| Date | Wednesday, 28 October 1998 |
|---|---|
| Competition | Scottish League Division 3 |
| Fixture/Score | Cowdenbeath 1:2 Ross County |
| Venue | Central Park |
| Attendance | 254 |
| Referee | Dougie Smith |
| Comments | Match Report Report by Stuart Darroch for the Press & Journal. Cowdenbeath 1 Ross County 2 Ross County returned to their early-season perch at the top of the Third Division last night after two goals from man-of-the moment Garry Wood saw off the challenge of Cowdenbeath at Central Park. Former Cowdenbeath striker Wood returned to his old stamping ground in style as he took his season's tally to eight as County eventually overcame Craig Levein's young side. But it was the Fifers who had the first opportunity of the game in 16 minutes when trialist Lee Dair's deep cross was met at the back post by Jamie McKenzie and ne should have done better than to head wide from eight yards. As the half progressed County midfielders Billy Ferries and Frank Escalon took control of the game and it was no surprise when the Dingwall men took the lead. Strong play on the right wing by the highly-productive Ferries in 22 minutes was finished off by in-form Wood, who added to his recent four-goal haul by blasting the ball into the net from eight yards. Wood almost scored again minutes later but drive from 18 yards went wide. However, a goal was only delayed five minutes when Ferries and Wood combined once more for the same result. Ferries's driven cross was met by the head of Wood and his effort glanced off the upright before nestling in the net. Ian Maxwell and substitute Neil Tarrant both had chances to finish the game as a contest but they both inexplicably missed from two yards with goalkeeper Hutchison in the home goal beaten. Wood almost grabbed his hat-trick with 10 minutes left but his spectacular volley flew narrowly over the bar. Cowdenbeath grabbed a late consolation through substitute Colin Bowsher but County held out to take the points. There were three bookings Sneddon for the home side and Ferguson and Wood for the visitors. |
| Ross County | |
| Manager | Neale Cooper |
| Starting 11 | 1: Joseph (Nicky) Walker, 2: Mark Haro, 3: Ian Maxwell, 4: Stuart Golabek, 5: Robert (Robbie) Williamson, 6: Steven Ferguson 1, 7: Roy McBain, 8: Kenneth Gilbert, 9: Franck Escalon, 10: Garry Wood 2 1, 11: Keith (Billy) Ferries |
| Bench | 0: William Furphy, 0: Alexander Taylor, 0: Neil Tarrant |
| Cowdenbeath | |
| Manager | Craig Levein |
| Starting 11 | Stephen, Jamie McKenzie, Lee Cuthbert, Martin Humphreys, Scott Sneddon 1, Richard Thomson, Craig Winter, Malcolm Robertson, Willie Stewart, Trialist, Willie Burns |
| Bench | Colin Bowsher 1, Graeme Brown, Brian Welsh |