County at the double to sink Morton
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ROSS County opened up a two-point lead over relegation play-off rivals Cowdenbeath on Saturday thanks to a 2-0 home win against Morton in Irn Bru Division One.
Second half goals from Michael Gardyne and Steven Milne means County remain outside that dreaded ninth spot in the table and they’ll look to build on this on Tuesday night when title challengers Dunfermline come calling.
County started well at the weekend and Milne went close in the opening minutes after fine build-up play from in-form Andy Barrowman.
Iain Vigurs, operating in a more central role than usual, looked lively and he fired wide from long range when he saw the opportunity.
The Greenock side’s first chance of note came on 25 minutes when Brian Graham’s shot was deflected wide for a corner.
The only other real chance of the first half came when Barrowman beat the offside trap, but over-hit his cross for Milne, who was arriving at the back post.
However, it took just 30 seconds after the interval for County to grab the lead.
Morton failed to deal with Jason Marr’s cross from the right, the ball broke to Gardyne and he slotted the ball into the net from six yards.
County were largely in control of this contest, but a terrific point-blank save from Staggies keeper Michael McGovern denied Allan Jenkins as the Ton probed for a leveller.
This stop seemed to inspire County and Morton goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert did well to deny Gardyne after he linked up well with sub Stuart Kettlewell.
However, the points were secured just four minutes from time when Milne crashed a fine shot past Cuthbert after Barrowman nodded on a cross from captain Richard Brittain.
Cowdenbeath drew 2-2 with Dundee in a match in which they led twice, but that result was enough to allow County to move two points ahead of the Fifers.
While County face the Pars on Tuesday, Cowdenbeath have an equally tough fixture at home to title hopefuls Falkirk who need wins to keep their championship chances alive.
Bottom-placed Stirling Albion host Queen of the South on Tuesday but their 4-1 defeat at Dumfries on Saturday leaves them 10 points adrift and looking odds-on for the automatic drop.
Ross County: McGovern, Marr (Miller 69), Fitzpatrick, Lawson, Boyd, Flynn, Milne, Vigurs (Kettlewell 79), Barrowman, Brittain, Gardyne (Corcoran 88). Subs not used: Malin (GK), Wood.
Morton: Cuthbert, Evans, Monti, Smyth, McCaffrey, Tidser, Holmes (O’Brien 59), Bachirou, Lyle (Kean 72), Graham (Weatherson 63), Jenkins. Subs not used: Stewart (GK), McKinlay.
Attendance: 2,379.
Referee: Stevie Reilly.
