County make their point in a tense tussle
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Ross County (0) 1 Dundee (1) 1
Attendance — 3,129
(Scorers: County – Glen 74; Dundee – Davidson 27)
SOMETIMES a football match is defined by considerations beyond the obvious 11 against 11 and tactical expertise of the coaching staff.
Outside events, rash statements by players or managers or the simple matter of perilous league placings can skew the outcome, change the mindset and alter the spectacle.
Dundee’s visit on Saturday was one where, unavoidably, the tension of SPL survival hung heavily over proceedings.
It was a potential six-pointer, obviously, in the swing between the Dens Park club and County and, in the end, a draw served both well enough.
A classic it wasn’t, though.
Richard Brittain was unlucky to strike the wrong side of the upright for County with the last kick of the ball. Had he scored, Dundee would have slipped a telling nine points behind the hosts.
Notably too, Iain Davidson for Dundee hit the opener with what was an excellent connection but one that took the cruellest swerve past rooted keeper Mark Brown.
Gary Glen’s reply – his first goal for the club – sealed a draw, but County were perhaps the team left ruing what might have been.
Home form has been County’s strength since reaching the SPL but this was no vintage display.
A couple of hundred Dundee fans had made the trip north in good voice but were soon subdued after a competitive but scrappy start.
After 15 minutes, County produced the first dangerous moment.
Alex Cooper immediately looked promising and burst away on the left to find Colin McMenamin with his back to goal in the box. The County striker swept a pass-back to Mark Fotheringham on the edge of the area but the midfielder’s low strike skidded wide.
County held the upper hand but fell behind in spectacular fashion after 27 minutes.
A short spell of Dundee pressure seemed to be ebbing as the ball dropped to Davidson more than 25 yards out.
He went for glory and saw his powerful shot take a vicious swerve that left Brown stationary as the ball nestled in the top right hand corner.
County came out roused for a response after the break. Immediately the tone changed as Iain Vigurs’ efforts lifted the hosts, although Dundee remained dangerous on the break, particularly through the excellent John Baird.
Momentum built for Adams’ team and the equaliser came after 74 minutes. Kettlewell’s strike was blocked but the ball broke to substitute Glen who reacted with a turn and finish from the edge of the six-yard box.
For all the home side’s dominance, Dundee might have grabbed a winner but Colin Nish fluffed his chance in front of goal from Ryan Conroy’s ball.
The best move of the game then saw McMenamin put in Brittain to the right of the box. The County skipper struck the outside of the post from a great position and the whistle sounded.
Ross County — Brown; Tokely, Boyd, Munro, Fitzpatrick; Brittain, Kettlewell, Fotheringham (Glen 61), Cooper; Vigurs; McMenamin. Subs: Fraser, Bateson, Quinn, Corcoran, MacPhee, Porritt. Booked: Fotheringham 51, Vigurs 54
Dundee — Douglas; Irvine, Gallagher, Benedictus (Toshney 76), Lockwood; Riley (Conroy 78), McBride, Davidson, McAlister; J. Baird (Stewart 87), Nish 6. Subs: A. Baird, McGregor, Reid, Boyle. Booked: Gallagher 81, Irvine 85
Referee — Alan Muir.
Fixtures, Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League, Friday, December 21, 7.45pm — St Mirren v Motherwell. Saturday, December 22, 3pm — Aberdeen v St Johnstone; Celtic v Ross County; Inverness CT v Dundee. Sunday, December 23, 12.45pm — Kilmarnock v Hibernian. 4.30pm Hearts v Dundee Utd. Wednesday, December 26, noon — Dundee Utd v St Johnstone. 3pm — Hibernian v Ross County; Inverness CT v St Mirren; Kilmarnock v Hearts; Motherwell v Aberdeen. 7.30pm — Dundee v Celtic.
