Ross County 4-0 Berwick

Apr 6 2008 Alasdair Fraser At Victoria Park

ROSS County skipper Stuart Golabek last night tipped his side to become a major First Division force next season.

The jubilant Highlanders danced with joy at full-time after a four-goal romp clinched a quick return to the league they crashed out of last season.

Golabek, who snubbed top-level sides to rejoin his first senior club after nine seasons at Inverness, felt yesterday's success vindicated the decision.

And he is convinced County can be serious contenders for promotion to the SPL next term.

The 33-year-old full-back, who has now completed his set of all three SFL titles, said: "It vindicates my coming here and vindicates the club's strategy.

"I had the chance to play at a higher level but I have good ties with the club.

"I was at Inverness for nine years and enjoyed a fair amount of success but I just felt I needed a new challenge.

"Ross County brought me that and I'm now fortunate enough to have skippered a team to a title.

"What a difference a year can make in football. After the low some of our lads suffered in being relegated, 12 months down the line it's just an incredible feeling.

"Next season we can do very well. You just have to look around this club and see the set-up.

"It's an SPL club in the making with facilities as good, if not better, than most in the lower half of that league."

While County smashed in four goals to batter Berwick, the home fans had to wait until the dying minutes before erupting as news arrived of Brechin's late winner over second-placed Airdrie.

There was plenty for them to cheer before that with County putting on a fine display of attacking football against already-relegated Berwick.

The Highlanders took just six minutes to get the opener.

The chance was laid on a plate for Dene Shields as Sean Higgins' corner bumped clumsily off Kevin McLeish's knees and was easily tucked under the bar.

The home side struck again right on half-time when Andy Barrowman rounded the keeper and slotted home to claim his 25th goal of the season.

The striker notched another from the spot in 64 minutes after Paul McMullan handled on the line with the Berwick defender red-carded for his efforts.

County were going through the motions by the time Paul Lawson smashed in a 25-yarder.

The 82nd-minute strike wrapped up the win only for the Jail End to explode in joy as Brechin's winner was announced.

Delighted County player-boss Derek Adams said: "When I took over I was asked to guide the team back up to the First Division and to do it with a bit of flair.

"It was no small task but fortunately we have had a group of players who were magnificent this season."

Berwick boss Michael Renwick said: "I can't fault the effort but I'm unhappy at the goal we lost."

HERO

DENE SHIELDS showed superb skills on the ball and brought power and incision to the County attack.

VILLAIN

KEVIN McLEISH'S clumsy clearance attempt early on set the tone for a miserable day for Berwick.