Hamilton 0 - 2 Ross County: Ross County edge close to SPL dream

Ross County’s seemingly inexorable rise to Scottish football’s top tier continued yesterday with a comprehensive victory at New Douglas Park, the site of their last league defeat.

That came way back in August and, by prevailing yesterday, they set a new unbeaten record for the First Division of 24 matches.

The visitors wasted no time in imposing their authority on this contest, Colin McMenamin firing them into the lead from inside the six-yard box after finding himself on the end of Scott Morrison’s cross-shot.

Central defender Scott Boyd added a second nine minutes later, heading home a Richard Brittain cross.

Having established their early superiority, County seemed content to conserve their energy, confident that Hamilton lacked the guile or gumption to breach their defence.

The Highlanders now have two home matches in the next week, against Morton on Tuesday and Falkirk next Saturday. Victory in both games would all but confirm their place in the SPL next season.

“It was important that we started well and put them under pressure,” said County manager Derek Adams. “Those early goals deflated them and they never troubled us after that. We’ve given ourselves a good opportunity to do well and I want us to remain undefeated for the rest of the season. That’s my priority.”

“They’re clinical and that’s why they are where they are,” said Accies boss Billy Reid.