Late Graham spot-kick seals Ross County's Betfred Cup win at Montrose
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HOLDERS Ross County were made to sweat for their 1-0 Betfred Cup Group C win at League Two hosts Montrose on Saturday.
Striker Brian Graham kept his cool when it mattered most to slot away a penalty five minutes from time to see off Paul Hegarty's battling hosts.
The competition, which now features group stages in July with the top two reaching next month's second round, has captured the imagination as most clubs glad to get competitive action rather than friendly fixtures.
Three of the Dingwall team's summer signings - defenders Jay McEveley, Erik Cikos and Kenny van der Weg - all made their competitive debuts.
County were without Jackson Irvine, with the midfielder having completed his move to English Championship side Burton Albion on Friday.
The Gable Endies began on the front foot and came close to opening the scoring when Andrew Steeves picked out Gary Fraser, whose shot swerved just past the post.
The Staggies responded though and midfielder Martin Woods' acrobatic effort flashed wide moments after Jonathan Franks had been not far away with a volley.
Andrew Davies then had to come off for County after 26 minutes and was replaced by fellow defender Chris Robertson.
And it was Robertson who helped keep the scorelines blank going in at the break when he blocked an 18-yard shot from experienced Montrose striker Chris Templeman.
Early in the second half, County had keeper Scott Fox to thank for keeping them level when he saved a diving header from Templeman then a follow-up drive from Fraser.
Michael Gardyne looked lively on the left flank for the visitors and he crashed a shot off the post before Fox held on to a free-kick from Paul Watson.
County then had the ball in the net, but Robertson's header didn't stand because Liam Boyce was judged to have been offside.
Craig Curran almost put McIntyre's men ahead with nine minutes remaining, but a terrific save from goalkeeper Jordan Millar denied him.
However, the winner arrived just four minutes later from the penalty spot after Gardyne was brought down in the box by defender Greg Pacazio.
Graham, who had come off the bench in place of Boyce, sent the keeper the wrong way to clinch three opening group points for the holders.
Like many sides on the opening weekend, County will have to get sharper, but they got the win on the back of just two two pre-season games in Hungary, so McIntyre will expect the levels to rise.
Next Saturday, County will face another tough test when they host Championship side Raith Rovers, who beat Highland League champions Cove Rangers 2-1 at Forfar.
Alloa, who were the idle club in Group C, are home to Cove Rangers on Tuesday, while Raith Rovers taking on Montrose at Starks Park as County sit it out.
Montrose: Millar, Hegarty, Pacazio, Bolochoweckyj, Steeves, McWalter, Watson, Masson, Campbell, Fraser, Templeman. Subs not used: Fleming (GK), Anderson, Harwood, Webster, McLeod, Lennie, Ferguson.
Ross County: Fox, Cikos, Davies (Robertson 26), McEveley, van der Weg, Woods, McShane, Gardyne, Boyce (Graham 71), Franks, Schalk (Curran 54). Subs not used: McCarey (GK), Routis, Foster, Dingwall.
Referee: Craig Charleston.
