Jordan White's first league goal of the season put Ross County two goals in front at half-time
Ross County comfortably dispatch Dundee to pick up their first Scottish Premiership victory of the season.
Akil Wright opened the scoring early on when he towered above visiting full-back Ethan Ingram to turn in Noah Chilvers’ corner.
Ingram was at fault once more when he recklessly hauled down Jordan White in the penalty area, allowing the County forward to convert from the spot right on half-time.
A quiet period followed the restart until an arrowed strike from White hurtled towards the top corner of Dundee’s goal. A fantastic, outstretched stop from McCracken kept Dundee within reach.
An even final half-hour played out at the Global Energy Stadium, with Dundee’s desperation exemplified by two long-range Billy Koumetio efforts that failed to effectively test County ‘keeper Ross Laidlaw.
Ross County rise to ninth in the table, while Dundee drop to seventh-place following their first loss of the season in all competitions.
Staggies stroll to success
County sauntered to their first league victory of the season with a robust and competent defensive showing.
That is not to say the Staggies' forward line did not impress, as White put in an exemplary performance. But it was a defender who knocked in the opener and it was a fortunate spot-kick that kept the much-needed three points in Dingwall.
Don Cowie’s men were quite content to allow Dundee the majority of possession and barely managed to accurately complete over half their passes - finishing with a 52.3% passing accuracy percentage, compared to Dundee’s 73.7%.
The County boss was likely willing to take the risk of sitting back, safe in the knowledge that his backline, including Eli Campbell, who made his first start for the club, would maintain their concentration.
Skipper Connor Randall and summer signing Chilvers impressed throughout - with their persistent tackling and precise passing standing out in a congested midfield area that could have been likened to a battlefield at times.
Dundee lose out in midfield battle
Tony Docherty's formerly unbeaten side struggled in every department.
Much could be made of Luke McCowan's absence as he concurrently made his mark at Celtic Park versus Hearts, but the defeat can not be chalked up to one player's departure.
Other than goalkeeper McCracken, it is difficult to pick out a Dundee player who appeared either a threat in attack or entirely solid in defence.
Jordan McGhee impressed following his necessary introduction at half-time for Ingram - who was culpable for both goals - while Murray remained a goal threat despite often feeling like a lone striker at times due to his multiple partner's struggles.
The game largely came down to the midfield battle and Dundee were bested by the energetic trio of Randall, Chilvers and Joshua Nisbet and failed to get a foothold for any period.
What they said
Ross County manager Don Cowie: "We worked extremely hard again out of possession and we limited Dundee to very few opportunities. Those are the fundamentals and the base we want to work from.
"As a unit, I thought they were excellent. We were really disappointed in the way we defended away to Rangers. We have really worked on it over the last three, four weeks. It was better today. I’m really happy with how they are doing."
Dundee manager Tony Docherty: "It was a disappointing afternoon. I thought the conditions really contributed to that. I think whoever had the wind in the first half had the advantage. Ross County played the conditions better than us.
"I don’t think it’s a penalty. I’ve spoken to some opponents who also don’t think it’s a penalty. It’s a poor decision. But I won’t make that an excuse for our performance today that ends our unbeaten run. We will come back fighting again."
