Mackay hails lone star Edwards as roar talent
Edwards (86)
KILMARNOCK 0
Malky Mackay applauded Ross County’s grit and character after grasping victory with 10 men through Owura Edwards’ late winner.
The Staggies gaffer reckons his new-look squad, with 10 summer signings, have already grasped what Scottish football is all about.
Kilmarnock felt County midfielder Ross Callachan should have walked with a straight red for a ferocious challenge on Ryan Alebiosu before the break.
Callachan did take a second yellow in a heated second half, but it didn’t stop Bristol City loanee Edwards popping up with his first Premiership goal.
Mackay said: “It was always going to be a tough encounter. It was a typical SPFL game, rough and tumble.
“When we go down to 10, our lads had that nerve to actually go and attack, rather than just sit camped in.
“I still thought we could hurt them, even with 10 men.
“Eventually we do, and we
get the rewards for that. I liked the character we showed. We made this a fortress up here last year and it is a difficult place for teams to come.
“I’m delighted that the new players have got how to play in this league and how relentless it is.
“It is then just about finding those little moments when you do get chances in games.
“We didn’t take our chance at St Mirren, but we do today.”
Edwards, on loan from Bristol City, looks a talent and Mackay said: “I was delighted he kept playing for the goal. I asked the fourth official and they were just about to blow for a penalty. There is a dynamism about Owura I love, a rawness to him.”
It was a huge three points for the team who had been valiant losers to Hearts and Celtic before last weekend’s 1-0 flop away to St Mirren.
The win took County up to ninth in the table, but left Derek McInnes’s winless side anchored to the bottom with a solitary point.
The first clear sight of goal came inside 10 minutes with Kazeem Olaigbe cutting in a low shot from the left of the box, easily dealt with by big Sam Walker in goal.
There were cries – a little hopeful – for a penalty after 24 minutes as Josh Sims went down under Lewis Mayo’s challenge just inside the Killie
penalty area. An ill-tempered finish to the first half saw Callachan perhaps lucky to escape with a yellow card for scything through Ryan Alebiosu as he broke on the counter-attack.
Killie started the half with the bit between their teeth and saw Alan Power dip a ferocious attempt just over the bar within two minutes of the re-start, while keeper Laidlaw also had to race out to clear at Oli Shaw’s feet.
Ross Laidlaw had to claw a Shaw header for a corner soon after, though, with Killie still looking far more menacing than they had before the break.
If Callachan was lucky to escape red earlier in the match, there was no quibbling with nine minutes left. His challenge on Joe Wright had the ref drawing his red card, with Mackay reacting by replacing Olaigbe, with more defensivelyminded Jordan Tillson.
Away sub Deji Sotona chopped a 12-yard attempt over the bar soon after.
The decisive moment came with four minutes remaining.
Keeper Laidlaw launched a free-kick forward and sub Jordan White leapt twice to head, the second flashing across the outside of the sixyard box.
There were appeals for handball against Ash Taylor, but Edwards calmly took a touch and slid the finish home.