| Date | Saturday, 13 March 2004 |
|---|---|
| Competition | Scottish League Division 1 |
| Fixture/Score | Ross County 1:0 Saint Mirren |
| Venue | Victoria Park |
| Attendance | 2,819 |
| Referee | Garry Mitchell |
| Comments | Match Report Report from the Press & Journal. Ross County 1 Saint Mirren 0 David Winters saved Ross County blushes when he came off the bench to snatch a late winner against a St Mirren side left reeling after having dominated the game. It was Winters' 13th goal of the season and a lucky one for the Dingwall men as it keeps them within touching distance of the leading teams, while the Saints edge closer to the relegation zone. County manager Alex Smith was quick to concede his side was fortunate to record a victory. He said: "It wasn't the most entertaining of games, but what a great winning goal from Winters. There was indecision from them for the goal, but it was a wonderful finish. "I don't know if it was inspirational putting him on, but Winters is like that--he produces pieces of brilliance. "I don't think we played well and St Mirren created more chances, but it's the result that counts and it was a big win for us." Saints manager Gus McPherson said: "I'm disappointed and fed up saying the same things every week. A lack of concentration cost us dearly. I can't question the work-rate or commitment from my players as we were the better team, but County sneaked one at the end." Saints were awarded a free kick in the fourth minute, but Simon Lappin's delivery into the box was headed clear by Jim Hamilton. Hamilton was being utilised more as a defender as the Buddies held the upper hand, but he was presented with a half chance in the 12th minute when he got on the end of a Jamie McCunnie cross, but his weak header was easily held by Saints goalkeeper Stevie Woods. There was a flurry of activity around the County goal midway through the first half. Hugh Miller headed wide from a John O'Neill cross, Lappin's close-range shot was cleared in front of goal by McCunnie, then Chris McGroarty's goal-bound effort was blocked by Martin Canning. Young Canning, who has just returned to the side after a long lay-off, was immense at the heart of the County defence alongside the more experienced Jim Lauchlan. County lost the services of the injured Mark McCulloch in the 32nd minute and he was replaced by Stephen O'Donnell. John Rankin had County's first real chance of the second half when he was put clean through by O'Donnell, but the former Manchester United player was put off his stride by Kevin McGowne and the chance was lost. Rankin came close again with a flashing shot and just shaved Wood's right hand post. County's fortunes changed for the better following the introduction of Winters in the 65th minute. The former Dundee United winger latched on to a through ball from fellow substitute Stewart Malcolm 11 minutes later and cleverly lifted the ball over the advancing Woods for a superb goal. |
| Ross County | |
| Manager | Alexander (Alex) Smith |
| Starting 11 | 1: Graeme Smith, 2: Martin Canning, 3: James Lauchlan, 4: John Rankin, 5: Jamie McCunnie, 6: Steven MacKay, 7: David Hannah, 8: Mark McCulloch, 9: Graham Bayne, 10: Steven McGarry, 11: James Hamilton |
| Bench | 0: Leslie Fridge, 0: Stuart Malcolm, 0: Stephen O'Donnell, 0: Conor Gethins, 0: David Winters 1 |
| Saint Mirren | |
| Manager | Gus MacPherson |
| Starting 11 | Stevie Woods, Kevin McGowne, David van Zanten, Kirk Broadfoot, Hugh Murray, Jon O'Neil, Simon Lappin, Martin Dempsie, Chris McGroarty, Brian McGinty, Andy Millen |
| Bench | Craig Hinchcliffe, Allan Russell, David McKenna, Robert Dunn, Ricky Gillies |