Hamilton 0-1 Ross County: Kettlewell warns Staggies not to 'relax''
- Published
Billy Mckay's goal proves to be the difference between Ross County and Hamilton
Stuart Kettlewell urged Ross County not to "sit back and relax" after they secured back-to-back wins in their opening two Scottish Premiership games.
Saturday's 1-0 win at Hamilton Academical, courtesy of Billy Mckay's strike, followed a win by the same margin against Motherwell last Monday.
County host Kilmarnock then Dundee United in their next two matches.
"How far can you take it?" Kettlewell said on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound after the win at New Douglas Park.
"We know we've got two home games to come. This isn't the point where we sit back and relax.
"This league doesn't let you rest on your laurels. It's important that we show the same characteristics, the same mentality and the same bit of quality when the opportunities come."
Mckay scored at the second attempt after he and Michael Gardyne had been foiled in the wake of an error by goalkeeper Ryan Fulton, who missed Josh Mullin's cross.
Ross Stewart had earlier fired against a post as Hamilton struggled to contain their visitors and Lee Erwin should have put County in front early on when his close-ranges shot was blocked by Fulton.
Callum Smith had Accies' best efforts, testing keeper Ross Laidlaw twice before going off at half-time.
And Laidlaw held a David Moyo header in the closing stages to make sure of the points.
What did we learn?
Hamilton lacked a spark and getting David Templeton fully fit again and new signing Justin Johnson bedded in will give opponents something different to think about.
Accies also missed Marios Ogkmpoe's presence in attack with County's defence largely untroubled for long periods.
County, on the other hand, go from strength to strength and the second-half introductions of Gardyne and Mullin gave the Staggies fresh attacking impetus just when they needed it.
Man of the match - Billy Mckay
Mckay was at the heart of County's best moves and took his goal with typical aplomb
What did they say?
Hamilton head coach Brian Rice: "We lost a poor goal. It was a scrappy goal for us to lose. I always thought that the first goal would be very, very important and so it proved to be.
"You've got to learn, you've got to learn by your mistakes. The young lads need to learn quickly. We defended our box better today but still loads and loads to learn."
Hamilton Accies 'need to learn quickly' - Brian Rice
Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell: "We had stages where we caught fire. Billy Mckay gets the type of goal that he tends to get over a season.
"I'm delighted with the squad. It was a decent group performance. Looking at a young back four, or a new back four, it's great to see another clean sheet."
What's next?
On Wednesday, Hamilton are scheduled to visit Aberdeen, who had their weekend match at St Johnstone postponed after two Dons players returned positive Covid-19 tests, with eight players in total quarantining.
Accies head coach Brian Rice told BBC Scotland before the game with County the hotel Hamilton were going to use for a pre-match meal in Aberdeen have cancelled that arrangement.
County will look to maintain their 100% record at home to Kilmarnock, also on Wednesday.