Ross County 3-0 Motherwell: County coast to victory over dreadful Motherwell

Manager Stuart Kettlewell suffered his “sorest night in football” as Motherwell’s horror run continued with a lacklustre defeat at Ross County.

Will Nightingale was sent off for a second bookable offence late on, but the result was never in doubt for the Dingwall side.

It is now 12 games without a win for Motherwell, who fall below County to ninth in the Scottish Premiership.

“Disappointed doesn’t begin to sum it up,” Kettlewell said.

“County were better all over the pitch, man for man, every facet of the game. This is by far the worst performance in what has been a terrible run for us.

“It was miles worse than anything we’ve seen until this point. Quite simply, they’re coming up short.”

Kettlewell would have wanted a bright start after his side fought back to snatch a point against Dundee last time out, but they got off to the worst possible start in the Highlands.

Murray got on the end of James Brown’s corner to glance a header into the far corner inside two minutes, with Motherwell’s defenders left appealing for a foul that was never there.

There were signs of life for the visitors in attack, but at the back they were all over the place, and County took advantage to double their lead with a wonderful goal.

Dhanda picked the ball up 30 yards from goal, shifted it onto his right foot, and smashed it beyond a static Liam Kelly.

It almost got better for the hosts just moments later, but Murray’s deflected shot bounced clear off a post.

Kettlewell showed his displeasure at half-time with a triple substitution, but the changes did not change the pattern of the game.

Motherwell continued to struggle with balls into the box, and that was what brought about the third goal.

Jordan White got on the end of a sumptuous cross from Dhanda, who was the standout performer, but Kelly would have expected to save the striker’s tame header.

Instead, the Scotland international palmed it straight into the path of Purrington, who didn’t need a second invitation from close range.

Motherwell created chances throughout, but were unable to convert. Georgie Gent had a header well saved by Ross Laidlaw, and Mika Biereth flicked wide from close range before having a left-footed strike cleared off the line.

Will Nightingale was sent off after catching Blair Spittal late on the ankle, but that was the only disappointing note for County, who will have few easier wins this season.

Player of the match – Yan Dhanda (Ross County)

Kettlewell under serious pressure after defensive disasterclass – analysis

Kettlewell’s comments on his players post-match would suggest he sees no way to arrest this current slide. There seems to be no end in sight for Motherwell’s winless run, especially if they continue to defend as they did in this game.

It seemed like every County set piece led to a chance after the early concession, and the hosts didn’t have to work particularly hard to get into Motherwell’s box.

Liam Kelly, the club captain and senior figure at the back, looks completely devoid of confidence, and injuries to Calum Butcher and Dan Casey limit Kettlewell’s defensive options further still.

The away end let the players and manager know exactly how they felt at full-time – it will take a remarkable upturn in both results and performances to change the mood at Fir Park.

For County, back-to-back wins now have them looking up the table rather than nervously looking over their shoulders.

Adams’ arrival appears to have injected new life to the club, and they played some excellent stuff at times, led by Dhanda’s creativity in the centre of the park.

What the managers said

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell: “I said coming in, I didn’t see a gulf between the teams. But tonight there was.

“I don’t feel we got levels from individuals or the collective. Quite simply, the travelling support got nowhere near what they were due.”

Ross County manager Derek Adams: “I was delighted for the players, because we started quickly – as we have done in all three games.

“What Dhanda did was get a goal and an assist. He needs that. He’s got undoubted talent and off the ball he was very good too. Defensively we were sound. The only downside was Will getting sent off late in the game.

“You always look at your former team and former players, but I’m only concerned with Ross County. Tonight was about beating Motherwell, and let’s be honest – they wouldn’t care about us.”

What’s next?

County are away to St Mirren on Saturday (15:00 GMT), while Motherwell host St Johnstone at the same time.