Despite the rain and the heavy wind, Ross County got off to a flying start with a 1-0 victory against their Edinburgh rivals Hibs in this closely fought SPFL Development League game.

 

With under a minute on the clock, Sean Brennan in the Hibs net had to be wary as Christopher McLaughlan's cross come shot was just a whisker away from hitting the target. But Brennan was soon to be tested three times in the space of four minutes. 

 

First up, Blair Malcolm ran strongly towards goal before cleverly finding Greg Morrison with a neat through-ball, but Brennan held Morrison's shot comfortably. Next up, it was Malcolm's turn to unleash a powerful left footed drive which was expertly tipped round the post by the young keeper. Darren Holden was next, but his tame effort was easily gathered by Brennan.

 

Hibs' first real attack came 20 minutes in when Insall unleashed a drive from distance, but it was not enough to beat Mark Foden in the County goal. Just five minutes later the perseverance of the Staggies got a reward. 

 

Holden's deep cross was headed away by Kevin Waugh, but only as far as Malcolm who showed us what he was capable of. The young winger unleashed a stunning left footed curler which he buried in the top left hand corner, beating the outstretched arm of Brennan to give County a deserved lead.

 

Morrison was causing the young Hibees all sorts of problems, but just could not find the net. Chances with a strong header and then a long range drive were passed up by the pacey striker just before the half hour mark. 

 

But Hibs were not out of it yet. Farrid El-Alagui saw a powerful shot just tipped wide of the post by Foden, before Aaron Smith's low drive was again tipped round the post.

Unlike in the first period, Hibs got off to a flying start in the second half. A lot of free flowing football from the Easter Road youngsters lead to Jamie Insall's strike going wide of the target. Just a minute later Foden produced another good save to deny Oliver Shaw.

 

Holden came close up the other end as County hit Hibs on the counter, but his shot was directed wide. Another chance fell to Holden again, as the Highlanders attempted to kill the game off, but this time his shot hit the side netting. 

 

However, Hibs reminded the hosts they were still in it with several attempts at goal through El Alagui and Shaw, although both fired wide. Hibs should really have drawn level with 15 minutes left to play. A case of pinball in the hosts' box saw the ball bounce fortuitously to Waugh, but he somehow headed onto the bar as County desperately tried to keep Hibs out. 

 

Foden then produced another smart save following good attacking play down the right from Hibs. Brennan launched the ball down the right to set up a surging run from Aaron Dunsmore, who he unleashed a strong right footed drive, but Foden got down well to foil the right back. 

 

With literally the last kick of the game, El-Alagui had the perfect chance to equalise for the away side. Shaw won a free kick right on the edge of the box. However, the big striker slipped and his shot went well wide of the target, allowing County to hold on for a much needed three points.

 

Sheer determination, and taking the chances when they came, was the key to the Staggies' win in the face of a strong fight from Hibs and they will hope they can build on a very impressive performance.