Ross County 4 - 0 Inverurie Loco Works: County turn up heat after break to see off Inverurie

ROSS County steamed past Locos with an accomplished second-half display following Inverurie's dogged performance which offered little to threaten the First Division side.

A blistering start by County saw them probe the Locos defence from kick-off, with Garry Wood's pressure producing an early effort. The ball broke for Martin Scott 20 yards out and the County midfielder saw his effort cannon off the left upright and fly clear of the Inverurie box.

County made the breakthough on 37 minutes as Steven Craig scored with a simple tap-in from five yards before they eased any worries of an upset shortly after the re-start.

Inverurie won their first corner, but a poor cross was collected by Michael Gardyne, who carried the ball a full 70 yards before crossing for Martin Scott. Inverurie defender Michael Morrison conceded a foul with a poor lunge and Scott Morrison curled the free-kick into the left corner.

In the 55th minute County got their third, Gary Miller setting up Craig's second as the striker shot home from 15 yards out into the left corner.

County defender Miller rounded off the win in 73 minutes with a composed finish from just inside the box after the unselfish Craig returned the favour.

Ross County: McGovern, Miller, S Morrison, Scott, Boyd (Watt 60), Keddie, Gardyne (Kettlewell 77), Lawson, Craig, Brittain, Wood (Vigurs 69). Subs not used: Malin, Di Giacomo.

Inverurie Locos: Reid, Park, Buchan, Wilson, Merriman, M Morrison, McLean, Davidson (Broadhurst 46), Gauld (Djhansovzi 70), Ross, Bisset (Neill 46). Subs not used: Ainslie, Singer. Booked: McLean.

Ref: F McDermott. Att: 835.