Ross County 4-0 Banks O' Dee - The Match Report

By Joe Morrison

ROSS COUNTY made it two wins from two in the KDM Evolution Trophy as Kieran Phillips scored twice in a 4-0 triumph over Banks O’Dee at the Global Energy Stadium.

The Englishman netted twice and set up another, as the Staggies won their 7th game in a row and remain unbeaten in their 10 matches so far this campaign.

Lewis Jamieson and Joe Coyle also got their names on the scoresheet, helping Stuart Kettlewell’s side secure a fine victory.

The manager made ten changes to the side that started in the 3-1 victory over Airdrieonians, with only Adam Forrester retaining his place in the starting line-up.

Banks O’Dee were the first to threaten when Mark Gilmour sent a 35-yard effort wide of Wade’s goal before Lewis Jamieson broke the deadlock in the 9th minute.

Josh Reid sent a speculative long ball forward, which the Highland League side failed to deal with. Phillips played it through to Jamieson, who guided a right-footed effort into the net.

At 28 minutes, it was two as the impressive Adam Forrester put Phillips clean through on goal, and he made no mistake to open his account for the season.

County didn’t have it all their own way, though, as Mark Gilmour fired an effort from outside the area, forcing Brad Wade to make a save.

Joe Coyle replaced Chris Hamilton just before the hour mark and made an immediate impact when Richard Chin found him with a neat pass. The 18-year-old slotted home to put the game beyond the visitors.

Banks O’Dee were pushing forward in search of consolation but were stung when Luke McCarvel was brought down in the box. Phillips stepped up and confidently placed the ball into the bottom corner.

Brad Wade was called into action once again in the 90th minute, brilliantly denying a Michael Philipson free-kick to preserve his clean sheet.

ROSS COUNTY: Wade, Reid, Williamson, Lamont (Strapp, 67), Forrester (Lindsay, 56), Cornelius, Hamilton (Coyle, 56), Chin (McCarvel, 67), Jamieson (Emslie, 74), MacLeod, Phillips.

Subs not used: Foster, Graham, Randall, Reid.

BANKS O’ DEE: Robertson, Lorimer, Davidson, Farquhar, Stephen, Gilmour, Pugh, Watson (H. MacLeod, 63), Philipson, Hanratty (L. MacLeod, 63), McGrath (Alexander, 89).

Subs not used: Blackwood, Duncan.