Airdrieonians 0 Ross County 1: A turning point for the Staggies in their quest to beat the drop?

Should Ross County ultimately preserve Championship status come the end of the season, they may look back on this victory over Airdrie as being somewhat pivotal in any escape from relegation.

Stuart Kettlewell’s resurgent side, who celebrated back-to-back wins for the first time this season, left North Lanarkshire with three massive points safely in the bag, courtesy of substitute Kieran Phillips’ decisive 87th minute header.

Defeat against Aaron Taylor-Sinclair’s side would have left County still languishing at the foot of the table amid an already turbulent season which saw Kettlewell return to Victoria Park for his second spell in charge in late December, following the dismissal of former boss Tony Docherty.

But this was the kind of gritty display, which included overcoming the disappointment of having Alex Lacovitti’s 71st minute header disallowed, which gives genuine cause for optimism among the Highland club when it comes to assessing their actual prospects of staying up.

A third clean sheet in a row was also achieved on a day when Trevor Carson was rarely tested, and much of that was down to the newfound resolve and determination which has coincided with Kettlewell being back at the helm, and something that contributed significantly to them moving off the foot of the table at the weekend.

While nobody in Dingwall is in any danger of getting carried away, there are undoubtedly brighter times ahead if they can keep churning out performances like this between now and the end of the current campaign.

Kettlewell said: “Everyone knows the need and willingness to pick up points. That speaks for itself.

“I’ve said it to the players though. We’ve done absolutely nothing.

“We can enjoy this victory. Now we can get back into work on Monday in the same vein.

“I’m seeing small shoots of improvement from the group and individuals alike.

“That’s the way we need to go. Confidence is massive in this game and I think you can see the players starting to believe in themselves.”

No more than the Staggies deserved

The goal which finally secured victory was simplicity in itself but one which was cherished nevertheless as County made their way back up the A9 on Saturday evening.

Ryan Duncan, the on-loan midfielder from Aberdeen, delivered a textbook corner for Kieran Phillips to rise and nod past Harry Stone, the on-loan Hearts keeper who’s currently enjoying some much-needed game-time with the Diamonds.

It was no less than they deserved and the signs previous to arriving in Airdrie suggested that the visitors’ resurgence had every chance of continuing.

Although they didn’t quite manage to progress in the Scottish Cup the previous weekend when they went down 1-0 at Motherwell, serious encouragement had been taken from the manner in which they kept the Steelmen at bay.

Jay Henderson, for one, looked lively from the very outset and his endless energy seemed to mirror all that is now positive about this Staggies side.

On the stroke of half-time, Len O’Sullivan’s long ball forward caught the Airdrie defence napping, allowing Henderson to latch onto it. He lobbed the ball over Stone’s head for  what looked like being a classic effort, but it just cleared the crossbar by a matter of inches.

County’s mettle was put further to the test when they had to ensure the disappointment of Alex Lacovitti’s 71st minute header from Duncan’s free-kick being disallowed for a push inside the box.

But they got their just rewards late on. Duncan’s tempting free-kick was perfect for Phillips to execute in the air and a reminder to his manager of what he’s capable of, having initially been forced to settle for a place on the bench.

Nothing is ever achieved in the month of January. What is evident, though, is the fact Kettlewell’s side seem to be improving with each passing game.

There will be many more tough tests along the way – including this Saturday’s trip to face Morton at Cappielow – but you do get the feeling they are more than ready to assume the challenge. That, in itself, is half the battle.

[Source: Press and Journal]