MATCH REPORT | ROSS COUNTY 4-0 DUNDEE UNITED

The weather matched the mood on a bright day in Dingwall for The Staggies, as they thrashed Dundee United 4-0 at the Global Energy Stadium.

January signing Eamonn Brophy was directly involved in all four goals for his new club, including a spectacular brace.

The other two goals were courtesy of Yan Dhanda and Jordan White - with both assists for each goal coming from Man of the Match Brophy.

The win means that County moved into 10th place in the Premiership, 4 points ahead of Dundee United in 12th - whom they beat today - and ahead of Motherwell due to a greater goal difference.

First Half -

County came into the game aggressively, pressing the ball at each and every opportunity that they got, and winning most of the aerial and ground duels.

Eamonn Brophy was a constant threat - and got his due rewards in the 6th minute, after a mix up at the back between Dundee United goalkeeper Jack Newman and Charlie Mulgrew.

Mulgrew would attempt to clear the ball, ignoring the clear call from Newman who had rushed off his line to clear. Mulgrew's clearance ricocheted off of United captain Edwards, and straight to Brophy who remained composed, finishing from a tight angle with his left foot to take an early lead.

Brophy nearly added a quickfire second just three minutes later. His first attempt from outside the box was blocked by Mulgrew, but came straight back to him. Brophy would control the ball well and look to place the ball into the right corner - but the ball would strike the post.

Brophy and County continued to apply pressure, and were rewarded in the 13th minute with a second.

Jordan White would receive the ball on the right hand side and play a pass into Brophy, who looked as if he was leaving the ball for Dhanda, but as soon as he noticed the pressure from the defender, he would poke a foot out to pass to his teammate. Dhanda would flick the ball up onto his right foot, placing the ball into the bottom left corner.

Ten minutes later, the Staggies thought they had tripled their lead when captain Jack Baldwin's header from the corner hit the post and rolled across the line and was cleared by Craig Sibbald.

The players believed the ball had crossed the line - but VAR had confirmed that the ball stayed out.

Second Half -

County started the second half the exact same way that they ended the first. Great pressure and creativity continued to trouble United.

There was a really dangerous flurry of play in the 52nd minute and onwards by the home team - including a big VAR decision that would cancel out a possible third goal.

It would all start when Gwion Edwards, who got his first start for the club, received the ball on the edge of the box and looked to place the ball over Newman in net, forcing a great reflex save that resulted in a corner from the right side.

The corner was taken by goal scorer Yan Dhanda towards Iacovitti at the back post, who won his header and tried to place it goalwards. The ball took multiple deflections inside the box, and eventually landed on the head of Jordan White, who headed the ball in, bouncing off of the back of Nohan Kenneh's head who was over the line himself.

The flag was raised for an offside during the play, and after a long VAR check that left fans even more confused, the goal was ruled out.

Jordan White won 6 of his aerial duels during the match and was a constant danger in the game alongside strike partner Brophy, and in the 62nd minute, White got a deserved goal with his head.

Brophy went on a great driving run towards the byline, firing a cross directly onto White's head, who met the ball perfectly as it hit the back of the net to make it 3.

Brophy got his 2nd of the game after Victor Loturi lofted the ball towards Brophy’s powerful run. The 26 year old latched onto the pass - smashing the ball into the near post, leaving Newman no chance in goal.

3 minutes later - Brophy came off the pitch to a great reception after 2 goals and 2 assists.

He was replaced by former Dundee United man and fellow January signing Simon Murray.

The Staggies would close the game out well - keeping a clean sheet and earn themselves a much deserved and well needed three points after a hard fought performance against fellow survival hopefuls.

Match Details-

Ross County: Ross Laidlaw, Connor Randall(Dylan Smith 83’), Jack Baldwin(c), Alex Iacovitti, George Harmon, Gwion Edwards (Josh Sims 73’), Victor Loturi, Nohan Kenneh (Ross Callachan 78’), Yan Dhanda, Eamonn Brophy(Simon Murray 73’), Jordan White (Alex Samuel 83’)

Subs not used: Ross Munro, Keith Watson, David Cancola, Josh Stones

Goals: Eamonn Brophy 6, 70; Yan Dhanda 14; Jordan White 62

Booked: Nohan Kenneh, Ross Callachan.

Dundee United: Jack Newman, Liam Smith, Ryan Edwards(c), Charlie Mulgrew, Aziz Behich, Dylan Levitt (Sadat Anaku 46), Arnaud Djoum, Craig Sibbald, Jamie McGrath (Ilmari Niskanen 78), Steven Fletcher(Rory Macleod 85), Kai Fotheringham (Glenn Middleton 58)

Subs not used: Mark Birighitti, Loick Ayina, Ross Graham, Scott McMann, Kieran Freeman

Booked: Jamie McGrath, Craig Sibbald.