MATCH REPORT | ROSS COUNTY 0-2 MOTHERWELL

Report by Marko Srsen

The Staggies were beaten 2-0 at home by Motherwell after a second-half double from Kevin Van Veen.

County started the better side, until two big VAR decisions that would impact the game went against Malky's men.

A penalty after Alex Iacovitti was pulled down in the box was originally given by Don Roberston, but then ruled out after a lengthy check.

Then, after Jack Baldwin stopped Van Veen illegally to deny the forward from breaking into the box, Don Robertson’s yellow card was changed to red.

Motherwell and Van Veen took advantage of the extra man on the pitch - scoring twice after Baldwins red, taking the three points back to Fir Park.

There was a lovely moment in the 23rd minute as play was halted by both teams for a minute's applause for young County fan, Dylan Marc Bogue, who sadly passed away at the age of 23.

First Half-

County started the game quickly - looking to take momentum from the big 4-0 win last Saturday against Dundee United.

The always lively Yan Dhanda played an accurate pass to the energetic Eamonn Brophy on the right hand side, whose cross just went just across the face of goal.

Motherwell stopper Liam Kelly was forced into action early on, saving George Harmon’s second minute volley, Brophy’s ninth minute curler from outside the box, and Dhandas right footed strike all in the first 23 minutes.

Once the timer reached 23 minutes, Liam Kelly halted play as both sets of players joined the fans for a minute's applause for young County fan Dylan Marc Bogue, who sadly passed away in late February.

The Staggies continued to apply great pressure to Motherwell.

The ball came into Eamonn Brophy in the box, whose touch took him slightly wide onto his right, where he would strike a powerful shot low at Kelly’s goal. Kelly’s save was nearly spilled into the path of Jordan White, but the Motherwell captain just managed to gather the ball before it reached White.

Motherwell did create a great chance of their own late on in the first half - Kevin Van Veen fancied his chances from outside the box against Ross Laidlaw, whose save landed to the feet of 19 year old Max Johnston who snatched at the chance, seeing it go well wide.

Second Half-

The Staggies nearly had a great start to the second half after Alex Iacovitti looked as if he was pulled down in the box after he attacked Yan Dhanda’s corner.

Don Roberstons pointed to the spot and booked Callum Butcher for the challenge, but VAR would send the referee to the monitor to take a look. The penalty was ruled out and Butcher’s yellow card was rescinded.

Things got worse for County in the 67th minute when Kevin Van Veen was hacked down by Jack Baldwin from just outside the box.

The County captain was originally given a yellow card for the challenge, but VAR intervened once again and Don Robertson changed his verdict, meaning Baldwin saw red.

The Staggies were clearly affected by both VAR decisions, and Motherwell would take advantage.

Blair Spittal received the ball on the right side of the box and carried the ball to the byline. Just before the ball could cross the line, Spittal released a well timed cross that was met by the head of Van Veen - who headed the ball into the ground to trouble Ross Laidlaw, finally breaking the deadlock in the 74th minute.

Motherwell got their second in the 88th minute and it was Van Veen again. This time coming from an assist by Max Johnston.

Yan Dhanda was voted our Man of the Match.

Match Details

Ross County: Ross Laidlaw; Conor Randall, Jack Baldwin(c)(RC 69), Alex Iacovitti; Gwion Edwards(Keith Watson 70), Nohann Kenneh(Ross Callachan 70), Victor Latouri(Alex Samuel 88), George Harmon(Josh Sims 79); Jordan White, Eamonn Brophy.

Subs not used: Ross Munro, Dylan Smith, David Cancola, Josh Stoned, Jordy Hiwula.

Sent off: Jack Baldwin 69’

Motherwell: Liam Kelly(c); Paul McGinn, Calum Butcher, Dan Casey; Max Johnston, Callum Slatery(Ricki Lamie 83), Sean Goss(Dean Cornelius 63), James Furlong; Kevin Van Veen, Jonathan Obika

Subs not used: Aston Ochborough, Stephen O’Donnell, Bevis Mugabi, Oliver Crankshaw, Riku Danzaki, Stuart Mckinstry, Ross Tierney

Goals: Kevin Van Veen 74’ 88’

Booked: Jonathan Obika 25’ Dan Casey 80’