BILLY McKAY’S return to the Highlands, where he played for Inverness Caledonian Thistle, did not end in the manner the Northern Ireland international had hoped on his debut for Dundee United.
McKay, signed on loan from Wigan until the end of the season, was unable to supply the necessary cutting edge to deny Ross County a third victory in six starts.
First-half goals from Liam Boyce — his fifth of the campaign — and Andrew Davies were enough to push County over the line after Sean Dillon had eaten into their lead midway through the second half of what was a highly entertaining spectacle.
Both goalkeepers were called into action early, Luis Zwick beating out a shot from Boyce before Blair Spittal forced Scott Fox to stretch his full length to stop a free-kick from 30 yards.
United were perhaps a little more thoughtful in their approach play but County carried a greater threat when they counterattacked.
Advertisement
Jonathan Franks was especially effective running at the defence and it was his cross that led to the home side taking the lead from the penalty spot after 16 minutes, as a result of Mark Durnan’s hand ball.
Boyce — called into Northern Ireland’s squad for the forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifying matches against the Faroe Island and Hungary — converted the penalty.
The fragility of the United players’ mindset following a rocky start to the season was evident in their hesitancy in the immediate aftermath of the goal, but they gradually recovered some confidence and Paul Dixon and Ryan Gow tested Fox in turn.
County appeared more self-assured though and when Franks attacked the defence was exposed once again. In the event, Franks’ failure to shoot on sight allowed the opposition to regroup and Ryan McGowan was able to make a goal-line clearance when the midfielder eventually elected to have a go.
But it turned out to be only the briefest of respites for the Tayside team. Franks quickly reasserted himself and, spotting Andrew Davies unmarked, the Englishman delivered a cross into the penalty box for the County captain to first-time a shot past Zwick.
Advertisement
The general expectation was that United would focus on limiting the damage, but the match once again became a contest after 61 minutes.
There was no obvious danger when Spittal crossed for Sean Dillon in space 35 yards out. But the United captain looked up and let loose in one flowing movement, giving Fox no chance.
The United players were immediately imbued with belief that they might salvage something and Fox had to push a shot from Spittal onto his crossbar, but that was as close as they came to an equaliser.
Star man: Jonathan Franks (Ross County)
Ross County: Fox 7, Fraser 6, Robertson 6, Davies 7, Reckord 6, Franks 8 (Foster 70min 5), Irvine 7, Quinn 6, Curran 6 (McShane 67min 5), Boyce 7, Gardyne 6 (Murdoch 79min 5)
Advertisement
Dundee Utd: Zwick 7, McGowan 6, Durnan 6, Dillon 6, Dixon 6 (Donaldson 59min 5), Souttar 6 (Fraser 59min 5), Rankin 7, Spittal 7, Dow 6, Erskine 6 (Bodul 74min 5), McKay 7