St Mirren 2-0 Ross County: Stephen Robinson's side end three-game run without win
- Published
Ryan Leak's own goal broke the deadlock
St Mirren ended their three-game run without a win with a dominant Scottish Premiership victory over an unimpressive Ross County.
A spectacular first-half performance from County goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw frustrated the home side, but they remained determined and got their just rewards sharply in the second half.
VAR confirmed the opener had crossed the line, after a stramash in the goalmouth from a corner saw the ball hit County defender Ryan Leak and sneak beneath a helpless Laidlaw.
There was plenty conviction in the second, though. Jonah Ayunga's broke away from the heels of the County defence, and slammed beyond Laidlaw.
Substitute Alex Samuel forced Zach Hemming into a stunning save, but a clean sheet as well as a win was nothing more than the hosts deserved.
"It should have been a lot more comfortable," said manager Stephen Robinson.
"We created a lot of chances in the first half. How we went in at 0-0, I am still not sure. It showed great character from the players."
St Mirren are back up to third in the table following Hearts' defeat at Aberdeen, while County are eighth.
There was an air of disappointment in the stands when it emerged Keanu Baccus was not in the starting line-up. Robinson noted pre-match he'd been jaded in recent games due to his extensive travelling to represent Australia.
However, he was introduced after just 18 minutes due to Caolan Boyd-Munce's injury. An opportunity for a breather following a fast start.
Jordan White headed over the bar for County, but the zip that has become so synonymous with St Mirren's play could not be halted.
Twice Ayunga stung the palms of Laidlaw following strong breakaways, while Greg Kiltie cracked the crossbar after slick play with Stav Nahmani, who also tested the County shot-stopper towards the end of the first half.
County could not ride their luck much longer, though. While the opener was messy, the second was magnificent.
Nothing less than Ayunga's impressive game deserved. It was third time lucky as he broke away from the County defence and slammed beyond Laidlaw.
Player of the match - Jonah Aunga (St Mirren)
Third time lucky for the tireless striker. If he had left Paisley without a reward for his efforts, it would have been a crime. Here, there and everywhere. His strength and movement had County in turmoil.
Superb St Mirren stun ragged County - analysis
That was much more like it from St Mirren. Robinson highlighted pre-match that disappointing showing at County last Tuesday was not a St Mirren performance. This one was.
There was a speed and slickness about their business. And done so with an incredible amount of unity too. A real team was on show today in Paisley.
A lot of credit has to go Robinson's way, he spoke about not ripping up the blueprint and sticking to his guns. Today was a reward of just that. Staying calm and true to the game-plan that has served them so well under his leadership.
In stark comparison, Derek Adams said pre-match he is always learning about this group. He'll be left with a fair share of questions after this showing. There was no intent from a spooked side.
What they said
St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson: "I'm delighted for Jonah Ayunga. He's been out for a long time, and is getting better and better.
"We'll tell him to keep doing it and keep doing the simple things well. He deserved his goal for all round quality and work rate."
Ross County manager Derek Adams: "We knew it was going to be difficult. It was about putting pressure on them and we did that at the start. We could have nicked a goal but when they got ahead, they deserved to win the game.
"We need to be better in the final third, but we also have to be better defensively at times. It wasn't like St Mirren opened us up, but we have to do a lot better at the simple things."
What's next?
St Mirren host Motherwell next Saturday, 16 December at 15:00 (GMT), while County welcome Dundee at the same time.