Ross County boss Stuart Kettlewell’s reaction after ‘solid start’ to league campaign with victory at Peterhead
The Staggies boss admitted it was the 'poorest performance' from his team so far this season but Brian Graham's goal proved enough to win at Balmoor.
Stuart Kettlewell felt Ross County claimed three points against Peterhead despite posting their poorest performance so far this season in their League One opener.
The Staggies began life in the third tier with a solitary-goal victory at Balmoor, courtesy of skipper Brian Graham’s strike midway through the second half.
Following their relegation from the Championship last term, County came into the league campaign with momentum behind them after winning all their pre-season fixtures, before taking 11 points from a possible 12 to win their League Cup group section.
Kettlewell says his side did not reach the standards already set – but was thrilled to emerge victorious from a tricky encounter.
The County boss said: “You’ve only got to look at a week ago, when a Premiership side in Kilmarnock came here and didn’t win the game.
“We always knew it was going to be a tough test for us – but we could have made it so much easier at times.
“We were a bit slow and ponderous in possession, and didn’t show that cutting edge we’ve had in the early part of the season.
“There were a lot of teachable moments for us, in what the league is about and how competitive it’s going to be.
“I would imagine a League One side coming out of the League Cup group has gathered a little bit of traction, in the fashion we have done.
“What folk would also look for, is that we fall flat on our face.
“That’s our poorest performance by quite some distance, across all the pre-season and League Cup games.
“But the main thing for us was to come away with three points, and get off to a solid start in the league campaign.”
The sides were meeting for the first time since County were last in the third tier in 2008.
The Blue Toon brought in Adam Carnwath and Cammy Smith to replace Tobias Davies-Browne and Lyall Keir from the side which started against Killie the previous week.
County also showed one change from the side which had started all four group section games to reach the last-16, with Luke McCarvel drafted in for his first start in place of Richard Chin.
The Blue Toon looked to unsettle the Staggies in their first League One outing, with Niall McGinn flashing an effort over on 10 minutes.
County grew into the game with Jack Turner’s lay-off setting up Graham for a low strike which was well saved at the second attempt by Jack Newman on 22 minutes.
The game flowed from end-to-end throughout the remainder of the first half, with Cammy Smith flicking an effort just over for the hosts, before Lewis Strapp saw an effort thwarted by Newman, and Graham hooked another effort over on the stroke of half-time.
The Staggies began the second half on the front foot, with skipper Graham seeing an effort hacked off the line by Josh Kerr.
Graham was not to be denied on 66 minutes when he was on hand to apply a clinical finish past Newman after being picked out by Adam Emslie’s cross from the right.
Peterhead threatened an instant reply when Blair Yule’s powerful low drive was parried by Brad Foster, who did well to smother the rebound from Seb Ross.
Midfielder Ross had another sight of goal when he was slipped in by Smith on 75 minutes, but he could not keep his effort down.
The Blue Toon continued to push, with skipper Jason Brown sending a free header straight at Foster from a corner.
Brown takes positives from display
Peterhead co-manager Jordon Brown felt his side was unfortunate to leave empty-handed.
He said: “There wasn’t too much in the game. The hardest thing in football is scoring a goal, and we are just finding it slightly difficult at the moment.
“We limited Ross County to minimal chances. The guys did really well against Brian Graham, but we gave him one opportunity in the box and he punished us.
“Ross County came here on the back of an outstanding League Cup campaign, but they will hopefully know they have been in a game.
“We feel like we are not far away, but it’s ultimately a disappointing defeat.”
Peterhead v Ross County player ratings
Peterhead (4-4-2): Newman; Carnwath (Davies-Browne 67), Brown, Kerr, Strachan; Teklemichael (Keir 56), Forrest, Yule, Ross (Megginson 76); Smith (Mackie 76), McGinn (To 67).
Subs not used: McKelvie, Carrol, Jackson-Luyeye.
Ross County (4-1-4-1): Foster; Smith (Forrester 59), Wright, Reid, Strapp; Docherty (Randall 67); McCarvel (Chin 59), Turner (Jamieson 59), Lindsay, Emslie (MacLeod 85); Graham.
Subs not used: Wade, Phillips, Williamson, Reid.
Referee: Cameron Stirling
Attendance: 738
Man of the match: Lewis Strapp
[Source: Press and Journal]
