First Dvision: County’s chance to cash in on rivals dropping points

LEADERS Ross County were idle at the weekend as their match with Morton was postponed due to Victoria Park being waterlogged and, with no team picking up a win in the four games that were played, this coming Saturday could be a significant day in the pursuit of the title.

Weather permitting, County will use up one of the three games they have in hand over their closest rivals by facing Livingston and a win for the Dingwall side would see them take advantage of both Falkirk and Dundee dropping points to move five points clear. It is the second and third-placed clubs’ turn to miss out on First Division action next weekend as their meeting has been postponed due to the Bairns’ Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final with Celtic.

Falkirk may well view the point they picked up at Raith Rovers in their 2-2 draw as a point gained as they were staring defeat in the face after 33 minutes with the Kirkcaldy men two goals to the good. Grant Murray volleyed in on 27 minutes and, six minutes later, John Baird headed in via the woodwork.

Farid El Alagui got Falkirk back into things before half-time when he dived to head home and captain Darren Dods rose to meet a free-kick to nod in an equaliser on 63 minutes.

Manager Steven Pressley said: “We stuck to our playing philosophy despite being two goals down and I am proud of my squad again. It was a cracking game and a great advert for the First Division.”

Raith manager John McGlynn added: “We had to hang in there in the second half and our boys showed great character.”

Both goalkeepers were on top at Firhill as Partick Thistle and Dundee played out a goalless draw. The home side’s Scott Fox denied Gavin Rae early on, with Rab Douglas starring in the second period when he made fine saves from Stephen O’Donnell before showing quick reflexes to keep out a Kris Doolan effort.

Hamilton also came back from two goals down to grab a point in their 2-2 draw with Ayr United at Somerset Park. It looked like the Honest Men were going to head into their Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final with Kilmarnock on the back of a win after Adam Dodd curled in a free-kick and Eddie Malone netted. But Accies got back into things within a minute of the restart with Greig Spence tapping home before Danny Redmond burst past two defenders to score.

Livingston and Queen of the South also drew 2-2 in a feisty contest in West Lothian. The Doonhamers took the lead when Tom Brighton netted after a mistake by home goalkeeper Andy McNeil, but Livingston were level before half-time when Liam Fox marked becoming Livingston’s record appearance holder by shooting home.

Bobby Barr set up Stefan Scougall with 18 minutes left to give Gary Bollan’s men the lead, but Ryan McGuffie ensured a share of the spoils with a penalty ten minutes later, with the dismissal of the visiting Craig Reid just before the end not altering the outcome.