A SORE POINT
County striker Stewart frustrated by draw but glad to avoid serious injury after horror tackle
Football can often be described as a game of fine margins. the difference between agony and ecstasy will regularly be determined by quality — or, in some cases, sheer damn luck.
this encounter in Paisley had it all: an incredible goal-line clearance, efforts hitting the woodwork and an extra dose of fluke.
but for Ross Stewart, the narrowest of escapes from serious injury meant he was a relieved man by the time the action came to an end.
With his team a goal behind thanks to Jon obika’s 14th-minute effort, chasing every loose ball was important for the Ross County striker. Unfortunately, Joe Shaughnessy’s desire to help his side improve on their 1-0 lead was equally as strong — too strong, as it turned out.
Stewart was sent tumbling to the ground by a hefty challenge from the Irishman midway through the second half. County’s staff rose as one in anger, disgusted by the nature of the tackle.
Referee Mike Roncone — taking charge of his first match in the Premiership — waved play on before the game was stopped.
Following a word from fourth official Willie Collum, Roncone flashed a red card in Shaughnessy’s direction. Cue outrage from St Mirren. television footage later showed the former St Johnstone captain did touch the ball but his studs then hit Stewart’s right calf, and dangerously below his knee, meant that it was the correct decision.
County equalised soon after thanks to a fortunate own goal but minds were still distracted by what could have been for the striker.
‘He has caught me just above the knee and when you are catching players that high up — and my leg was planted — then on another day it could have been (a broken leg),’ said Stewart.
‘So I count myself a bit fortunate. thankfully, I’m fine and finished the rest of the game. I’ll just move on. It’s sore, starting to
stiffen up. but I got through the game and I’ll go in and get it assessed by the physio on Monday and hopefully it’s okay.
‘It was a loose ball in the middle of the park and I’ve tried to nick it. a few boys are saying he’s won the ball but, if he has, I think he’s followed through because he’s certainly caught me.’
asked why the referee did not initially give a foul, Stewart replied: ‘at the time, I was just receiving treatment and I never knew until I got up that the boy had been sent off. I was in the dark with that.
‘the ref made a decision to play on but I have seen the incident back and the boy can’t have too many complaints.’
trailing to obika’s early opener, Stewart — who has netted two goals, both from the penalty spot, in the opening weeks of the season — saw a header clip the top of the bar. after surviving some more Saints opportunities, Stewart was then denied a headed goal just after half-time when buddies left-back Richard tait produced an outrageous acrobatic clearance off the line.
amazed at the ability of the former Motherwell man, Stewart admitted: ‘I was scratching my head as to how he managed to do that. It’s one of the best clearances I have ever seen.
‘Credit to him, he has done extremely well to get back and clear it.’
Stuart Kettlewell’s men did claim their equaliser in comical fashion with 20 minutes remaining when Michael Gardyne’s shot took two deflections, the latter hitting the unfortunate Nathan Sheron and the ball found the net.
County have eight points from five games and sit third in the table. this has been a club-record start in the Premiership for the side who conceded more goals than any other team last season.
Despite failing to make the most of their man advantage against St Mirren, Stewart believes County can stay positive.
‘the feeling after the game was certainly that it was a bit of a missed opportunity,’ added the 23-year-old. ‘but away from home in this league, every point is a decent result.’
ST MIRREN (4-4-2): Alnwick 6; Fraser 6, McCarthy 6, Shaughnessy 5, Tait 8; McAllister 7 (MacPherson 65), Foley 6, Sheron 6, McGrath 6; Obika 6 (Dennis 85), Morias 6. Subs not used: Urminsky, Baird, Erhahon, Lyness, Henderson, Jamieson, Jack. Booked: None. Sent off: Shaughnessy.
ROSS COUNTY (4-2-3-1): Laidlaw 6; Randall 6 (Mullin 82), Donaldson 6 (Watson 24), Iacovitti 6, Reid 5 (Tremarco 46); Draper 6, Vigurs 6 (Kelly 71); Gardyne 7, Paton 6 (Charles-Cook 46), Stewart 7; Mckay 6. Subs not used: Doohan, Shaw, Spittal, Tillson. Booked: Reid, Vigurs. Man of the match: Richard Tait. Referee: Mike Roncone.