Match Report - By Steven Mew

City travelled to Dingwall yesterday optimistic of getting a result after two decent performances against Clyde on Boxing Day and table toppers St Mirren on Hogmanay.

This was City’s second trip to Dingwall so far this season, the other one was played back in September when Alex Burke’s solitary goal was enough to give County all three points. In the clash between the two sides at Glebe Park, County ran out comfortable 4-1 winners after Gerry Britton had netted the opener with his first goal for the club.

City had Grant Johnson suspended for this match after his red card two days ago against St Mirren at Love Street. Long term absentee Paul Deas was sidelined for another week while Darren Smith recovered from concussion after his collision with Saints’ Hugh Murray. Pink once again opted to play Alex Burns as a sweeper after his excellent performance there against St Mirren.

The first action of the match occurred after 10 minutes when John Rankin’s effort was deflected wide off Davie White after a corner. From the resulting corner Sean Webb rose well but his powerful header went straight at Craig Nelson. Davie White was once again on hand to block a goalwards header by Kevin McKinlay as County started to pile on the pressure.

The impressive John Rankin had another go for goal but his 20 yard volley went inches over the crossbar. City had their first real chance of the match when Gerry Britton’s cross was met by Steve Hampshire, but his header went past the far post with former City goalkeeper Stuart Garden helpless.

County recorded a ridiculous amount of corners in a short space of time and Don Cowie came close but his shot just went over the bar.

County deservedly took the lead just before the half hour mark. City once again conceded another corner, which was taken short by Kevin McKinlay to the feet of John Rankin, who struck a wonderful shot which flew into the far corner to give Craig Nelson no chance.

City hit back however and Rankin proved his weight in gold once again when he cleared a Stevie Hampshire effort off the line to keep County in the driving seat. Minutes later Craig Winter headed for goal but Stuart Garden saved comfortably.

County came agonisingly close to a second goal in the 37th minute when John Rankin played Sean Higgins though, and as his shot looked to be going into the far corner, it trickled past the post, much to City’s relief.

County did however double their advantage in first half stoppage time. Former County man Steven Ferguson conceded a soft free kick close to the edge of the box. John Rankin stepped up and curled a beautiful effort over the wall and into the top corner of Craig Nelson’s goal to give City an uphill task.

There were a few chances for either side in the second half. John Rankin pushed for his hat-trick but his low effort was well blocked by Craig Nelson.

Mid-way through the second half Stuart Garden pulled off a couple of excellent near-post saves to deny both Stevie Hampshire and Gerry Britton as City pushed for a goal back, but it was proving difficult with the former City keeper on top form.

As the game drew to a close Craig Nelson did well to tip over a long range Alex Burke effort to keep the scoreline down.

Overall, City didn’t play too badly against the Victoria Park outfit and in the end two flashes of brilliance from John Rankin was the only difference between the two teams. County will have to fight hard to keep John Rankin during the January transfer window, with quite a number of clubs interested in snapping him up.

Next up for City is a trip to the Falkirk Stadium in the Scottish Cup 3rd Round to face…you guessed it…Falkirk this Saturday.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 1

Hamilton Academical 1 Airdrie United 0

Narrow win for Accies over Lanarkshire rivals Airdrie Utd at New Douglas Park.

St Johnstone 0 Dundee 0

Honours even in the Tayside derby.

St Mirren 2 Clyde 1

Vital win for St Mirren who go 9 points clear at the top.

Stranraer 1 Queen of the South 0

Huge victory for Stranraer against local rivals QoS. Stranraer can only thrw it away now surely...