History made as Ross County heroes triumph in Scottish League Cup thriller
A LATE Alex Schalk goal has secured the Scottish League Cup for Ross County after a thrilling, nail-biting encounter at Hampden.
The Staggies' 2-1 victory over Hibs marks a new high in the club's colourful history.
Michael Gardyne put County ahead in the 25th minute after some fine work from man-of-the-match, Jackson Irvine. Gardyne did well to keep his feet in a penalty box tussle before knocking the ball into an empty net.
The momentum swung dramatically in the oppositie direction just before half-time though when Liam Fontayne turned smartly in the box before cracking home.
Hibs, who brought 30,000-plus travelling supporters to the Glasgiow final, looked dangerous and had plenty of the game.
But in an increasingly tense second half, it was Dutchman Alex Schalk who capitalised on a Hibs mistake to score what would be the winner.
Both sides had gone into the encounter in indifferent form and Hibs had most of the ball in the first period.
However it was the County players who ultimately took their chances. Hibs' last throw of the dice charge forward so Fontaine's overhead kick touched over the bar by Gary Woods, who turned in a solid, safe pair of hands performance between the sticks.
Man of the match Irvine, whose family were over from Australia to witnesses the final, said he was lost for words. Alex Schalk decidcated the victory to the club's supporters, stating how much it meant to the fans.
Chairman Roy MacGregor voiced delight and said the next target was a top six finish.
Ross County: Woods, Davies, Irvine, Gardyne, Foster, Schalk, Quinn, McShane, Woods, Fraser, Boyce.
Subs: Konopka, Murdoch, Graham, Franks, Boyd, Robertson, De Vita
Hibs: Oxley, Gray, McGregor, Fontaine, Stevenson, Bartley, Thomson, McGinn, Henderson, Cummings, Stokes.
Subs: Virtanen, Gunnarsson, Handling, Boyle, Keatings, Dagnall, El Alagui.
Ref: Kevin Clancy.
Attendance: 38,796
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