On-song County put down a title marker

Ross County made clear their Championship-winning intentions with a 3-1 victory at East End Park over title rivals Dunfermline Athletic but co-manager Steven Ferguson is not getting carried away.

County’s summer recruit Josh Mullin drove in the opener from a tight angle on 24 minutes, but the Pars levelled four minutes later through Louis Longridge.

Michael Gardyne’s solo goal put the visitors in front again before half-time and Keith Watson ensured the points would head north by volleying in after a corner had been flicked on midway through the second half.

Ferguson, pictured, said: “Dunfermline are a good side who had started the season well so we needed a top performance. We have a springboard now but nothing else as it is still very early in the season.”

Morton sit closest to the Dingwall side after a double from Chris Millar earned a 2-0 win at Alloa and moved the Greenock men on to four points.

Millar took advantage of slackness from Liam Dick to slot the opener on 15 minutes with the former St Johnstone midfielder curling in from 25 yards to clinch the win nine minutes from time.

Also sitting on four points are Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ayr United after a goalless draw.

Ayr’s Daniel Harvie was dismissed when he picked up his second booking on 29 minutes after a tug on George Oakley’s jersey was seen in the box.

Liam Polworth was trusted with the spot-kick but he sent his effort against the post and that was the closest either side came to grabbing a goal.

The pressure on Dundee United manager Csaba Laszlo eased a little after a 2-1 win at Queen of the South .Sam Stanton guided a shot home on 15 minutes to put the Tannadice men in front and Pavol Safranko chipped in the second 12 minutes later. Stephen Dobbie volleyed home midway through the second half to give the Doonhamers hope but United managed to hold firm.

Partick Thistle won for the first time since returning to the Championship when they saw off Falkirk 2-1 at Firhill.

James Penrice edged the hosts in front on 24 minutes. Chris Erskine quickly added a second, and Falkirk, who did not respond until Rees Greenwood found the net in injury time now sit second bottom of the table with no points.