Ross County boss Stuart Kettlewell thinks his team’s flying start to the Premiership campaign meant they were deserved winners against Motherwell.
The Staggies triumphed at the Global Energy Stadium last night to get off to the perfect start, with star striker Ross Stewart’s penalty the difference. Motherwell’s Liam Donnelly missed a spot-kick for the visitors late on.
Kettlewell, who now has a 100% record as sole Staggies manager, said: “I thought it was deserved. I know in the second half we rode our luck with one or two aspects, including the missed penalty and we relied on our goalkeeper on one or two occasions and some decent blocks and last-ditch emergency defending.
“But I thought in the first half we were deservedly ahead. There were two or three good saves from their keeper and we hit the frame of the goal.
“We look at that clean sheet as being a massive plus and obviously Ross Stewart gets his campaign up and running.
“There were a lot of good performances out there and probably none more so than the 18-year-old Josh Reid at left-back.”
County have a good opportunity to get more Premiership points on the board at the weekend when they make the long journey to Hamilton.
Kettlewell wants to build a head of steam, saying “We’ve just said to the guys we’re pleased with how it went tonight, but it’s so important we build on it and gain some momentum.
“What I don’t want is us resting on this and going in with a second-rate performance on Saturday.
“We have to bring so many aspects of what we did tonight and layer on other parts of our game the fitter and stronger we get.
“I thought our composure on the ball could have been better in the second half, so there’s loads to improve on.
“It’s one game, but a good three points against what I believe is a very good side.”
County will so far be delighted to have held on to hitman Stewart so far and Kettlewell singled out the goalscorer for praise: “We know Ross Stewart is a top player. I love his application and attitude towards the game.
“I can actually start to see him start to develop into a bit of a leader in our group now and I hear his voice more than I have done in past seasons.
“I can see him conducting the orchestra, so to speak. He’s brimming with confidence and rightly so.”