Date	Saturday, 25 July 1998
Competition	FRIENDLY
Fixture/Score	Ross County 0:2 Saint Johnstone
Venue	Victoria Park
Attendance
Referee	Kevin Bisset
Comments	Match Report Report by Dave Edwards for the Press & Journal. Ross County 0 Saint Johnstone 2 Two pieces of opportunism from Northern Ireland international striker George O'Boyle gave Saints victory in Dingwall--but manager Paul Sturrock was less than impressed. He said: "We looked sluggish, probably because we've been training twice a day every day on tour. I've told the lads they can now rest up and not report back until Tuesday morning. "We're going to missing Harry Connelly, who is injured, and Roddy Grant, who is suspended, for the first three games of the season. It was good to see George O'Boyle grab a couple of goals." Saints had former Hamilton Accies keeper Alan Ferguson in goal in the first half and ex-Hibs central defender Darren Dods at the heart of the defence. Dods looked impressive on his debut. O'Boyle's goals apart, there was little to choose between the teams. His first strike in the 75th minute came when be picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and, unchallenged, sent a flashing drive past Nicky Walker. Nor did Walker have any chance with O'Boyle's second effort just before the final whistle. Alan Preston's cross from the right picked him out 10 yards from goal and his bulleted header flew high past the keeper. County Manager Neale Cooper thinks his side are on the right track for a successful season. He said: "All our pre-season games have been geared to next week's game against Montrose in the League Cup. We've taken on Premier Division sides, played against quality players and, on the whole, I'm very pleased with our performances." Cooper is happy with the defensive pairing of Willie Furphy and Ian Maxwell. He said: "They worked well together at the back and, with Nicky Walker back between the Sticks, we look very solid in defence." Cooper offered the captaincy to Walker and was delighted when the former Scottish goalkeeper accepted. County created few chances although their passing out of defence was crisp. Cooper was also impressed by the performance of Kenny Gilbert in midfield. He said: "Once again Kenny turned in an excellent performance and, although goals haven't been coming, we've got the players here who can do the job for us."
Ross County
Manager	Robert (Bobby) Wilson
Starting 11	1: Joseph (Nicky) Walker, 2: David Matheson, 3: Ian Maxwell, 4: David MacKay, 5: William Furphy, 6: Roy McBain, 7: Kenneth Gilbert, 8: Franck Escalon, 9: Alexander Taylor, 10: Derek Adams, 11: Neil Tarrant
Bench	0: Richard Hart, 0: Murray Hunter, 0: Keith (Billy) Ferries, 0: David Ross
Saint Johnstone
Manager	Paul Sturrock
Starting 11	Ferguson, McQuillan, Preston, Dasovic, Dods, Griffin, Scott, McMahon, McAnesspie, O'Boyle 2, O'Neil
Bench	Robertson, Boltan, Kane, Grant, Whiteford