Ross County 2-1 St Johnstone

Jul 27 2008 John Rose at Victoria Park

CHALLENGE Cup champs St Johnstone fell at the first hurdle as newly-promoted County put Derek McInnes' side to the sword.

Second-half strikes from David Winters and Sean Higgins did the damage as Saints struggled to contain the swift passing moves of their fellow First Division challengers.

County had their first clear sight at goal in 19 minutes after a neat passing move involving Higgins and Adam Strachan allowed Winters to burst into the box.

The striker looked certain to score but Liam Craig nicked it off Winters' foot with a last-gasp challenge.

County keeper Tony Bullock was then forced into a save from an off-balance Collin Samuel after the striker replaced the injured Stevie Milne.

The Dingwall side responded and a volley from Higgins had to be pushed away by Saints stopper Euan McLean. Ex-Celtic youngster Gary Irvine then gave Bullock a fright with an ambitious 40-yard free-kick that skidded just past.

There was a two-minute delay at the end of the half after Paul Lawson accidentally blasted the ball at ref Craig Thomson as the official blew his whistle and knocked his tooth out.

County made the breakthrough eight minutes after the restart when Richie Hart's cross found Winters at the far post and the striker managed to hook the ball home despite the best efforts of Stuart McCaffrey on the line.

Saints were swift in their response and four minutes later Derek Holmes' knockdown was volleyed just wide by Samuel with County keeper Bullock rooted to the spot.

But in 65 minutes Higgins left the cup holders facing an uphill struggle. Scott Boyd's up-and-under was taken down by the striker who twisted his way past Irvine and ran in on goal to fire past McLean from 10 yards.

Mark McCulloch handed the Perth side a chance to get back into the game when he conceded a free-kick near the box.

Craig's initial ball was cleared and Gavin Swankie hit a first-time effort from 30 yards which flew past Bullock's left post.

Saints did grab one back in 84 minutes as striker Samuel caught County napping. A high ball over the top of Andy Dowie found the Trinidad star and he swept home for a consolation.

County boss Derek Adams said: "We've players throughout the team who can take the ball and pass it and you'll do well to find a fitter team in this division.

"This win sets us up nicely for Dundee at home next week."

Saints boss McInnes said: "There were few positive to take from the game. There's no excuses, we should have enough to come here and win.

"If we keep losing goals like that we won't achieve our objective this season which is promotion."