Kilmarnock 1-0 Ross County: Killie go four unbeaten as the Staggies stay bottom
A 20th minute strike from Daniel Armstrong was enough to see Kilmarnock extend their unbeaten run in the Premiership to four matches. Derek McInnes’s men remain in 10th place, but they are now three points clear of County who are propping up the division. The Staggies are level on points with Dundee United, but behind the Terrors on goal-difference.
The hosts started strongly despite being without star striker Kyle Lafferty who was serving the first game of a ten-match suspension. However, Killie did not need the experience of Lafferty to see them through this game. With 20 minutes played, former Ross County winger Daniel Armstrong put them in front with a composed finish past Ross Laidlaw for his seventh goal of the campaign. Armstrong has gone from being a fringe player to a key man for the Ayrshire side in recent months. By comparison, he only scored two goals last season, albeit his opportunities were rather limited.
The Rugby Park side controlled the first half, but the visitors certainly had the majority of the chances in the second period. Killie ‘keeper Zach Hemming was called into action on numerous occasions as the hosts struggled to cope. The pace of Owura Edwards caught Killie napping, but they held on by remaining fairly tight at the back.
The game was far from a classic. It was a typical relegation six-pointer with two teams desperate not to lose. Statistically speaking, the game was relatively even, although after watching the game, a draw would’ve been somewhat harsh on Kilmarnock.
Kilmarnock manager, Derek McInnes said: “I thought it was a mixed bag. We came out of the traps brilliantly and imposed ourselves. We had umpteen chances and thankfully Danny {Armstrong] is confident at the moment and I could see that with the finish."
Ross County manager, Malky Mackay said: “I thought we came down and did really well. It was always going to be a tough game, but we had numerous chances in the second half.
"But we have got to be clinical and that is my takeaway. I am proud of the way they came down and played."
Next up for Kilmarnock, is a trip to St Johnstone in another bottom six battle. As for Ross County, they return to Dingwall to welcome Heart of Midlothian to the Global Energy Stadium.