Scott Fox wants Ross County to build on top-six spot

Ross County goalkeeper Scott Fox kept a clean sheet on his return to first-team action against Partick then vowed the Dingwall men would aim to "finish as high as possible'' after securing a top-six spot with a 1-0 win.

An Alex Schalk goal in the 14th minute was enough to secure the vital win for County as other results went their way.

Fox had been out with a knee injury for the past six weeks and missed the League Cup final against Hibernian at Hampden Park last month.

But when replacement goalkeeper Gary Woods sustained a hip injury, Fox was recalled by manager Jim McIntyre.

He said: "When Gary didn't manage training yesterday (Friday) I knew I was going to play. I came in and got a clean sheet - I thought we did well.''

Fox revealed the County players were back in the dressing room when they learnt they had secured a top-six position.

He said: "We waited in the changing room for the Dundee score. When it came through there were great scenes. A lot of hard work had gone into it, but you are left relying on other people - it shouldn't have been like that but we managed to do it.

"At the start of the season that was our aim - to get top six - so to make it is a great achievement for the club. It is something to build on for next season.''

Fox played down his role in the match, where he was called on to make a number of notable saves.

He said: "The shots weren't too difficult, we were comfortable. To be fair we've let in a few goals lately so it was good to get a clean sheet.''

The former Partick shot-stopper also had to put up with a bit of stick from the large army of Thistle fans behind his goal in the first half.

He added: "I was expecting it - it just so happens I got them in the first half. I got that out of the way. The second half was plain sailing with our fans behind us. The crowd was excellent. A lot of the boys got tired and they pushed us on to see the game out.

"The pressure is off us but we have achieved what we set out to do. It's all about trying to finish as high as possible and see where it takes us."

Partick defender Gary Miller felt losing the first goal was vital.

He said: "We have one of the best defensive records in the league but it is always difficult, especially in this league, if you lose the first goal, it is always going to be a battle. We had a real go in the second half but it just never happened for us.''

He added: "It's disappointing but it probably comes down to more games than this one.

"We could have nicked it, but at the end of the day we've given a good account of ourselves. We will just have to pick ourselves up and keep going.''

Miller, who has been forced to play in a number of different positions due to injuries to the squad, said Partick's players have their sights on a seventh place finish.

"We will be looking to finish as high as we can,'' he added. "I think if we had won here we could have been fourth, that's how close it is. It's good for the league but we just need to focus on what is best for us now.''