County given incentive after Ayr-inverness blown off course
It was a case of “lights, camera” but no “action” for Championship leaders Ayr United last night after their home match with Inverness was called off less than an hour before kick-off.
The game was due to be broadcast live by BT Sport but armchair viewers, as well as supporters on their way to the game, both locally and from the Highlands, were left disappointed when referee Craig Thomson opted to postpone the fixture due to the stormy conditions.
Thomson had inspected the Somerset Park pitch shortly after arriving in the evening and found it playable, but he wanted to carry out a second inspection closer to kick-off due to the high winds circling the ground.
The decision to postpone the contest was made just after 7pm. “Tonight’s game has been called off due to the weather,” said a statement on Ayr’s website. “The referee felt the game was unplayable due to the wind.”
Instead of facing John Robertson’s men, the Ayr players were put through a training session. Manager Ian Mccall said: “It is obviously disappointing not to play as everyone has been wanting this game to start since our 5-0 win at Dundee United finished last Friday.”
The call-off gives Ross County the chance to move back to the top of the Championship – and a win over visitors Queen of the South today will take them there.
Co-manager Stuart Kettlewell reckons that the Dingwall men will prevail if they show the same spirit that secured a late 1-0 win at Alloa last weekend.
Kettlewell said: “We played well against a well-organised and highly determined side. It looked like we would drop points but we kept on going and scored in injury time. Results like that show there is a belief in your camp and can act as a catalyst for you.
“We know it is important to win again especially as there is an added incentive now.”
Doonhamers boss Gary Naysmith reckons that County deserve credit for handling the expectations put on them at the start of the season.
Naysmith explained: “Ross County are where they should be and that is a compliment as there can be a difference between where you should be and where you actually end up being. They may have the biggest budget on paper, but the Championship is all about winning games on the pitch and they are doing that.”
Queens miss injured 29-goal striker Stephen Dobbie, however Naysmith is determined to show that they can cope. “Any team would miss Stephen and whilst there is not a like-forlike replacement available, we have options to consider,” explained the manager.
After back-to-back away matches bottom-of-thetable Partick Thistle return to Firhill this afternoon, with Dunfermline the visitors. “It’s brilliant to be back at home. Players always want to play in familiar surroundings and in front of their own fans,” said manager Gary Caldwell.
Robbie Neilson’s Dundee United, still reeling from last week’s surprise 5-0 defeat by Ayr, travel to Cappielow to face Morton.