Curran doubles up as Ross County defeat Hamilton
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CRAIG Curran's double delivered Ross County's first three points of the new Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership season as they defeated visitors Hamilton 2-0 on Saturday.
This victory came just seven days after a 2-0 opening day defeat at champions Celtic and sets the Staggies up for Tuesday's league trip to St Johnstone, who drew 1-1 with Inverness CT.
County were without a win in their first seven games last season, with manager Derek Adams being sacked within that spell and replaced by Jim McIntyre, who guided the side from bottom to ninth after a stunning surge up the table.
A summer of change, with 12 new players in place and finding their feet seems to be going to plan although it was Martin Canning's Hamilton who started the brighter in this Global Energy Stadium showdown.
Home goalkeeper Scott Fox felled Christian Nade in the box early on but then saved Ali Crawford's spot-kick to keep the scores at zero.
County then upped their game, no doubt stung by the Accies' early fine form, and took the lead after just 10 minutes when Curran scored from close range after ex-Staggies goalkeeper Michael McGovern failed to deal with a corner.
At 1-0, the Dingwall team had a spring in their step and Scott Boyd lined up Curran but this time the striker just lost hit footing as it seemed he would be in on goal.
McIntyre' s men had plenty of pace and ability, while Hamilton relied largely on former Hearts forward Nade, who was getting little support from his team-mates.
The crucial second goal arrived just before the break.
A darting run from full-back Marcus Fraser had Hamilton pegged back and his cut-back was finished with style by Curran for a comfortable cushion.
The second half, which also saw Fox go off injured to be replaced by Daniel Bachmann, had less chances.
Jackson Irvine volleyed over the crossbar when he met a cross from Michael Gardyne as County hunted a third goal.
Hamilton were seeing their fair share of the ball but a lack of cutting edge was evident just a week after their goalless draw with Partick Thistle.
Striker Darian MacKinnon had their closest call when he flashed a shot just wide from 20 yards.
Hamilton have no midweek game as Aberdeen were allowed permission to postponed the sides' clash at Pittodrie due to their recent Europa League efforts which ended in defeat to Kairat Almaty on Thursday.
County will be seeking a second win on the spin on Tuesday when they face St Johnstone in Perth.
Ross County: Fox (Bachmann 69), Fraser, Boyd, Davies, Foster, Gardyne, McShane, Irvine, De Vita, Curran (Graham 79), Boyce. Subs not used: Dingwall, Franks, Holden, Robertson, Quinn.
Hamilton: McGovern, Gordon, Tena, De Lima Tagliapietra, Kurakins, Gillespie, Imrie (Kurtaj 61), Turner (MacKinnon 46), Crawford, Longridge (Morris 75), Nade. Subs not used: MacDonald, Watson, Docherty, Martin.
Referee: Andrew Dallas.
Attendance: 3,479.
