Liam Boyce’s hat-trick ensured Ross County ruled out the possibility of automatic relegation from the Scottish Premiership as the Staggies strolled to a 3-0 victory against St Mirren at Paisley last night.
County were dominant throughout. The result moves County six points clear of second-bottom Motherwell, stretching County’s unbeaten run to eight wins from their last nine matches.
The Staggies’ recent form made them clear favourites against a rock-bottom Saints side.
County took a deserved lead on the half hour mark when Boyce rammed home his second goal in as many games on the rebound, after attempts by Michael Gardyne and Craig Curran were blocked.
The Dingwall men were handed a huge boost just three minutes into the second half, when Bulgarian defender Viktor Genev was red-carded for hauling down Boyce as he approached the penalty area.
The resulting free-kick from Gardyne clipped the post.
Saints failed to register a shot on target until John McGinn’s shot on 58 minutes, with Mark Brown making a fine save.
County threatened again, with Jackson Irvine heading over from Woods’ corner.
Boyce put the game beyond doubt with a second goal after 75 minutes, hammering into the roof of the net after taking down Gardyne’s inch-perfect cross.
And the attacker completed the scoring by tapping home from point-blank range following Tony Dingwall’s cross, ensuring he took home the matchball by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick for the Staggies in the top flight.
Boyce is the first to net three since Richard Brittain in a 3-2 win against Ayr United in February 2012.
Match extra, Pages 54 and 55