Ross County 0 - 2 Partick Thistle: Doolan double lifts Thistle

Published on Tuesday 10 March 2009 23:44

KRIS Doolan's fine double in Dingwall kept Partick Thistle on the trail of leaders St Johnstone.

The Maryhill men finally drew blood against their bogey team with the 22-year-old signed from juniors Auchinleck Talbot in January emerging as hero. The two goals, in a 90-second spell in the second half, took his tally to five since moving to the First Division.

Ross County had to make a last-minute change, with Derek Soutar replaced in goal by young Joe Malin after the warm-up.

Craig Brewster, making his fourth start for County, was soon influential as the home team took complete control.

But after County missed a series of chances, Scott Chaplain and Steven Watt both clearing off the line, Partick started the second half positively.

Malin producing a stunning save to deny Mark Twaddle's close-range header, and Doolan shot narrowly wide. But the striker soon made amends.

Twaddle's driven cutback was stabbed past Malin by Doolan as he flew into the six-yard box. Just 90 seconds later, Doolan was sent free in the box and calmly tucked a low shot into the net.

Ross County: Malin; Corrigan, Dowie, Watt, Golabek; Scott (Daal 74), McCulloch, Strachan (Gardyne 80); Craig, Brewster, Higgins. Subs not used: Soutar, Lawson, Keddie. Booked: Watt 18, Corrigan 67

Partick Thistle: Tuffey; Storey, Robertson, Archibald, Twaddle; McKeown, Chaplain (Paton 66), Rowson, Harkins; Akins (McKinlay 80), Doolan. Subs: Hinchcliffe, McKinlay, Kinniburgh, Little. Booked: McKinlay 88

Referee: W Collum. Att: 2,017.