Match report as Ross County edge past Kilmarnock in the cinch Premiership, courtesy of a Simon Murray header
Saturday 2 September 2023 20:31, UK
Simon Murray's second-half header was enough to give Ross County a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, where there was a late refereeing controversy.
The striker capitalised on some poor Killie marking to head Yan Dhanda's dangerous cross past Will Dennis in the 53rd minute.
Kilmarnock thought they had equalised with five minutes remaining as defender Stuart Findlay headed home.
However, referee Kevin Clancy had already blown for a penalty - which Danny Armstrong then failed to convert.
Killie had enjoyed more of the ball, but struggled to create chances in a match which also saw referee Clancy reverse an earlier decision to award the visitors a penalty after a VAR intervention.
Aside from an early opening for Thomas Davies which was deflected wide, neither side was able to create anything clear-cut.
There was, though, a moment of drama in the 38th minute as Findlay tackled Murray in the penalty area and referee Clancy pointed straight to the spot.
However, it appeared the Kilmarnock defender had played the ball and VAR Greg Aitken called Clancy over to the pitchside monitor where he quickly reversed his decision.
Spurred on by their reprieve, Killie surged forward and Brad Lyons saw his flicked attempt parried away by County keeper Ross Laidlaw.
At the start of the second half, Matty Kennedy looked to inject some quality, picking up the ball and driving at the County defence before firing a left-footed shot just wide.
Ross County had offered little as an attacking threat, but they took the lead on 53 minutes.
Dhanda delivered a threatening free-kick from the right and Murray got free of a static home defence to head in at the near post from six yards.
Kilmarnock looked to respond, but they almost found themselves 2-0 down just after the hour mark as Jack Baldwin's persistence created an opportunity for Jordan White, who could only side-foot over from eight yards out.
The home side introduced Andrew Dallas for his debut in the 66th minute and they bombarded the County box with crosses, but the ball just would not drop for them.
Kyle Magennis tested Laidlaw with a dipping shot from distance on 82 minutes before the late penalty drama.
Findlay appeared to have headed Killie level from Armstrong's free-kick.
However, amidst confusion, the referee had already awarded a penalty to the hosts instead for a shirt pull on Lyons.
Kilmarnock were enraged - and their frustration was multiplied when Armstrong saw his poor penalty well saved by Laidlaw low to his right.
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: "Kevin (Clancy) apologised and admitted he made a huge mistake. These guys are serious about their profession so he will not be feeling good about himself.
"An apology is something. He said he wasn't expecting Stuart Findlay to score the goal, but it is not his job to expect things. We should be expecting the referee to let the phase of play continue as we are told at every meeting.
"That is why VAR is supposed to be there. If he has blown before the ball has crossed the line that is a penalty, but the laws are wrong and we should be able to reverse it.
"By his own admission the referee has made a huge mistake. Then to compound things, Danny (Armstrong) has missed the penalty when he has been brilliant from the spot for us.
"It should have been a point, but due to us not being at our best and the referee not being at his best we have nothing from the game."
Ross County manager Malky Mackay: "I've got four forwards here I am really happy with. We've scored goals so far, but we are also not being clinical enough.
"We had great chances at Celtic Park, against St Johnstone and against Rangers. We have got to take these chances - I'm not talking about half chances.
"At 2-0 - the place dampens. This is a tough place to come at the best of times.
"But I am really proud of my team, because it's a real statement of intent coming to Kilmarnock and winning like that."
The Scottish Premiership takes an international break with Kilmarnock returning to action at home to Hibernian on September 16.
Ross County are at home to Livingston on the same day. Both games kick-off at 3pm.
