Staggies claim a textbook victory
THEY travelled south expecting an opening day test.
Instead, Ross County claimed a textbook win over disjointed Dundee.
Goals either side of half-time from Jamie Lindsay and Christopher Routis secured a deserved three points for the Staggies, despite a late Dark Blues surge.
It was County’s first season opening victory in seven years.
For delighted Dingwall boss Jim McIntyre, its significance was clear.
“I was really pleased with how we played, especially in the first half,” he said.
“We probably should have got more for our efforts.
“But we passed the ball well and handled most things that Dundee threw at us.
“Somebody told me we haven’t won on the opening day in several years, so I’m delighted.
“It’s a really tough place to come so it’s a great start for us and we look forward to Wednesday now.”
County may have won the day, but Dundee almost got their campaign off to a flyer with two minutes on the clock.
First Scott Allan saw a shot blocked by Andrew Davies, before Scott Fox got down well to save Mark O’Hara’s wellplaced effort.
In the aftermath, County seized control.
In contrast to much-changed Dundee, Jim McIntyre’s side have remained a largely familiar proposition through the summer. It told in their performance. As the Dark Blues struggled for fluidity, County’s players looked comfortable with each other and with their task.
The always lively Michael Gardyne carved out a glorious chance after half an hour, pouncing on the home side’s ponderous defending to hit the by-line and square across the face of the gaping goal.
Unfortunately for the Dundee-born wide man, neither Alex Schalk nor Jason Naismith could capitalise from close range.
Schalk fluffed another golden opportunity five minutes later, shooting straight at Scott Bain from 12 yards after Naismith’s cut back.
County were not to be denied,
however, and took a deserved lead seconds later when Celtic loanee Jamie Lindsay volleyed home from 20 yards.
The Staggies kept their momentum into the second half and extended their lead when the criminally unmarked Christopher Routis rose to head Kelly’s corner kick past the helpless Scott Bain.
Dundee’s problems last season under Paul Hartley stemmed from a lack of presence, chiefly in defence and midfield.
Against County, it was a similar story.
The Dark Blues looked like a team of tidy technicians, but they could not find a way to wrestle control from the Staggies.
Jack Hendry gave the home side hope by heading home Scott Allan’s 86th minute corner, but it was too little too late.
With just minutes remaining, McIntyre’s men stayed compact and managed the game to its conclusion.
Neil McCann said: “I’m really disappointed,” he said. “I thought we let Ross County dominate us and we’ve lost two goals from set pieces.”