New boys send Ross County into League Cup last 16
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Betfred Cup Group A
Alloa Athletic 0 Ross County 2
Scorers: Morris (59) Paton (90+2)
ROSS County sealed their passage into the knockout stages of the Betfred Cup with a hard-fought win over Alloa Athletic.
Despite dominating, the Staggies were made to graft hard for their victory, with two second-half goals securing their passage out of the group.
At one stage it was doubtful that the game would even go ahead after referee Greg Aitken had to leave due to a family emergency.
Assistant Ryan Lee stepped into the breach, however, and local Category 4 official Stuart Johnson was drafted in at short notice to run the line.
When the game did eventually get underway, County started positively enough and Billy McKay could have opened the scoring when he rounded goalkeeper Neil Parry. But Alloa skipper Andy Graham was on hand to save his side with a fine goal-line clearance.
Just before the hour mark County got the breakthrough they deserved on the balance of play. Jamie Lindsay’s shot was saved by Parry, but Josh Mullin’s follow-up was deflected home by Callum Morris.
And in the dying seconds, the Staggies sealed their progress. McKay’s effort was well saved again by Parry, but substitute Harry Paton was there to rifle home the rebound. That was enough to ensure that the Dingwall side made it through to the last 16 as group winners.