Match Report | Motherwell 1-2 Ross County

Ross County guaranteed safety from relegation to the Scottish Championship this afternoon with a fantastic 2-1 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park.

Sam Foley opened the scoring for the hosts but goals from Iain Vigurs and Michael Gardyne led County to a famous victory that will see the Staggies return to play in the Scottish Premiership next season.

We are staying up!

In just the 7^th minute of the match, the Staggies went behind. Mark O’Hara completed an overlapping run to receive the ball from Jake Hastie on the right of the box before Sam Foley bundled in the midfielder’s deflected cross.

6 minutes later, County had a glorious opportunity to relevel the match! Blair Spittal’s right-footed cross from the left of the box was partially headed clear by Nathan McGinley. The ball then landed at the feet of Jordan White who crashed his right-footed half-volley off the top of the crossbar from close range to deny himself of a dream goal on his return to Fir Park.

In the 18^th minute, the Staggies must have thought they had equalised again! Blair Spittal’s corner was met by the head of Keith Watson on the edge of the six-yard area, but his powered effort was blocked by his own teammate, Michael Garydne, who was standing in an offside position.

In the first minute of stoppage time, County had yet another chance to restore level terms. Intricate combination play from Michael Gardyne, Iain Vigurs and Charlie Lakin on the left of the box allowed Michael Gardyne some space to drive into the box. The winger burst past Tyler Magloire and had only Liam Kelly to beat, but he blazed his left-footed shot well over the bar from a tight angle.

As it stood, Ross County had fallen into the dreaded 11^th place Premiership relegation play-off position as Kilmarnock were 2-0 up against Hamilton. The Staggies still needed just 1 goal to guarantee safety from relegation…

4 minutes after the restart, captain Iain Vigurs stepped up with a fabulous finish to equalise for the Staggies! Vigurs played a clever ‘one-two’ with Stephen Kelly on the edge of the area before opening his body and guiding a beautiful left-footed curling shot into the top left corner.

In the 65^th minute, County went into the lead! Jordan White pinched the ball from Mark O’Hara before slipping in Michael Gardyne on the left flank. The club’s record goal scorer then added to his impressive tally after he advanced towards goal and stayed composed to send the ball beyond the helpless Liam Kelly.

For the remainder of the match, the Steelmen continued to pepper the County box with crosses, but they were unsuccessful in their pursuit of another goal. In similar fashion to County’s previous 2 victories, the Staggies were resolute in defence and repelled any danger that was directed their way.

In the end, County held on for the 2-1 win and recorded their third consecutive Scottish Premiership victory for the first time this season.

After 38 gruelling matches, it can be finally confirmed: Ross County Football Club are safe from relegation!

We. Are. Staying. Up.

Premiership football will return to the Global Energy Stadium next season and hopefully you will be too…