Late Leeuw goal seals Staggies all three points
In today’s Flashback we look back on a trip to Dingwall back in February, 2014 ahead of St Mirren’s trip to the Global Energy Stadium to face the Staggies tomorrow night.
A late goal from Melvin De Leeuw in Dingwall consigned Saints to 11th place in the SPFL Premiership table and increased the prospect of a relegation play-off for Danny Lennon’s side.
Yoann Arquin put the Staggies into the lead seven minutes before the break, but John McGinn equalised in the second 45.
Saints skipper Jim Goodwin, no stranger to controversy, was involved in a second half clash of heads with De Leeuw, prompting a furious reaction from County manager Derek Adams.
That led to a touchline flashpoint between Adams and Lennon – with both men sent down the tunnel.
County had the last laugh when substitute De Leeuw scored what proved to be the winner seven minutes from time.
Early on County carved out a chance after Gregg Wydle was penalised for a foul on Richard Brittain.
The resultant free-kick found Arquin in a good position, but Saints keeper Marian Kello dealt with his right-foot shot.
At the other end, winger Wylde saw a left-foot effort easily dealt with by Mark Brown in the County goal.
In the 13th minute Saints midfielder Kenny McLean carved out a great effort when he cut in from the wide area and unleashed a shot , keeper Brown getting a touch to send the shot behind.
Towards the midway point Yann Songo’o headed an effort wide of target, before Kello was on hand to deny Jordan Slew’s right-footed effort inside the box, the Slovakian ace getting just a touch to it.
County took the lead in the 38th minute when Eric Djemba-Djemba took a tumble and expected a freekick for his troubles.
County stole possession and moved upfield where former Morton star Michael Tidser sent in a delivery that found Arquin, who sent a looping header over Kello to make it 1-0.
Boss Lennon rang the changes at the start of the second 45, with McGowan replacing DjembaDjemba as Saints sought to level matters.
But before McGowan could make an impact it took a brilliant double save from Kello to deny Slew, then Arguin, in quick succession.
It was left, however, for another midfielder, this time McGinn, to ride to St Mirren’s rescue in the 66th minute.
The teenager cut along the penalty box after Wylde’s’ corner on the left was only partially cleared.
He switched the ball from his left to his right before producing a great curling finish into the top right-hand corner.
Goodwin and De Leeuw then sparked controversy as they jostled for possession – resulting in a clash of heads when they both went for a header.
That sent Adams over the edge and his conduct towards the Saints dugout was deemed unacceptable, prompting his exit to the stand.
Lennon too was sent packing for his part in the incident.
County regained the lead when Arguin got beyond a clearly dazed Goodwin down the left-hand side.
Arguin found the time and space to cut it back, and De Leeuw was there to slot high into the net from 12 yards.
Moments later Goodwin, with swelling visible on his head, had to leave the field and on in his place came McAusland.
County played out the remaining time reasonably comfortably to leapfrog Saints in the table – and pile on the pressure for Saints’ beleaguered boss Lennon.