City arrived safely in Dingwall after a 4 hour journey. Only 13 players could make it, 11 outfield and 2 keepers - other members of squad had competing demands. Change of venue as the grass pitches beside the stadium were unplayable - the game was instead played on the 3G pitch at Dingwall Academy.
Weather interesting on the way up!
Away support look thrilled to be there - at least the sun was out!
Matteo offered captaincy to Struan who was watched by his Granny and Grandad in a match played at his Dad's old school. Awww!
City started a little anxiously, the long trip up took a bit out of them. Or maybe it was the singing? Battling performance though and only an absolute screamer from RC in the last minute gave them a 1-0 lead at end of 1st third. Probably deserved given the pressure they had exerted. Relax, calm down, etc.
Action from a City throw!
Second third City started brilliantly, playing some great stuff and dominated the opening spell. RC always looked dangerous on break and fired in 3 long range efforts, each one better than the other. City heads drop for a bit. A sliced clearance gave RC a chance to make it 4-0 in this third, with a cool finish. City regrouped and started to threaten - the best being when Afa flashed in a great cross, Struan slides in - good old fashioned tramash and somehow RC survived with the ball being cleared for a corner.
City press in the 2nd third of the match - but County score all the goals!
Stephen jumps in goals for final third with Sam the goalie playing outfield as the stretched squad begins to tire. Sam the goalie goes to left back and puts the RC forward on the floor with a silky turn. Another long range effort flies past Stephen, before he makes two great saves. Sam the converted goalie acrobatically clears another off the line with a flying back heeled volley! City press and press, RC keeper is brave, but eventually we score with a great left foot finish from Afa.
Surrounded! Proof that "Sam The Goalie" played outfield - in Jack's borrowed top!
Three more great chances for City with their keeper making an excellent one handed save from Afa, another from Struan before Matteo’s shot is blocked. Towards the end the game really stretched as both teams tired. The final third ends 1-1.
All smiles post match as both squads pose for the cameras.
Great game played in tremendous spirit. City wondering if the away goal will be crucial when County come to Edinburgh later in the season.
Post match we rushed down to the Ross County stadium where slurped some soup, scoffed some bread, mostly passed on the fruit and joined the action as Ross County faced Hearts. Our result was announced as part of the half time score check, and Hearts managed to find a winner with a few minutes to go.
Great view from the City squad seats!
