St Mirren vs Ross County. Scottish Premiership.
The SMiSA Stadium.
Jon Obika gave Jim Goodwin's side a half-time lead before Shaughnessy was sent off midway through the second period
Sunday 23 August 2020 08:49, UK
Joe Shaughnessy was shown a straight red card for St Mirren as Ross County came from a goal behind to claim a draw in Paisley.
Jon Obika gave Jim Goodwin's side a half-time lead before Shaughnessy was sent off midway through the second period for a foul on Ross Stewart.
Michael Gardyne equalised for County with a shot that deflected in via two St Mirren players, with Nathan Sheron ultimately credited with the own goal.
The home side took the lead with the first real chance of the game after 14 minutes. Kyle McAllister's driving run carried Saints high up the pitch and, when the County defence could not clear, the ball fell kindly for Obika who converted from eight yards.
Strike partner Junior Morias was also eager to make an impact following the arrival of new striker Kristian Dennis, who started on the bench, stinging the gloves of Ross Laidlaw with a ferocious drive.
The visitors then came within inches of claiming an equaliser after 33 minutes. Harry Paton's corner was met at the back post by Stewart and the former St Mirren striker was unfortunate to see his powerful header come off the top of the crossbar.
Morias had another chance to score before half-time. Obika helped on Sam Foley's pass, but the striker was crowded out by Laidlaw who was alert to the danger and blocked the shot.
County almost drew level in the first minute after the restart. Substitute Regan Charles-Cook crossed from the left for Stewart, whose header beat goalkeeper Jak Alnwick but not Richard Tait, who made a terrific acrobatic clearance off the line.
Saints were next to threaten and, after McAllister's driving run was halted, Morias saw his shot pushed away by the diving Laidlaw.
It was end to end by this point. Gardyne's effort was saved by Alnwick into the path of Charles-Cook who could not redirect the ball on target.
St Mirren were then reduced to 10 men in controversial fashion. Referee Mike Roncone, taking charge of his first ever Premiership game, waved play on following Shaughnessy's tackle on Stewart. But fourth official Willie Collum appeared to intervene and Roncone produced the red card.
County took advantage of the extra man to equalise after 70 minutes. Connor Randall did well to keep the ball in play and, from his cut-back, Gardyne's shot sped past Alnwick via the foot of Sheron.
St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin on red card: "I haven't had a chance to watch it back yet, but my initial reaction was that it was a good, hard tackle.
"It was a full-blooded challenge from Joe, who isn't a dirty or malicious player and certainly not one who'd be going in there to hurt an opponent.
"The referee seemed quite happy with the tackle because he waved play on, but the reaction of the Ross County player makes you fear the worst. I thought he'd had a real bad one and that he'd maybe broken his leg.
"I was fully expecting the stretcher to come out, but he was able to get back up and play for the half an hour or so that was left with no limp.
"That would suggest that the contact from Joe wasn't that bad and that it didn't merit that reaction. It was certainly the fourth official who made the call that it was a red card."
Ross County boss Stuart Kettlewell: "It's a red card in my opinion. I have seen it back and I think my player is very lucky to still be playing at the end.
"By millimetres he has dodged a real serious injury. Shaughnessy has a straight leg and he is very close to catching Ross around the knee joint. He is out of control, so it should be a sending off.
"I have to say the referee missed it and went to play on, but the fourth official has seen it. I think they have got it right."
St Mirren travel to face St Johnstone next Saturday; kick-off is at 3pm. Ross County are away to Livingston next Saturday with kick-off also at 3pm.
