Date	Saturday, 17 August 1929
Competition	Highland League
Fixture/Score	Ross County 2:1 Caledonian FC
Venue	Victoria Park
Referee	Mr Godsman
Ross County
Manager	Thomas (Tom) Pirie
Starting 11	1: John Gray, 2: R Johnstone, 3: Robert Munro, 4: Paulo Grant, 5: Thomas Pirie, 6: ??? MacLeman, 7: Paulo Grant, 8: Dave MacKenzie, 9: A Morrison, 10: Dick Traill 1, 11: Tom Young 1
Bench
Attendance
Match Report	Report from the Ross-shire Journal. Ross County 2 Caledonian 1 Ross County’s first game under Highland League auspices was played against Caledonian (Inverness) on Saturday at the new football ground, Victoria Park, Dingwall. Their entry was triumphant, in that they defeated their experienced and clever opponents by two goals to one. A wind and rain storm raged throughout the game, greatly hampering both sides. The County faced the elements in the first half, but they controlled the ball so well, and to such effect, that they hemmed the Caley into their own half. Continued pressure around the visitors’ goal brought the desired result, with Young, playing outside-left, scoring the first goal for the home side. His effort was a reward for good play and judicious feeding by Pirie. A second goal followed shortly after, with Young’s cross being headed in by Traill. Two down and with a decided advantage from the wind, the outlook for Caledonian was not good. However, Caley fought back fiercely. Time and again, dangerous raids on the home goal were brilliantly broken up by Johnstone and Munro, whose hefty kicking and the great length both players achieved against such a strong wind was a big relief to the defence. But Aird was not to be denied, and from a corner, he got the ball past Gray after a scrimmage in front of the goal mouth. Half-time came, but there was no further scoring. The second half saw Caley all out for the equaliser, and a victory if possible. Favoured by wind and rain, the home defence gave nothing away, however, and even a penalty kick against Johnstone was of no avail, with Gray blocking the ball on his knees. Throughout this half, play ranged from end to end, but both defences were too strong for the opposing forwards, and the game finished with Ross County determinedly holding on to their one-goal lead. Gray, in the County goal, was none too sure, but with Munro and Johnstone at back, the defence is safe. Both these players, on Saturday’s form, cannot be bettered. As already mentioned, their long kicking is invaluable. The half-backs, Macleman, Pirie, and Grant, had a gruelling time in the first half against a formidable and fast forward line, but their play left little room for improvement. Tom Pirie, the old Queen’s Park, Aberdeen, etc., player, as centre-half, is the mainstay of the side. His leading out and distribution of the ball was a pleasure to watch. Through his experienced assistance and advice, the best was brought out of the forwards. As a defender, he is par excellence. The County are to be congratulated on securing the services of such a fine player. Paul Grant’s display at right-half marked him out as the great player he undoubtedly is. In Macleman (left-half), the County have a half-back of good physique and stamina, who will undoubtedly improve as the season passes. The forwards did not knit well together, but it is too soon to expect a good combined display yet. An outside-right will have to be found; otherwise, the line cannot be expected to give a good account of themselves. Although primarily a half-back, Tommy Young, on the day’s play, has blossomed into a competent and clever outside-left. He responded well to Pirie’s leading-out passes, and from him came the greatest danger to the visitors’ defence. The inside men, Traill, Morrison, and Mackenzie, gave a good, sound display, especially Traill, whose work both in defence and attack is polished and effective. Caledonian, although beaten, were the more finished side. Macgregor and Blyth are excellent backs. Brewster, of International fame, was the star half, but has worthy supports. Forward, the Caley are a quick-moving crowd, with good understanding, and with Aird (Alness) as pivot, they have a centre who allows no lapses on the side of a defence to go unpunished.