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County rise to the top
MICHAEL Gardyne smashed home the winner as Ross County claimed top spot in the First Division.
It proved a ding-dong game in Dingwall with County coming from a goal behind to lead before Queens levelled again.
But Gardyne, above, emerged as the hero as the Highlanders sealed back-to-back victories over the Dumfries side after last week’s Alba Cup win.
The hosts fell behind after just five minutes. Stewart Kean took a swipe at a Bob Harris free-kick but failed to properly connect, only for Derek Holmes to sidefoot home at the far post.
But the game exploded after half-time with three goals in seven minutes.
First, Gardyne was sent crashing in the box by Craig Reid and Richard Brittain slotted home from the spot.
Two minutes later, half-time substitute Steven Craig fired County ahead with a fine finish from 15 yards.
But Queens were level after 52 minutes when Alex Keddie was adjudged to have man-handled Holmes in the area and Kean converted the penalty.
But County pressure told after 75 minutes. Craig’s cross from the right was cleverly nodded down by substitute Martin Scott and Gardyne took a touch before forcing an eight-yard shot past David Hutton.