DEREK Adams is refusing to rise to the repeated jibes of First Division rivals as Ross County's title assault continues to gather strength.

In a clear sign that the Dingwall team's tenacity and resilience is beginning to rattle certain opposition clubs, post-match criticism aimed at Adams and his team is becoming commonplace.

Steven Pressley, the Falkirk manager, was the latest to aim a verbal volley after Colin McMenamin's crucial stoppage time equaliser on Boxing Day.

Pressley had previously claimed County's fine form and winning football could be attributed to them boasting the division's most lavish wage budget, a claim refuted by the club.

On Monday, following McMenamin's late sucker-punch at the Falkirk Stadium, Pressley accused County of favouring negative football and spoiling tactics.

When asked about the former Scotland defender's comments, Adams refused to take the bait but was happy to bat off claims his team had played for a draw.

Falkirk had cause to be unhappy. Rather than cut County's title lead to three points, Pressley's side remain six points adrift with one extra game played.

Adams stressed, "We fielded roughly the same team as the week before at home to Dundee.

"The only change I made was bringing back our skipper Richard Brittain after suspension.

"We set ourselves up in the same formation as usual down at Falkirk and went into the match with the same intention as we do every week - to win the game.

"If you are not able to do that, then a point away from home is not a bad result. But we certainly wanted to win on Saturday."

The Pressley outburst followed earlier barbed post-match comments from Partick's Jackie McNamara and Dundee defender Matt Lockwood.

There is a rich irony in Pressley's latest criticism, given the way some of County's attractive football has been so cynically stifled in the previous two campaigns.

Adams said, "At Ross County, we concentrate on our own game and look after ourselves.

"It actually seems fair to me that the two meetings down there at Falkirk have ended in draws.

"In the first meeting, they scored late to equalise and in the second match we scored late to draw the game.

"(Outside criticism) is not something we pay much attention to. It's just about concentrating on our own performances and the next match."

McMenamin's latest goal made it six from the past four matches for a summer signing who, at first, struggled to hit the net with regularity.

The 30-year-old past First Division title-winner with Gretna kept his place in the side because of his all-round contribution.

Now, the partnership with Michael Gardyne has clicked so impressively they have an equal share of 16 goals between them.

Adams believes McMenamin is proving one of his most valuable additions, but stressed the overall team effort was the biggest factor in the 12-match unbeaten league run.

McMenamin's worth, though, was underlined in the last three games with goals against Raith, Dundee and Falkirk helping County gain results from losing positions.

Adams said, "It was a very good point for us away from home against Falkirk. We're delighted because it keeps our great unbeaten run going.

"The players here are showing a great attitude and will, but they've always had that.

"They want to win football matches. When you get into that mode of confidence you become hard to beat and you want to cling onto it.

"We always knew at Falkirk we would get some kind of opportunity in the game.

"When it came, we took it. Colin McMenamin has now scored six goals in four games.

"He is proving a very good signing for Ross County. He is scoring goals and has also been bringing the best out of those around him.

"Earlier in the season, he was working hard but maybe not getting the opportunities.

"But they are coming his way just now and, along with Michael Gardyne, he is in a rich vein of form up front.

"They are working well together, but as a team and as a unit, everyone is performing exceptionally well so far."

Earlier in the season, Adams was unsure whether this was the best County squad he had worked with.

It will take performances in the second half of the season for him to firm up his views, but he accepts they are making a case.

Certainly, he sees the spirit and togetherness of the current crop as second to none.

Adams said, "These lads have certainly put down a marker in the First Division.

"There is no other team in Ross County's history that has done so well at the start of a season, so the team and squad we have now have to be ranked highly.

"But we have to keep on going. We have only played 17 games and there is a massive way to go in the league.

"I have always said we will look at where we are after 20 games, then look at it again after 30 games and take it from there.

"Our aim has been to progress and we've certainly done that.

"But we haven't achieved anything yet, so we keep our feet on the ground and try to win each game as it comes."

Partick Thistle are the next opponents, first-footing Adams' men at Victoria Park on January 2.

County remain unbeaten on league business in Dingwall and have taken four points from six so far against the Jags.

Adams said, "We have home advantage and would like to gain three points.

"This season, Partick have been challengers in the First Division again. They are on a good run of form.

"They have some talented players in their squad, particularly attacking-wise."