Ross County under-18s win CAS Cup in comeback victory over Morton despite getting man sent off in the final
Ross County’s academy have won their first trophy after the club’s under-18s triumphed in the CAS Cup final.
The side’s League Cup, the young Staggies had to come from behind – and cope with having a man sent off – to get their hands on the silverware.
It was the first time an academy team from the club had ever reached a cup final, and they have turned it into a historic occasion by bringing the trophy back to Dingwall from Alloa.
Morton, league champions for the 2024/25 campaign, started strongly with Brandyn Bain forcing a save out of Jayden Reid and Fraser Rodger heading just wide.
They would break the deadlock in the 27th minute too, when right winger Sam McGarva’s cross deceived Reid to go straight in at the far post.
Despite the setback, County’s youngsters responded well.
Torran Lambie and Jamie Williamson each had sights of goal, before a good chance right on the cusp of half time when Calum Brown, Williamson and Copeland Thain combined well – with the latter just hitting over the bar.
The Staggies brought Lewis Mackay on at the interval to try and make a difference, and it did not take him long to make an impact.
Just four minutes after coming on, he hit a half volley straight into the top corner to level the scores.
County would take the lead almost immediately after the restart, with Thain finding the net from long range to put the Highlanders 2-1 ahead.
With a little over 20 minutes left on the clock, Reid was called into action to make a good save to deny Bain one-on-one and preserve the Staggies’ advantage.
There was to be some late drama, though, as in the 83rd minute Rio Hastings was sent off for County for a poor challenge on Morton’s Barry Campbell.
However, Morton could not make a further breakthrough, and County held on to claim victory at the Indodril Stadium, bringing silverware back home to the Highlands.
