Kilmarnock vs Ross County. Scottish Premiership.
The BBSP Stadium, Rugby ParkAttendance5,426.
Kilmarnock 0-1 Ross County: George Harmon scores late goal as Staggies secure third straight away win
Report as Ross County win 1-0 at Kilmarnock for a third consecutive away victory in the Scottish Premiership; George Harmon’s late winner helps Ross County up to ninth after collecting 10 points since Christmas; Kilmarnock drop to 10th
Sunday 5 January 2025 17:53, UK
Ross County secured their third consecutive away victory in the Scottish Premiership as George Harmon's late winner clinched them a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
In a game of few chances, County's Josh Nisbet and Conor Randall forced first-half saves from Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie, while Bruce Anderson saw an effort deflect wide for the hosts as the match looked to be drifting towards a drab goalless draw.
But the Staggies stunned the home side with the game's first moment of real quality with five minutes remaining, as Noah Chilvers cut the ball back for Harmon who coolly stroked the ball past McCrorie.
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Ross County are up to ninth after collecting 10 points since Christmas, while Killie drop to 10th after one of their poorest performances of the season.
Killie boss Derek McInnes had made four changes following his side's victory over St Mirren, with David Watson, Innes Cameron and Liam Donnelly all coming in from the start and Danny Armstrong returning from suspension.
County manager Don Cowie, meanwhile, made two changes from his side's vital win against Aberdeen, with Jack Grieves and Harmon coming in for Michee Efete and Ryan Leak.
The home side suffered an early blow after just three minutes as Cameron pulled up with an injury and had to be replaced by Marley Watkins.
And it was the visitors who had the first chance of note in the 12th minute as Nisbet reacted first to a loose ball and went through on goal but Killie stopper McCrorie came out smartly to block.
Kilmarnock were struggling to create anything and it was County again who had the next opportunity in the 32nd minute as Randall curled one from just outside the box, forcing McCrorie to tip the ball over the crossbar.
After a disappointing first half ended goalless, the hosts eventually had their first chance just after the hour mark, as Fraser Murray's cut back found Anderson whose shot was deflected wide.
It was the first sustained period of pressure for Killie and Anderson saw another shot blocked from the resulting corner before Watson dragged a long-range effort wide.
They could not maintain the dominance though, and the game seemed to be heading towards a 0-0 draw before Harmon's late intervention.
Substitute Ronan Hale showed great control before releasing Chilvers whose inch-perfect centre was dispatched by the County full-back Harmon, who popped up in the box to score his first league goal of the season.
Killie attempted to rally and substitute Kyle Magennis saw a goalbound shot well blocked in stoppage time but they could not find a leveller as County held on to continue their recent revival.
