Ross County 3-0 Motherwell: McGhee laments lack of energy

Motherwell are six points above bottom side Dundee United

Manager Mark McGhee conceded Motherwell were second best as a 3-0 loss at Ross County left the visitors in the relegation play-off place.

"I can't argue, they deserved to win," he told BBC Scotland. "I thought we were disappointing in all areas of the field and the game.

"They just had more energy, they were more aggressive. They were better in every area."

McGhee has now lost two from four since returning to Fir Park.

The Steelmen were without a trio of key players through injury as Craig Curran, Tony Dingwall and Liam Boyce netted for County.

"We've had a situation where we've lost Stephen McManus, Keith Lasley and Steven Hammell; we're playing without a lot of experience we could have in the team," he said.

"We're playing with Marvin Johnson at left back. We've been forced into these things, that wasn't a choice, it was all we could really do.

"Hopefully, we'll get through this period when we'll have these boys back where we can work out a better, more complete shape and we can get back to getting decent results.

"The way I want to play is winning football but in a way that makes us much more difficult to beat. That involves having these boys back, working harder and eventually bringing in one or two that will help them."

Dingwall (right) made it two goals in two games for County

It was a much more positive afternoon for Staggies boss Jim McIntyre, who was delighted with his front line as his side got back on track after a spell where they struggled to pick up wins.

"We thoroughly deserved the three points today," he enthused. "It was so important that we got back to winning ways especially here in Dingwall.

"The league is bunched up and it was a very important result for us.

"I was delighted with our goals and for Liam Boyce to get back on the goal trail. He made it himself with fantastic strength to get the penalty. He's been doing a great shift for the team and I think it's important that you recognise that sometimes it's not always goals they bring to the team.

"It's also that work rate. He uses his body so well also and that's key to being a front player.

"I thought Curran's finish was excellent. He gives us so much energy but also has very good quality so really pleased with them."

Dingwall has now scored in consecutive matches and seems to be back in form after a slow start to the season.

"That's two very good games back to back that he's had and it's important for him because he's taken a while to get going this season and earned his place back in the team," McIntyre explained. "He's put two performances together and scored in both."