Brighter starts, full backs and super subs – three takeaways from Ross County's first Scottish Premiership victory of the season against Kilmarnock in Dingwall including reaction from Jordan White and Malky Mackay
Ross County's Premiership campaign is up and running after they picked up a 1–0 home win over Kilmarnock.
The match was not without controversy, with refereeing decisions under the microscope as Ross Callachan was shown yellow for a late challenge on Killie's Ryan Alebiosu that could have got the Staggies midfielder sent off – although he was later shown red.
There was also question marks over a yellow shown to Jack Baldwin, a penalty appeal from Josh Sims that was waved away and an incident where Lee Donnelly caught Callum Johnson in the face.
Away from the officiating, though, what stood out about County's performance? Sports reporter Andrew Henderson picks out three things for Staggies fans to take note of.
Intent from the off
One of the most disappointing aspects of last week's loss to St Mirren was that County never really seemed to get going.
Against Kilmarnock, though, there was an intensity in the Staggies' play that should serve them well if they can maintain it over the season.
The tempo of play was far more conducive to creating space in the opposition half, rather than aimless long balls into channels County's defenders and deeper midfielders were launching diagonal passes out wide at will, and as a unit they were pressing Kilmarnock all over the pitch.
It may not have resulted in a goal, but by and large the opening half was a much better example of how Malky Mackay wants this Staggies team to play than we'd seen in a few weeks.
Now, they just have to turn that style into substance by finding the net more regularly when they get spells on top like that.
Jordan White's thoughts: "Last week it was really hot, so it was really difficult to get that same intensity against St Mirren.
"We came out of the traps well, and we were definitely the better team without really creating too many clear cut chances in the final third.
"At the end of the day, you're going to get games like that in this league, so when a chance comes along you've got to make sure you take it."
Marauding full backs
When in their groove, Ross County's full backs are not playing like full backs. This was evident again against Kilmarnock as Callum Johnson was a regular outlet from goal kicks.
Most teams will use a target man striker as a focal point for long balls forward, but on several occasions in the first half yesterday it was Johnson pushing forward – essentially playing as a right winger – and winning aerial challenges to keep possession for his team.
Against a team with as much height as Kilmarnock, it was no mean feat for Johnson to have such an impact, but having a full back causing those issues at the other end of the pitch may well catch a lot of teams by surprise.
Coupled with Ben Purrington's willingness to drift into central areas – against Kilmarnock he popped up in a similar position to where he scored against East Fife, in the middle of the opposition box – it is intriguing to see how County employ their wide defenders in the early part of this season, and in turn how other teams will try to respond.
Malky Mackay's thoughts: “Derek’s team is big, with a physicality there and we had to match that.
"Their back three are very good in the air at the back – and they even had their goalkeeper Sam Walker in our box at the end.
"Callum's fantastic in the air, so we hit that diagonal regularly and managed to get the ball up the park.
Super subs
Malky Mackay has shown that he is absolutely willing to change things as and when required.
Against both Celtic and St Mirren, he made double substitutions at half time. Although he waited a little longer to pull the trigger against Killie, his changes paid off in a bigger way.
Throwing on both Owura Edwards and Jordan White just before the hour mark, Mackay saw almost 30 minutes pass and one of his players get sent off before Ross Laidlaw sent a free kick towards White in the closing stages.
White's header was blocked, apparently by a Kilmarnock arm, but the ball ran loose to Edwards who coolly slotted home from five yards out.
In the last few games County's changes had led to improvements, but to finally see them lead to victory is further vindication of both the depth in their squad and Mackay's ability to spot what needs to change.
The Staggies clearly have players who can make a difference coming off the bench. Mackay will just be hoping such tweaks mid-match are not always necessary to pick up positive results.
Jordan White's thoughts: "I was just told to go and get the winner, go and make an impact.
"We maybe lost our way a wee bit in the second half, but we changed it and we were doing all right.
"When you're not starting, you want to come on and be a difference maker. You want to have an impact, and I think I've done that, so I'm happy."