Ferguson hails Staggies for bouncing back

Steven Ferguson praised County for bouncing back to form wi th a ruthless response to Ayr’s Friday super show.

Goa l s f rom De c l a n McManus and Jamie Lindsay completed a routine victory to restore the Dingwall club’s three-point lead at the top.

Ending Alloa’s six- game unbeaten run, County were never in great danger – having scrambled two previous league victories against the Wasps with late winners.

Ferguson knew it was a vital r e tu r n to f o rm af t er back-to-back league defeats.

The County co- manager said: “It was important we answered the question Ayr put to us on Friday night after their great win over Dundee United.

“Everybody in this league has a di f ferent type of pressure. Alloa are trying to stay in the league. We understand the pressure that comes with being top.

“Ayr had a great result. I watched the game and they thoroughly deserved it. It was over to us and we accepted that challenge.

“We were expecting a tough game and Alloa had a right go.”

Despite recent league setbacks, a Scottish Cup win at Motherwell and four January signings had the Dingwal l side in buoyant mood against the part-timers.

And County were ahead in just 12 minutes. Andy Graham

Ross County ........2 Alloa ..................... 0

Alasdair Fraser

crashed into a challenge with County’s Brian Graham, the bal l spinning loose to McManus to lash home from the right edge of the box.

Alloa tried to hit back quickly and Iain Flannigan’s strike was deflected wide after the grounded Keith Watson failed to clear properly.

But the home team held the upper hand and Billy Mckay’s 15-yarder rattled the outside of the post while McManus and Lewis Spence also came close before the break.

The ki l ler second goal arrived in 62 minutes, Lindsay f i nd i n g himsel f in front of goal after a sm a r t exchange of passes with Graham. The midfielder’s initial shot was blocked by keeper Neil Parry but he nodded in the rebound.

Alloa rallied late on with sub Jack Aitchison forcing a low save from Scott Fox while Alan Trouten flicked wide.

Wasps boss Jim Goodwin said: “We played quite well. Goals change games, it’s as simple as that. But the players deserve credit for the run they’ve been on.”