Ross County 4 - 0 Ayr United

FOR a team who feel they have squandered six points at home already this season, the league table looks pleasant enough for Ross County.

The Highlanders banished wasteful tendencies on their own turf with this comprehensive win, which takes them into second place.

Sam Morrow, the former Hibs and Tranmere striker, made his first County start in place of injured Michael Gardyne and it was to be a scoring home debut for the Northern Irishman – although the creative Iain Vigurs was perhaps the real stand-out in an all-round strong team display.

With five minutes gone Vigurs split the Ayr defence with a clever through pass.

Morrow glimpsed goal but instead squared to Richard Brittain, who powered home a low left-foot strike from 12 yards.

Morrow’s diagonal ball in from the right after 25 minutes almost teed up Colin McMenamin, but the ball skidded just too fast in the pelting rain for the striker to control.

Two minutes later, Vigurs forced a fingertip save from Kevin Cuthbert with a dig from distance and, just before the break, Brittain fluffed a good chance after being sent through on the keeper.

An angled Morrow strike was also touched over the bar by Cuthbert.

County dictated into the second half and deservedly claimed a second after 63 minutes. Brittain’s corner broke in the box and Paul Lawson sent a left-foot rocket into the roof of the net from 15 yards.

Five minutes later, Morrow got the goal he deserved to kill the tie. Vigurs’ pass released him and he wound a path through the away defence to slot low past Cuthbert.

Vigurs then slid in for the fourth from substitute Kurtis Byrne’s cross.