Jim McIntyre happy to see Ross County take win

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre was pleased with his side's 1-0 win over Montrose in their first Betfred Cup group game as he believes it sets them up well for the challenges ahead.

The Premiership side left it late to score with Brian Graham's second half penalty the only goal of the match despite numerous chances for either side.

McIntyre said: "It was a tough game and we didn't expect anything different with the players still tired and trying to find their feet. We were very rusty and I thought Montrose played well.

McIntyre praised goalkeeper Scott Fox, adding: "They battled hard and made a couple of chances for themselves and we've got Foxy to thank for making a couple of really good saves. We got there in the end and that's the main thing."

Despite the win McIntyre insisted that there was still room for improvement in the new cup set-up, saying that having five instead of three substitutes would make a difference with players only just coming back into full fitness after the summer.

He said: "There's no doubt in my mind that in this stage of the competition they should allow five subs. I feel that there were a few players out there today getting stretched.

"Normally at this time in the season you would be making six or seven changes and I think that's maybe something that we can look at for next season going forward,

"Then maybe when you move into the next round it goes back to normal. But I just feel that at this stage you're putting players a wee bit at risk."

Montrose assistant manager John Holt had been preparing himself for a penalty shoot-out which teams face following a drawn game to see who gets the extra point.

He said: "It was a bit disappointing at the end when you're thinking to yourself you're going to be taking penalties.

"But I felt as though the boys played really well today, they put in a shift and worked really hard."

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