Ross County handle the heat in Hungary
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ROSS County came through a physical test in Hungary on Friday night and are now gearing up for their competitive kick-off this weekend.
The Dingwall side were based near Budapest last week as they shape up for the new campaign, which sees them start away to League Two hosts Montrose on Saturday.
They finished off their trip to Hungary with a 1-1 draw in a bruising encounter against second tier opponents SC Soroksar at the Globall Stadium in Telki.
Some of the challenges from the host players left a lot to be desired and went unpunished by referee Farkas Mattas, however County stood up to this and came through with flying colours.
Striker Craig Curran, who had been back to full fitness and health following a long spell out last season following concussion and its after-effects, did have to go off early on with a knock and he was replaced by Liam Boyce.
And the Northern Irishman made a swift impact when his clever pass found Australian international Jackson Irvine, who broke free from the defence before coolly lifting the ball over the keeper and into the net.
County were in control and Boyce went close with an overhead kick before Michael Gardyne flashed a shot just over the crossbar.
The Staggies had the chance to go 2-0 up after 25 minutes when Gabor Gyepes brought down Boyce in the box and a penalty was awarded. Forward Brian Graham stepped up, but his spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Adam Holczer.
Just before the break, the Hungarians equalised when Gabor Koos guided a free-kick into the top right corner of the net, giving keeper Scott Fox no chance.
Many of the challenges in the second half were physical from Soroksar, with Gardyne suffering a blow to the face which needed treatment after he headed past the post when he met a cross from Jonathan Franks.
Tiredness crept into the play towards the end, but it was a good exercise for Jim McIntyre and his players as they learned lessons from their second successive trip to Hungary.
Last Tuesday, County turned on the style against top-flight Hungarian side FC Paksi, winning 3-1 thanks to an Alex Schalk double and a penalty from Brian Graham.
