Ross County 2 United 1

Ross County’s first half double proved too much to overcome for United despite a spirited second half performance. By Graeme Webster Liam Boyce and captain Andrew Davies gave the home side the early advantage before a wonder strike from Sean Dillon reduced the deficit midway through the second half. Ross County held on to claim three points, leaving United stuck in ninth place on just four points. Although still early in the season, there was a real sense of significance around this match at the Global Energy Stadium. While United had picked up just four points in their opening five games, their hosts' arrived in fine form, having already won two games in the last week. Manager Jackie McNamara made three changes with new signing Billy Mckay starting and both Rankin and Dow coming into the side. County were unchanged from their last league match. Both sides looked well matched in the opening stages of this match with few clear-cut chances created. The game burst to life in the 17^th minute when a deep cross into the box was handled by Mark Durnan. The United defender claimed his opponent pushed him towards the ball, but Craig Thomson pointed to the spot. Liam Boyce stepped up and slammed the ball low into the net. United looked rattled after that goal went in and were being put under significant pressure from County who were cavalier in pushing their wide men forward. Although second best for large periods of the first half, United did create the two best chances. Ryan Dow twice got through one on one with ‘keeper Fox, but in both instances the County number one saved the day. Defending was at fault when the Dingwall side doubled their lead. Just prior to the goal, Ryan McGowan had made a goal-line clearance to deny Franks but from the resulting corner Davies ran free of his marker to fire home. Half Time: County 2 - 0 United United started the second half with more attacking impetus. Having been second best across the park in the first half, there was more fight about the side in the second period. With the team pressing high up the park, United looked most likely to score. However, County were defending in numbers and in most cases crowding out any United attacks. Shooting towards the travelling Arabs, United were forced into long range efforts, none of which were troubling Scott Fox in the County goal. However, that was soon to change when Sean Dillon stepped onto a pass 35 yards out from goal. The United skipper took a couple of steps before lashing a swerving shot beyond Fox and into the top corner. With Donaldson, Bodul and Fraser all introduced, United hemmed County back but struggled to create any clear openings. Spittal did come close when he struck the cross bar with a curling free-kick from 25 yards but the equaliser was not forthcoming. Full Time: County 2 - 1 United Man of the match: Although just his first start of the season, Ryan Dow looked full of energy and guile throughout the match. He was involved in all that was good in the United offensive play and was unlucky not to get a goal. Teams: United: Zwick, Dillon, Durnan, Rankin, Dixon (Donaldson), Souttar (Fraser), McGowan, Spittal, Dow, Erskine (Bodul), Mckay. Subs not used: McCallum, Muirhead, Telfer, Connolly. Ross County: Fox, Fraser, Davies, Reckford, Gardyne (Murdoch), Irvine, Roberston, Quinn, Curran (McShane), Franks (Foster), Boyce. Subs not used: Bachmann, Boyd, Graham, Bachmann. Referee: Craig Thomson Attendance: 4014 Click here for the full report. Click here for pictures from the game on our Flickr Gallery. .