Date	Saturday, 19 April 2003
Competition	Scottish League Division 1
Fixture/Score	Ross County 2:0 Saint Mirren
Venue	Victoria Park
Attendance	1,967
Referee	John Fleming
Comments	Match Report Report from the Press & Journal. Ross County 2 Saint Mirren 0 Steven McGarry swept away months of misery and self doubt with a finish which could spell danger for the club he worshipped as a youngster. The Ross County forward was quick to dedicate his first goal for the club to the fans, players and staff who have stuck by him through 35 barren appearances. But McGarry knowns his goal against former club St Mirren caused mixed emotions for his biggest supporter, Buddies-daft dad Tom. McGarry's father, who was seated among the away fans, didn't know whether to give his boy a bear hug or clip him around the ear. He settled for a handshake and pat on the back after a result which threatens to drag the Paisley man into Ross County and Alloa's First Division relegation dogfight. McGarry admitted: "It's not easy for dad as he lives and breathes St Mirren. Some of the County boys couldn't believe it when they saw him in his Saints strip among the away support. "First and foremost, though, he's my dad and he was delighted for me. "It felt brilliant to finally score for Ross County. It feels like a weight has lifted. After losing seven games in a row, the whole place will take a huge lift. "I've been trying my best all year and putting everything into it, But it happens in football that your confidence goes. I'm only human and can only do my best. "The pressure was building up and up and the relief I'm feeling now is quite amazing." McGarry spent six years playing for his heroes St Mirren until a disagreement with previous manager Tom Hendrie. He stressed: "I've always had a great relationship with the St Mirren fans, even since I left, and I was brought up following the club. "So I was a bit surprised to hear them have a go at me, although it is understandable. This result keeps the threat of relegation alive for them. I always look out for their results and I hope they survive." Kick-off was delayed for 30 minutes after a road accident blocked the Kessock Bridge and delayed Saints' arrival. David Hannah, improving his fitness with every game, was unlucky to hit the post for County with a header early on. Another former Dundee United player, David Winters, also had his best game for the club and played a big part in the opening goal. He showed great control as he surged across from the left before slipping a pass to Steve Ferguson, who hit the target from the angle of the box with a raking shot into the far corner. McGarry's clincher, a clinical 15-yard strike, came after 78 minutes and the cheer from the County support was deafening as it ensured County would stay ahead of second-bottom Alloa on goal difference. County manager Alex Smith said: "I was really delighted for McGarry. With every game it was getting harder for him, but this should ease the pressure. "I thought David Hannah, Steven Ferguson and David Winters, who hadn't really done it for us before, were outstanding. The young lads who came in, Sean Higgins and Craig Campbell, were also superb. "We created a lot of chances, defended well and got our reward."
Ross County
Manager	Alexander (Alex) Smith
Starting 11	1: Anthony (Tony) Bullock, 2: Hugh Robertson, 3: Brian Irvine, 4: David Hannah, 5: Steven Ferguson 1, 6: Steven MacKay, 7: Mark McCulloch, 8: Sean Higgins, 9: Conor Gethins, 10: David Winters, 11: Craig Campbell
Bench	0: Leslie Fridge, 0: Michael Bolochoweckyj, 0: Kevin McLeish, 0: Graham Bayne, 0: Steven McGarry 1
Saint Mirren
Manager	John Coughlin
Starting 11	Kris Robertson, Greig Denham 1, Jamie McGowan, Kirk Broadfoot, Ally Mitchell, Simon Lappin, Paul McHale, Mark Dempsie 1, Brian McGinty, Scott McLean, Martin Cameron
Bench	Paul Rudden, Chris Kerr, Mark Roberts, Billy Bald, Jamie Dunbar