three points slipping away and in 81 minutes a header from Craig Curran forced a brilliant save from Millar.

The cup holders finally scored in 85 minutes.

Gardyne was tripped in the box by Greg Pacazio and substitute Brian Graham scored from the spot.