Dundee United 1 Ross County 2

Despite plenty of attacking threat in the first half and responding to the loss of an early goal, the Tangerines fell to defeat at home to Ross County this afternoon. A second half goal in 72 minutes from Raffaele De Vita was enough to win in as the game turned into a scrappy affair following the break. By Ally Stewart The opening minutes were bright from the Tangerines as Nadir Ciftci and Aidan Connolly laid siege to the County goal. Their link up play led to two early chances which were scrambled clear before John Rankin appeared to see his long range shot come off a County arm in the box, but referee Steven McLean waved play on. From the Highlanders' first corner in the 11th minute Radoslaw Cierzniak had to turn a Liam Boyce shot over the bar and from this County went ahead against the run of play. Martin Woods's kick was bulleted into the net inside the six yard area by Jackson Irvine to leave the hosts stunned. United survived a shout for a penalty as Dillon appeared to make contact with Irvine on the outer edge of the box, then immediately responded to level the match. Connolly surged forward towards the County goal before being barged to the deck for a clear penalty. Ciftci stepped up and coolly slotted home into Brown’s left corner in front of the United fans behind the goal. John Souttar, Paul Paton and Blair Spittal all had attempts before half time but none could trouble the visiting goalkeeper too seriously. A free kick from a dangerous position was drifted in by Woods soon after the break but Paul Quinn could only head comfortably over from six yards. United then had a free kick opportunity at the other end after Spittal was tackled high by Boyce and the youngster took the kick himself but his attempt was held well by Brown. It had become a scrappy affair with chances limited at both ends but in the 68th minute there was a let off for the Tangerines when County had a goal disallowed. Woods corner was again headed home from close range by Irvine but this time a foul by Boyce on Cierzniak had prevented him reaching the ball meaning McLean blew for the foul. Ciftci then had a shot blocked at the other end before the hosts fell behind for the second time. A Filipe Kiss cross from the right was headed on by Irvine to bring out a great save from Cierzniak but Raffaele De Vita was on hand to slot the loose ball home. Robbie Muirhead and Charlie Telfer were brought on as McNamara looked to swing things back United’s way and both had half chances shortly after arriving on the field. First Telfer struck over from 22 yards before Muirhead slipped whilst trying to direct Ciftci’s lay back towards goal. The hosts struggled to make chances against a stubborn away side and in the end couldn’t salvage a point and in turn suffered a blow to their European prospects. Man of the Match – Despite the result one man who was a livewire throughout was Aidan Connolly. Any time United made their way forward he was at the heart of it and was unfortunate not to see more reward for his efforts. United – Cierzniak, Dillon (c), Souttar, Fojut, Dixon, Paton (Telfer 74), Rankin, Erskine, Spittal (Anier 80), Connolly (Muirhead 73), Ciftci. Subs not used – Szromnik, Butcher, Spark, Smith. Ross County – Brown, Boyd, Boyce (Palazuelos 80), Reckford, Irvine, Woods, Fraser, Quinn (c), Kiss, Curran (Sernas 90) De Vita (Dingwall 76). Subs not used – Reguero, Jervis, Cardle, Meite. Referee – Steven McLean Attendance - 6187