Match Report | RCFC 2-3 St Mirren

St Mirren held on to defeat Ross County 3-2 at the Global Energy Stadium this afternoon on matchday 9 of the cinch Premiership.

Goals from Eamonn Brophy and Marcus Fraser launched St Mirren ahead before a deflected free kick from Blair Spittal reignited County’s hopes of a comeback. However, a defensive mistake allowed Scott Tanser to put the Buddies 3-1 ahead before half time.

A much-improved second half display saw the Staggies get a goal back midway through the second half but Malky Mackay’s men failed to find the elusive equaliser after a sustained period of dominance.

Eamonn Brophy put the visitors ahead in the 17^th minute when the former Scottish international got on the end of a slipped pass down the left flank from Ethan Erahahon. Brophy made amends for his previous miss by slamming the ball into the roof of the net to give the Buddies the lead.

Jim Goodwin’s side maintained their early dominance and finally doubled their advantage after passing up another few opportunities to stride away from County. Ex-Staggie Marcus Fraser clinched his side’s second when he nodded the ball into the net from Scott Tanser’s corner. Ashley Maynard-Brewer hesitated in his attempt to cut out Tanser’s corner, allowing Fraser to easily head home from close range.

In the 37^th minute, County were dealt a slice of luck to half their opponent’s 2-goal lead. Blair Spittal’s free kick took a wicked deflection off the wall and looped over Jak Alnwick in goal.

Malky Mackay would have hoped that Spittal’s goal would encourage a more positive performance but a defensive error shortly after gifted St Mirren their 2-goal lead back. A long ball in behind was left for Maynard-Brewer by Jack Baldwin who was unaware of Scott Tanser on his blind side. Tanser then latched onto the ball and poked it beyond Maynard-Brewer to make it 3-1.

The Saints were ahead at half time, but the momentum soon changed in Ross County’s favour.

Early in the second period, County brought on Ben Paton and Jordan White, soon to be followed by Joseph Hungbo, and as a result, they were able to take control of proceedings. The Staggies went on to dominate the rest of the half and were able pin Jim Goodwin’s side back into their own 18-yard box.

Midway through the second half, County got themselves back in the game with a goal from Alex Iacovitti. The defender leaped above his marker to connect with a perfect delivery from Harry Clarke from the right of the box. The goal was nothing short of what County deserved after a period of unrelenting pressure.

With 10 minutes to go, substitute Joseph Hungbo thought he had produced the magic required to complete a famous comeback. The winger chopped inside and outside of Richard Tait, tying the full back in knots before firing a low left-footed shot against Jak Alnwick’s near post.

The Staggies continued their endeavours to carve out a sight of goal, but the visitors’ resolute defence repelled a plethora of County crosses. Ultimately, the hosts fell just short but a valiant second half performance should encourage County fans that this side have the potential to start picking up much-needed points.