Ross County to the four at Clach
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ROSS County ran out 4-0 friendly winners away to Highland League opponents Clach at Grant Steet tonight (Tuesday).
Summer signings Jordi Balk, Tim Dreesen, Jake Jervis and Joe Cardle all started for County.
The Lilywhites gave a good account of themselves over most of the 90 minutes until, understandably, tiredness kicked in.
The hosts started well and David Watson drew an early save from County keeper Mark Brown.
A knock for Dreesen, led to him being replaced by Scott Boyd in defence after 26 minutes.
The deadlock was broken a few minutes later when a long ball from Rocco Quinn was gathered by the impressive Darren Maatsen and he coolly lobbed the ball over keeper Ally Ridgers.
Clach had a real push forward, but without the injured Paul Brindle, they lacked bite where it mattered.
Close calls from Richard Brittain and Yoann Arquinn had Clach pegged back, but they held on.
Quinn then went on a surging run into the box, but he was denied by the quick-thinking Ridgers.
The second County goal arrived on 63 minutes when a long ball from the trialist left-back was held by Joe Cardle and the ex-Raith Rovers man looped a shot over Ridgers and into the net.
The Dingwall team made it 3-0 with 14 minutes remaining and sub Liam Boyce, on his debut, headed home from close range.
In the dying moments, a delivery from Melvin de Leeuw was turned by Michael Finnis into his own net to complete a harsh scoreline on the Highland League side.
County move on now to Saturday's game against Nairn County at Station Park before their trip to Holland next week, while Clach turn to competitive action next Wednesday against Caley Thistle in the AJG Parcels North of Scotland Cup.
