Ross County struck late to register their first Premiership win of the season, with substitute Darren Maatsen netting in stoppage time to earn a deserved 2-1 victory.
David Clarkson looked to have taken a point back to Tayside when he cancelled out Michael Gardyne’s opener midway through the second-half, before Maatsen struck at the death to give County their first win under new manager Jim McIntyre.
County threw new signing Lewis Toshney straight into the starting line-up for the visit of his hometown club Dundee – with whom he enjoyed a loan spell from Celtic two years ago. Toshney replaced Jim Fenlon at right back, while captain Richard Brittain and Michael Gardyne were restored in place of Tim Dreesen and Melvin de Leeuw. Meanwhile, Dundee’s sole change was to draft in Gary Harkins to replace Thomas Konrad.
The Staggies started on top with Filip Kiss looking threatening in the early stages, first shooting wide from close range before his drive was beaten away by Dundee keeper Kyle Letheren.
However, Kiss stepped up as provider for the Staggies’ deserved opener on 27 minutes. The Slovakian burst down the left hand side before playing an inch perfect ball across goal for Michael Gardyne, who netted for the first time since returning to the club with an easy far post finish.
Gardyne threatened again moments later with a header that brought a smart save from Letheren, with Dundee’s only shot on target in the first-half coming when Luka Tankulic’s low drive from the edge of the box was smothered by Mark Brown.
Kiss remained a constant danger to the visitors, and had a powerful long-range strike well saved by Letheren, before Graham Carey saw his free-kick deflected narrowly over.
However, on 69 minutes Dundee undeservedly levelled matters when Martin Boyle crossed for substitute David Clarkson – who found the net with a sidefooted finish just three minutes after replacing Simon Ferry.
Chances were at a premium in the final quarter of the match, with Greg Stewart nearly winning it for Dundee with just four minutes left, but his 15 yard strike was beaten clear by Mark Brown.
However it was County who had the last laugh following the let-off, with Cardle’s low cross diverted to the back post by Liam Boyce into the path of fellow substitute Darren Maatsen, and the Dutchman rammed home his first goal of the season to send Victoria Park into raptures.
