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Ross County Under-18's recent unbeaten run came to an end at Partick Thistle, when they slumped to a disappointing defeat.
Admittedly they were without one or two regulars because of injury, but this was a performance the County lads will wish to forget.
The first half saw Thistle look a lot sharper in their passing and in their movement off the ball, whereas County were strangely lethargic and second to the ball in most areas of the park.
A half chance which was blocked by a defender was County's only real attempt at goal in the first half.
Thistle had threatened County's uncertain defence several times and deservedly went ahead just before half time when they took full advantage of a mistake in County's midfield.
The opening minutes of the second half saw a slight improvement in County's performance but Thistle soon re-established their grip in midfield and had several chances to add to their lead.
A header comfortably saved by the Thistle keeper was all that County managed before conceding a second goal when a cross found one of the Thistle strikers in acres of space at the far post and he netted easily.
County never looked like putting anything together and just before full time their day was complete when a mis-kick by County keeper Gonet, who otherwise had done quite well, allowed Thistle to seal a comfortable win.
Hopefully this will be only a temporary hiccup for the Under-18 lads. Their performances up to now have been quite impressive, but on this occasion it was a case of too many players individually having an off day, and this led to a poor and disjointed team performance. Pride should ensure that each player is determined to do a lot better next time out.
Ross County: Stefan Gonet; Michael McInnes, Steven Edwards, Gary Ewing, Lee Williams, Ryan Witkowski, Allan Lees, Martin Sanderson, Brian Dlugonski, Brian MacLeod and Mark Makhouli. Subs (all used): Martin Kenney, Martin McBeath and Don Cowie.
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County came home with an excellent result in a really tight match played on Firhill's synthetic pitch.
Having played several games in a few days, County rested a couple of players and gave young Alex Lamb his debut at this level. The defender showed up well and can be pleased with his display in what was a fine battling team performance.
Both teams soon adapted to what was a good playing surface. County had a slight breeze behind them in the first half, but there were chances at both ends early on. Thistle's centre forward Rodden was lively and broke through but 'keeper Stefan Gonet came off his line to save well.
County then put some passes together only for Martin Kenny to net from an offside position.
Bryan Dlugonski then came very close to giving County the lead when he first timed a cross from Trialist but his shot clipped the crossbar.
Encouraged by this Ryan Witkowski had a long range shot which went over the bar.
Thistle still looked dangerous when they attacked and Gonet did well to smother a shot from close in.
Thistle finished the half strongly and their right half Walker hit the side netting just on half time.
In the second half County brought on Alan Lees in midfield and Scott Wilde up front.
Both teams had spells of dominance but as the half wore on County found themselves playing a lot of the game in their own half. The midfield had to work hard in closing Thistle down, but County's pacey strikeforce of Wilde and Campbell were a great outlet and threatened every time the ball was played for them to run onto.
Centre back Steven Edwards was dominant in the air, and when one of his headed clearances found Wilde, the Partick keeper made a fine save and then smothered the rebound.
Gonet then produced a fine save from a long range effort as Thistle started to pin County back a bit.
County substitute Darren Jack came on and when his through ball found Campbell racing through the Thistle 'keeper did well to block his effort.
At the other end, Gonet again saved well when Thistle's Kelly broke through.
County always looked dangerous on the break, and in 75 minutes they were awarded a penalty when Wilde was rashly tackled as he entered the box. Steven Edwards calmly scored from the spot to make it 1-0.
Thistle threw everything into attack after this, and twice brought the best out of 'keeper Gonet as County kept their discipline and held out for a hard earned win, over a Thistle side which was last beaten in October.
Ross County: Stefan Gonet; Ryan Witkowski, Gary Ewing, Don Cowie, Steven Edwards, Alex Lamb, Trialist, Craig Campbell, Martin Kenny, Brian MacLeod and Bryan Dlugonski. Subs (all used):Alan Lees, Scott Wilde and Darren Jack.
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County's recent unbeaten run came to an end against Partick Thistle. With a heavy programme of games, County freshened up their line up but the performance lacked their recent sharpness.
Thistle started brightly and went ahead in 10 minutes when their centre back Edwards headed home a corner. They almost increased their lead when a free kick from Thistle's Howie was pushed round the post by County 'keeper Stefan Gonet.
County had a brief spell of pressure in which Ryan Witkowski shot over when well placed, but it was Thistle who created more chances.
Their centre forward, Rodden, was a constant danger with his direct running and movement, and he came close to scoring on several occasions.
County made changes at half time and created more chances in the second half. A McKay cross was dropped by the Thistle keeper only for Craig Campbell to shoot over.
At the other end, Thistle's Kelly clipped the crossbar with a free kick, and Rodden went through the County defence but shot past.
Both teams came close to scoring in the last ten minutes. A County free kick was headed on to the post by Steven MacKay. Then Campbell chased a long ball, crossed it to the near post for Martin Kenny but his effort was blocked.
Thistle's Rodden again caused panic in the County defence but shot just wide.
County had two chances to level things in the last five minutes. First McKay cracked in a shot which brought a great save from the Thistle keeper, only for Kenny to scoop the rebound over the bar. Then Witkowski crossed in from the right but Kenny was again just off target this time with a header.
Ross County: Stefan Gonet, Ryan Witkowski, Gary Ewing, Alex Lamb, Steven Edwards, Bryan Dlugonski, Don Cowie, Alan Lees, Craig Campbell, Darren Jack, Lee Williams. Subs (all used):Steven MacKay, Martin Kenny and Trialist.
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