 |
|
|
|
|
|
e-mail Lorsports
Return to the Reports' Index Lorsports' Home Page
ROSS COUNTY 0; Alloa Athletic 1 |
Aloa have been something of a thorn in Ross County's side over the years and, having won here in March 2001, have again pricked the flesh. This was their second successive victory at Victoria Park and the latest in a string of havoc-wreaking performances in these parts.
Quite apart from the cumbersome obstacle they present Neale Cooper's sideon the football field, the part-time club must be a niggling source of frustration to a Dingwall outfit who have achieved a similar ascent, albeit by leass earthy means
The Wasps rarely grumble about their status, but have scaled the leagues roughly in tandem with County, but without the plush stadium and relatively lavish signings.
There was no kidding yesterday that they had reaped the rewards of a negative display, but their manager, rightly, would have taken only positives from the spirit and resolve they showed.
It proved a classic smash-and-grab raid on an otherwise numbing and forgettable afternoon with Gareth Evans, the former Hibs and Falkirk striker, pouncing to head home a free kick from another veteran, ex-Rangers man Derek Ferguson, to seal victory.
The rest of it was a slog for the players and a harder grind to watch. County, ultimately, paid the price for their inability to rise above it all, being dragged into the messy midfield battle and relying on high balls just as frequently as the visitors.
It was not easy to pick out highlights, not least in an opening half hour without a serious attempt on goal at either end.
This was a County side who have held both Falkirk and St Johnstone in recent weeks, yet one that appears unable to stamp their authority on any side who play it tight and hit on the break. Hearts, CIS Cup opponents in the near future, should consider the ploy.
County finally paid the price for failing to break down their opponents in 72 minutes when they went behind from that Ferguson free kick on the extreme left. Evans out-jumped everyone in a crowded box to head firmly past Tony Bullock
County's luck showed no signs of improving after an abysmal miss from young Craig Campbell in 79 minutes. Mark Perry's 30-yard blast was deflected into his path, but as he stretched to meet the ball a few yards out, he could only flight it over the bar.
Ross County: Bullock; Canning, Robertson, Perry, Irvine, Gilbert, Bayne (Gethins, 63), McCulloch, Bone (McGarry, 63), Cowie and Wood (Campbell, 33). Unused Subs: Fridge (gk) and McKay.
Return to the Index
Alloa Athletic 1; ROSS COUNTY 1 |
For 30 minutes Alloa performed as if there was a place on the plane to Spain after all. But 18-year-old Jamie Stevenson had already departed for the Primera Liga, and Real Mallorca had not sent a scout to yesterday's encounter.
With the sun gone the reality of the Wasps' predicament enveloped the players and their promising performance. Stll, they secured their first home point of the season with acourageous display that was at first commanding then baffling. In the end it was their battling qualities that secured the point. Meanwhile, County did little to signal a new start under Alex Smith.
Following a miserable run of form, Alloa were clearly intent on First Division survival. They displayed a great deal more solidity in shape and fluidity in attack than is susual for them. Indeed, the Wasps appeared altogether more disciplined. This previously-demoralised bunch had shaken off injury and suspension to display a promising burst of form.
In the middle of the pitch, Derek Ferguson was displaying the family football traits of deft touches and fine passing. To his right Ross Hamilton was proving a troublesome winger.
County were rarely a threat, owing to their opponents' tenacity and progressed with any real haste only when on the counter-attack.
Alloa were camped in the Ross County half, yet were rarely close to braching Tony Bullock's goal. Their dominance was proving fruitful in providing set-pieces around the box, and the odd half-chance mostly fell to Hamilton.
Terry Christie had stressed the importance of scoring first, and described his side's recent home form as dire. The duffle-coated stalwart had also warned of the need to stop leaking goals, and with 30 minutes gone his defence almost burst open.
Offensively, Alloa were impressive, defensively they were sitting far too deep, allowing County's Steven Ferguson to progress unchallenged and unleash a thundering shot against Myles Hogarth in goal. Only Hamilton's presence prevented the advancing Hugh Robertson from opening the scoring.
The chance shook Alloa's discipline and they became shabby and uncertain in defence, leaking the goal their manager had warned against.
They spurned many chances to clear their lines before, during and after Brian Irvin's header. But they failed and IRVINE accepted the invitation to smack the ball home without hesitation.
It was a pity because for the first time in weeks the home side did not deserve to go behind.
The Highlanders grabbed the initiative and imposed their strength on a side that had previously been in total command. Only briefly did Alloa break free but their play had none of the grace displayed earlier.
Alloa's first-half effort was achieved through collective confidence and some fine individual contributions. With the second half underway, they were dishevelled and devoid of ideas. A fight-back had seemed highly unlikely give the self-doubt that now engulfed the team.
Somehow, however, Alloa managed an equaliser. Seaton sent a County clearance curling back into the penalty box and Ian Little rose at the back post to head the ball in.
Like their opponents in the first half, Alloa scored against the run of play. On came Scott Crabbe for Ferguson as Christie chased the three points and for the first time the game was an even contest.
Ross County: Bullock; Irvine, Canning, Perry, McKay, Cowie (Hislop, 82), Ferguson, McGarry, Bayne, McCulloch and Robertson. Unused Subs: Fridge (gk), Webb, Deas and Bone.
Return to the index
|
|
Return to the Index
|
|
Return to the Index
Lorsports' Home Page