irn-bru cup

ross county 3

montrose 1

Stuart Kettlewell insists Ross County would relish a big trip outside Scotland in pursuit of Irn-Bru Cup glory. The Dingwall club cemented their favourites’ status by brushing off League One side Montrose in dominant fashion. Davis Keillor-Dunn’s double after a first club goal from ex-St Mirren striker Ross Stewart was enough to seal passage. Kettlewell said: “A few of the bigger teams out there have fallen by the wayside, but we have made no secret we want to win this competition. “We’ll see what the draw brings on Tuesday. I’ve got a soft spot for my old club Queen’s Park and wouldn’t mind going there. “If it’s one of the clubs in Wales or Ireland, that’s fine. I like the idea of the cup and travelling to a different ground to play a different team. “It’s a good incentive and we definitely want to do the best I can. We’re not taking it lightly.” County made five changes with Ross Draper – sent off in the victory away top Partick Thistle – free to play ahead of his league ban. Montrose made four changes, with experienced goalkeeper Allan Fleming favoured over young Jordan Millar. After 20 minutes, Fleming was powerless to prevent County going ahead. Former St Mirren striker Ross Stewart was sharp onto a clever through pass from Don Cowie before slotting home calmly. The Staggies doubled the lead after 41 minutes when Davis Keillor-Dunn had an initial strike blocked after cutting in from the left, before stabbing the rebound. But County were caught napping a minute before the break as Martin Rennie flicked on a Jamie Redman ball forward and home skipper Liam Fontaine misjudged the bounce. Craig Johnston ran on to knock a finish past Scott Fox. It took County six second-half minutes to make amends with Keillor-Dunn cutting a Lindsay pass into the corner of the net from 10 yards. Montrose manager Stewart Petrie said: “I’m proud of the lads. That’s the best team we’ve played and credit to our guys in keeping shape and discipline.” Other Irn-Bru Cup ties are on Page 13