Match report: Ross County 3-3 Saints

The hosts took the lead on 19 minutes when Ronan Hale slotted the ball beyond Ross Sinclair after the forward had latched onto a Josh Nisbet pass. The Staggies came close to extending their lead with 6 minutes of the first half remaining as Akil Wright saw his header cleared off the line by Jack Sanders.

However, Drey Wright levelled the match for Saints just before half time with a fine strike from just outside the box.

Saints took the lead on the hour mark as Nicky Clark curled a fine free kick around the wall and into the corner of the net. Clark then extended Saints lead on 84 minutes with a stunning free kick from 25 yards.

However, Alex Samuel pulled a goal back for County with a close range finish on 87 minutes. Then deep into stoppage time Wright headed home a Jack Grieves free kick to rescue a point for the hosts.

Saints are back in action next weekend as they welcome Celtic to McDiarmid Park, kick off 5:45pm.  

MATCH REPORT

Saints headed for the Highlands this afternoon as they took on Ross County at The Global Energy Stadium in a match which had been rescheduled from December. Andy Kirk took charge of Saints this afternoon following Craig Levein’s departure on Tuesday afternoon. There were two changes to the Saints starting eleven from the side which started the 2-0 defeat at Hibs last Saturday as Jack Sanders, who missed last week due to suspension, and Makenzie Kirk came in to replace Aaron Essel, who dropped to the bench, whilst Benji Kimpioka was suspended following his late sending off at Easter Road. Ross County defeated Dundee 2-0 in Dingwall last weekend and manager Don Cowie made one change as Ryan Leak came into the starting eleven replacing George Harmon who missed out completely.

Matt Smith got the match underway for Saints and the opening ten minutes of the match was an even affair as both sides looked to find their feet in the game.

Great play by Andre Raymond on 11 minutes saw the Trinidad and Tobago international win possession from James Brown and then went on a powerful run forward through the centre. It was an incredible run past three County players before he unleashed a shot which went wide of the target.

However, on 19 minutes the hosts took the lead. A Kyle Cameron pass was intercepted by Josh Nisbet and he played in Ronan Hale who slotted a low strike past Ross Sinclair and into the corner of the net.

PHOTO: Andre Raymond and Noah Chilvers

The Staggies were awarded a free kick on 38 minutes following a foul on Jordan White by Jack Sanders. Noah Chilvers took the free kick and his delivery into the box was headed across goal by Akil Wright as the ball looked to be heading for the back of the net however, Sanders made a brilliant clearance off the line. The loose ball then broke to Ryan Leak and he blasted over from the edge of the box. County created another chance a minute later as a strike from Chilvers deflected into the path of Hale who dragged his effort wide.

A good through ball from Cameron on 43 minutes played in Smith however, his strike was blocked by Kacper Lopata. The ball then broke to Drey Wright however, Leak produced a brilliant sliding block to turn the ball behind for a corner.

It was a strong finish to the half by Saints and a minute later they were level. Smith’s corner from the right broke to Wright on the edge of the box and he unleashed a low first time right-footed effort which nestled in the back of the net.

2 minutes of additional time was added on at the end of the first half and in the first minute of added on time County had a penalty claim following a clash between Sinclair and White just inside the box however, the appeals were dismissed following a VAR review.

PHOTO: Drey Wright scores to make it 1-1

On 51 minutes Staggies captain Connor Randall unleashed a shot at goal however, it didn’t trouble Sinclair who comfortably gathered the ball.

Then on 58 minutes Kirk chased a ball forward before being taking out by Lopata who was booked for the foul. Nicky Clark stepped up to take the free kick and he curled his effort around the wall and into the far corner of the net to put Saints ahead.

Saints then made a double change as Andy Kirk brought on David Keltjens and Graham Carey to replace Andre Raymond and Matt Smith.

PHOTO: Nicky Clark celebrates his first goal

With 16 minutes remaining County created a chance to level the match however, Chilvers couldn’t find the target with his effort.

Then a minute later County substitute Michee Efete won the hosts a free kick after he had been fouled by Kirk who was booked by referee Dan McFarlane. Before the Staggies could take the free kick Saints made another change as Josh McPake replaced Makenzie Kirk. Chilvers then took the free kick as his ball into the box was met by Leak however, his header was gathered by Sinclair.

Cammy MacPherson was introduced into the action on 82 minutes as the midfielder replaced Sven Sprangler.

Saints were awarded a free kick a minute later as Keltjens was brought down by Leak. Both Clark and Carey stood over the free kick however, it was taken by the former and the striker produced another stunning effort this time picking out the top corner of the net from 25 yards to put Saints 3-1 up.

PHOTO: Nicky Clark scores his second goal

It was looking like it was game over as the home fans started to leave the ground. However, on 87 minutes Ross County pulled a goal back. Staggies substitute Aidan Denholm sent over an inviting ball from the right, picking out fellow substitute Alex Samuel who headed the ball past Sinclair from close range at the back post.

9 minutes were added on at the end and in the third minute of stoppage time Denholm got a sight of goal however, the on-loan Hearts midfielder couldn’t test Sinclair with his strike. The hosts continued to push for the equaliser and their pressure eventually told on 97 minutes as they snatched a late equaliser. The Dingwall side were awarded a free kick after Denholm was fouled by MacPherson, who was booked for the challenge. Staggies substitute Jack Grieves took the free kick and the on-loan Watford forward sent over a curling cross which picked out Wright who planted a powerful header from 15 yards past Sinclair and into the far corner of the net to rescue a point for the hosts.  

PHOTO: David Keltjens and Elijah Campbell

Ross County: Laidlaw, Brown (Efete 61’), Leak, Wright, Randall (Denholm 71’), Hale, Chilvers (Samuel 82’), Campbell, Lopata (Greives 82’), Nisbet, White (Brophy 71’)

Unused Substitutes: Hamilton (GK), Loturi, Telfer, Smith  

Booked: Lopata, Leak

Scorers: Hale (19’), Samuel (87’), Wright (90+7’)

Saints: Sinclair, Raymond (Keltjens 66’), Cameron, Sanders, Neilson, Holt, Clark, Wright, Smith (Carey 67’), Sprangler (MacPherson 83’), Kirk (McPake 80’)

Unused Substitutes: Rae (GK), Essel, Kucheriavyi, Bright, Dair

Booked: Holt, Sprangler, Kirk

Scorers: Wright (44’), Clark (60’, 84’)

Referee: Dan McFarlane

VAR: Greg Aitken

Attendance: 3,063 (247 Saints fans)

Match Report by Daryl Scott

Picture: Nicky Clark celebrates his first goal with Jack Sanders