IRN-BRU CUP
ROSS COUNTY 3
Stewart (20), Keillor-dunn (41, 51)
MONTROSE 1
Johnston (44) Stuart Kettlewell insists Ross County would relish a big trip outside Scotland in pursuit of Irn-bru Cup glory.
The Dingwall club cemented their favourites’ status by brushing off League One side Montrose in dominant fashion.
Davis Keillor-dunn’s double after a first club goal from ex-st Mirren striker Ross Stewart was enough to seal passage.
Kettlewell said: “A few of the bigger teams out there have fallen by the wayside, but we have made no secret we want to win this competition.
“We’ll see what the draw brings on Tuesday. I’ve got a soft spot for my old club Queen’s Park and wouldn’t mind going there.
“If it’s one of the clubs in Wales or Ireland, that’s fine. I like the idea of the cup and travelling to a different ground to play a different team.
“It’s a good incentive and we definitely want to do the best I can. We’re not taking it lightly.”
County made five changes with Ross Draper – sent off in the victory away top Partick Thistle – free to play ahead of his league ban.
Montrose made four changes, with experienced goalkeeper Allan Fleming favoured over young Jordan Millar.
After 20 minutes, Fleming was powerless to prevent County going ahead.
Former St Mirren striker Ross Stewart was sharp onto a clever through pass from Don Cowie before slotting home calmly.
The Staggies doubled the lead after 41 minutes when Davis Keillor-dunn had an initial strike blocked after cutting in from the left, before stabbing the rebound.
But County were caught napping a minute before the break as Martin Rennie flicked on a Jamie Redman ball forward and home skipper Liam Fontaine misjudged the bounce.
Craig Johnston ran on to knock a finish past Scott Fox.
It took County six second-half minutes to make amends with Keillor-dunn cutting a Lindsay pass into the corner of the net from 10 yards.
Montrose manager Stewart Petrie said: “I’m proud of the lads. That’s the best team we’ve played and credit to our guys in keeping shape and discipline.”
MOTHERWELL U/21 became the first-ever youth side to make it through to the quarterfinals of the Irn Bru Challenge Cup thanks to a convincing 2-0 victory over Sligo Rovers. Ever the teacher, home manager Stephen Craigan insisted the lesson was more important than the end result. He said: “The history side of it was nice, but, more importantly for me, it was seeing the performance. They could cope with the occasion of coming to Fir Park. You want to see how they react.” The home side took the lead through some bustling play along the touchline by Jake Hastie. The winger looked to have attempted a low cross, but the ball ricocheted off keeper Ed Mcginty and into the back of the net. Sligo edged their way back into the game and came close on the half-hour mark through Scottish skipper Rhys Mccabe, who just missed the top corner from 25 yards out. The Well should have extended their lead on the hour mark, but Broque Watson shot straight at Mcginty from 10 yards out. When Motherwell’s second goal materialised, it was majestic as centre-half Christian Mbulu jinked past a defender before curling an unstoppable shot into the top corner with the outside of his boot.
QUEEN’S PARK twice came from behind against ST MIRREN COLTS to reach the last eight. The hosts got off to a flier with a goal inside two minutes. Queen’s Park did not manage to clear a Jordan Kirkpatrick free-kick and the ball broke to Sam Jamieson, who netted from close range. Scott Mclean had a chance to equalise shortly afterwards, but directed his shot straight at goalkeeper David Wilson. Jamieson was just inches away from grabbing his second after he failed to get on the end of a Jay Henderson cross. Lewis Hawke equalised with a shot on the turn after 61 minutes, but, two minutes later, Cameron Breadner beat Jordan Hart with a 20-yard shot to put Saints back in front. Queen’s were not disheartened and Scott Mclean levelled within five minutes, slotting home Kieran Moore’s pass. Euan East put the Hampden men in front for the first time with an 80th-minute strike and, two minutes later, Mclean struck the fourth from the penalty spot.
A penalty from SUTTON UNITED’S Aswad Thomas that struck the bar sent BOHEMIANS through to the last eight of the IrnBru Cup with their 4-3 shoot-out success following a goalless draw. The hosts were denied a goal on five minutes when Kevin Devaney was thwarted by Ross Worner, with Daniel Kelly going close shortly afterwards. After the break, Eoghan Stokes blazed a good chance over for the hosts. Then Jonah Ayunga was denied by home goalkeeper Shane Supple and Charlie Clough went close for the visitors with a header that just drifted wide.