Hughes hails sheer County courage in battle for survival
DUNDEE UNITED 0
ROSS COUNTY 2 White (24), Lacovitti (28)
Jubilant John Hughes hailed his “courageous” Ross County troops – then told them that being fearless can keep them in the Premiership.
Hughes’ relegation-threatened side stunned Scottish Cup semifinalists Dundee United with a stylish 2-0 win at Tannadice to give their hopes of staying up a massive boost.
Two first-half goals within the space of four minutes from Jordan White and Alex Lacovitti put the Dingwall men on easy street as they leapfrogged Kilmarnock and remained three points above bottom-dogs Hamilton.
With games left at home to Hamilton and away to Motherwell, County have their survival quest in their own hands and their manager poured praise on them for this Tayside triumph.
Hughes, whose men host Accies on May 12, said: “We thoroughly deserved the victory. They did everything asked of them.
“We were solid and I don’t think Dundee United had a shot on target.
“I’m delighted for the players. Considering what’s at stake, to give that kind of performance speaks volumes.
“There’s been times when you’ve seen trepidation in our play. But here there was no fear.
“The word I’m using is courage. You have to stand up and be courageous.
“I hope we’ve timed it right because it’s going to go right down to the wire.
“It’s in our own hands. I’m not interested in what is happening elsewhere.”
United were still buoyed by their impressive 3-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie in last Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final tie.
Manager Micky Mellon resisted the temptation to rest some of his key players ahead of their upcoming semi-final clash with Hibs at Hampden next Saturday.
Things began slowly and it took until the 15th minute for either side to come remotely close.
Former United midfielder Blair Spittal whipped over a cross-cumshot that looked liked sneaking in at the far post, only for Deniz Mehmet to turn his effort away.
A couple of minutes later, Michael Gardyne caught a glimpse of goal after neat build-up play buy his shot from outside the penalty area failed to trouble Mehmet.
The Staggies were enjoying a decent spell of pressure. Stephen Kelly, the on-loan Rangers youngster, was next to try his luck as he jinked his way into the box but lashed his shot into the side-netting.
However, it was no surprise when the visitors took the lead midway through the first-half.
Again, Spittal was involved as he found space out wide to deliver an inch-perfect left-foot cross on to the head of White. The big striker powered an unstoppable header back across helpless Mehmet and into the far corner of the net.
Then, four minutes later, the Highlanders doubled their lead.
Spitall’s corner was flicked on by Jason Naismith. Lacovitti executed a crisp side-foot finish which Mehmet couldn’t prevent from crossing the line.
Mellon then rang the changes with a triple substitution, bringing on Peter Pawlett, Logan Chalmers and Louis Appere in a bid to spark a revival.
And Chalmers almost made an instant impact, sending a curling shot just which scraped Ross Laidlaw’s far post.
At the other end, County came close to killing the contest.
Kelly’s shot was turned onto the post by Mehmet and then substitute Regan Charles-Cook headed against the woodwork from point-blank range, but the visitors had no regrets.