Ross County 4 - 2 Raith Rovers: Staggies march on with tenth win on the bounce

IRREPRESSIBLE Ross County made it ten wins in a row as they twice stormed back from behind to beat Raith Rovers.

The Highlanders held on to their nine-point advantage in the First Division title race with Colin McMenamin grabbing a second-consecutive double.

There were also goals from Rocco Quinn and Michael Gardyne at a rain-drenched Victoria Park.

Raith had lost only once in six visits to Victoria Park, winning four times, but County’s formidable form was reflected in a high-paced opening from the hosts.

But misfortune struck County after 11 minutes in Raith’s first real attack. Allan Walker scuffed a corner kick but, calamitously, the ball bobbled in off Stuart Kettlewell and Michael Fraser’s glove at the near post.

The action was frantic and County levelled after 27 minutes.

A fine passing move led to Michael Gardyne’s disguised pass setting up substitute Rocco Quinn to tuck home from eight yards.

County keeper Michael Fraser seemed at fault after 35 minutes when Raith again struck on the break.

A powerful Walker strike from the left channel caught Fraser off his line and the swerving 25-yard effort flew under the bar.

A good three minutes into first half stoppage time, County levelled again. Gary Miller’s excellent cross found McMenamin, who rose to angle in a header.

A tremendous piece of skill and chipped cross from Gardyne on the right then allowed McMenamin to rise and power in a close-range header.

Gardyne put the outcome beyond doubt with a tremendous swept finish from 20 yards after cutting in from the right.