Ross County forward Liam Boyce wants to make up for lost time by helping the Staggies move further away from the bottom of the Premiership.
County’s much-needed 2-1 victory against Dundee on Tuesday moved them six points clear of bottom-placed Caley Thistle with only their second league victory from 10 games in 2017.
Leading-scorer Boyce, pictured below, netted the late penalty which secured all three points for Jim McIntyre’s men in the first game since top-six hopes were dashed by the 2-1 loss against Partick Thistle on Saturday.
The Northern Irishman has been frustrated by his side’s inconsistency this season, but with just seven games remaining Boyce is intent on finishing strongly to ensure there is no late drama at the end of the campaign.
County take on Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park on Saturday, and Boyce said: “Tuesday night’s win was hugely important – when we’re on a bad run of games we’ll take a win any way it comes.
“Thankfully, in hard conditions, we managed to see it through until the end and got the penalty and stuck it away.
“It doesn’t really matter what way we get points at this time of the season.
“We just want to get away from the bottom and into a comfortable position further up the league table.
“Those three points were a good start but on Saturday we must push on again and build on the win against Dundee.
“We want to go on a good run. We haven’t been on one recently, but last season and the one before we had good runs of wins.
“We want that every year, and now’s the time to go on another good run at an important time in the season.”
Boyce was impressed with the determination shown by his teammates throughout the match, and reckoned persistence paid off for the Highlanders when he netted his 16th goal of the season.
The 25-year-old added: “We were well in the game. Conditions were difficult but everyone was competing right until the end.
“There were a lot of tackles going in, some yellow cards and penalty shouts as well.
“We were getting into the right areas, getting balls into the box and asking questions and we eventually got our reward and we were all thrilled to get the important win.”