Lee McCulloch delighted with win at Ross County

Kilmarnock caretaker manager Lee McCulloch was delighted with his side's 2-1 victory over Ross County at Global Energy Stadium.

Published 11th Mar 2017

Kilmarnock caretaker manager Lee McCulloch was delighted with his side's 2-1 victory over Ross County at Global Energy Stadium.

All the goals came after a poor first half, with Conor Sammon giving Killie the lead before Liam Boyce equalised for County.

But with just five minutes remaining Kris Boyd bundled home the winner from close range.

McCulloch said: "It is a fantastic win - I'm delighted. We knew it was going to be a hard task for us here today with certain individuals they have and the management staff.

"We knew it would be a really difficult game for us.''

McCulloch was more than happy with the contribution of his twin strikers, adding: "The two boys we played up there today were fantastic.

"Big Boydy, again, on the shoulder was first to react and Conor with a composed finish.

"And there has to be a special mention for the defenders. It was a bit sloppy the goal we conceded, but at set plays for the first time in a while we were pretty solid. I'm delighted all in all.''

County manager Jim McIntyre felt his side deserved something from the game after dominating for long spells.

He said: "I thought we played very well at times and I thought we created plenty. We limited Kilmarnock to very little, but just couldn't get the goals our play deserved.

"But for 90 per cent of that game I'm really pleased with what I'm seeing - the determination and quality - but we just couldn't translate that into goals.''

He conceded his side did not defend well for the goals, saying: "To not defend a throw-in properly like that is criminal at this level - really poor. We switched off, and didn't follow the runner.

"It gives Kilmarnock a lift. Again, we came back into it, got our goal and showed character when we go behind. When it has been tough here this season, we get back into the game and look as if we're going to go on and get the winner.

"But again we switch off at a quick free-kick and then it's just a punt in. Again, we've the men there to deal with it but we don't take responsibility.

"For 95 per cent of that game we took responsibility, did the right things. We were organised, compact, hard to break through.''

The County boss also admitted his side failed to make the most of their chances.

"Kilmarnock had nothing else of note and that's where it is a real frustration,'' McIntyre said. "We're shooting ourselves in the foot after having so much of it. When you have a lot of the play, you've got to punish teams.''