Ross County's Ronan Hale scoresImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Ronan Hale scored twice in the first half

Ronan Hale made it three goals in two games since signing from Cliftonville as his double helped ease aside Stirling Albion to secure Ross County's progress to the Premier Sports Cup last 16.

The 25-year-old striker opened the scoring against the Scottish League 2 visitors after 29 minutes and added his second shortly before the break.

Defender James Brown completed the scoring with 10 minutes remaining for the Premiership side.

It means County finish top of Group H, one of three sides - along with Aberdeen and Dundee - to end the group stage with maximum points from their four games.

Raith Rovers finished second but failed to finish one of the three best runners-up despite taking the penalty shoot-out bonus point after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Championship rivals Hamilton Academical.

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