Dundee 0-1 Ross County
- Published
Ross County secured their first Scottish Premier League win at the expense of their old First Division rivals Dundee.
County defender Scott Boyd hit the bar early on and Dundee's Gary Irvine struck the post from close range at the end of a disappointing first half.
Richard Brittain scored from the spot after Neil McGregor was penalised for a challenge on County's Mark Corcoran.
And Dundee could find no way past Michael Fraser in the final 18 minutes.
Ross County manager Derek Adams named the same side that started against Celtic while Dundee's Barry Smith handed a debut to on-loan signing Colin Nish, who started up front with Mark Stewart, while Lewis Toshney settled for a place on the bench.
Looking to bounce back from their derby disappointment at Tannadice, Dundee switched to a back three and they were soon under pressure.
County produced the first chance from the game's first corner. The delivery of Iain Vigurs found the head of Scott Boyd whose header hit the bar and Dundee reacted quickly to clear.
County were the busier side with Vigurs and Corcoran looking composed and in the mood to trouble and while they took longer to settle in the match, there were small signs that Dundee's new partnership of Nish and Stewart could create their first goal of the season.
Dundee ended the half strongly. After 43 minutes, a bright exchange between Jim McAlister and Stewart set up Irvine but he just failed to make contact.
Two minutes later Irvine did make contact from a narrow angle but he struck the post. In between those chances Boyd had again caused problems from a corner and his shot was scrambled clear.
Both sides were keen to ensure a strong start to the second half.
Dundee introduced Toshney after just two minutes for his debut and, while he impressed, he was to be later taken off injured.
Rab Douglas in the Dundee goal was the busier goalkeeper, handling a well-struck Brittain free-kick and shortly after fisting away a crisply hit shot from Corcoran.
The pivotal moment of the game came in 71 minutes when McGregor came together with Mark Corcoran inside the box.
Referee Steven McLean was well positioned to make the call and he pointed to the spot, much to the displeasure of the home support.
Douglas was left with little hope as Brittain struck the penalty with power towards the top corner.
Dundee searched in vain for an equaliser but often the wrong option selected was their downfall and they did not do enough to get through a reliable County back four and force County goalkeeper Michael Fraser into action.
A historic day for Ross County, for Dundee signs of promise in what is proving to be a tough start in the SPL.
- Published25 August 2012
- Published25 August 2012
- Published25 August 2012
- Published25 August 2012