It was a dismal day for Motherwell as Ross County enjoyed their first win in the last four attempts. We now have a share of 11th place and only a distant memory of the short lived boost generated by the new manager.
Laing partnered Kennedy at the back with McManus suspended and Taylor got a rare start at the expense of Chalmers. We got the game in motion in chilly Dingwall but there was little action as both teams started cautiously.
We earned a corner after 10 minutes and County tested Ripley with a shot from Dingwall as the home side began to show. They had the ball in the net when Boyce got on the end of a cross from Woods by we were save by the assistant’s flag.
There was no stopping Curran’s turn and volley after 20 minutes. It flew into the top right corner giving the ‘keeper no chance of a save.
Moult lead the charge for an equaliser with a header on target but it was Ainsworth who had the best chance following a run that took him to the edge of the box. He had McDonald available but elected to shoot and Woods did well to turn the ball for a corner.
Ross County had a couple of early half chances after the restart but a characteristic run from Pearson seemed to have opened the home defence with a low drive across the six yard line that was inches from Moult. Almost any connection would have levelled the score.
Around the hour the manager made a double substitution in an attempt to turn the game. Taylor cheered the small band of travelling fans when he made way for Robinson then Ainsworth was replaced by Cadden.
But before the new formation could settle we lost the second. Dingwall skipped through our back line then rounded Ripley to knock the ball into the gaping net.
County stiffened their lines with a couple of substitutions and might have scored a third but a one-two between Woods and Boyce ended with a save. Laing charged up the park and let loose from 30 yards but the spectacular effort missed the target.
Grimshaw had an attempt at a consolation in the 89th minute but from a tight angle he blasted at the ‘keeper. Two minutes later Kennedy tripped Boyce inside our area and the converted the spot kick to deliver a convincing 3-0 defeat.
The manager must now have a clear idea of players that will fit into his plan for the rest of the season. We may see a few changes in January.
Ross County 3 Motherwell 0
Attendance 3,378
Team: Ripley, Grimshaw, Laing, Ainsworth, Pearson, Johnson, Kennedy, Law, Moult, Taylor(Robinson 59), McDonald