Saints found out early on that the County goalkeeper, on loan from Rangers (!) made Kris Robertson and Derek Scrimgour look competent. His kicking was awful, and he was awful at saving. When he was giving free kicks (usually because someone went within 5 yards of one of his flaps at a corner) he decided to chuck the ball to the edge of the box when the offence was on the goal line!
Saints dominated the first half and only managed 1 goal. Robert Dunn had a great chance to score his first Saints goal and, with all the time in the world, he found the stand behind the goal with fine precision. Saints forced a precision of corners, showing just how dodgy the County goalkeeper was. A goal was coming and it came, once again, from Ricky Gillies.
County failed to clear their lines, the ball was played across to Gillies at the edge of the box and he smashed it home, a shot even a competent keeper would have struggled with. Ricky now has 9 goals for the season and should be captain. I would like to apologise for slating Ricky last season as he is in outstanding form.
Saints continued to press but didn't get much. The second half was pretty much a non event, with both teams creating openins but lacking any sort of cutting edge in front of goals, Saints being especially guilty. Ross County were reduced to ten men, and when that happened it was obvious Saints wouldn't win. We always struggle against ten men, and were made to pay for the missed chances.
With sod all time remaining, former Saint Steven McGarry crossed from the right. The County striker had three attempts, the first two blocked by a combination of Craig Hinchcliffe and a defender, the third tapped into the goal for the equaliser. And thats how it finished.
A draw was probably fair, and based on the team (missing any proper strikers) I'd have taken it beforehand. However, the way we ended up with a draw was disappointing. We need another striker, either a permanent striker or a loan signing. Barry Lavety was nowhere to be seen, presumably injured. Oh what we'd give for an on form and fit Basher.