Ross County 1-1 Saints (Saints win 6-5 on penalties)

Last updated : 04 April 2012 By Stuart Gillespie

Not like Saints to do things the easy way, oh no. They decided to make their fans wait last night, the few who had made the trip to Dingwall probably not getting home until the early hours of the morning. But it was probably worth it.

Ludo Roy missed out after faling a late fitness test, so Kris Robertson made his first appearance of the season. Scott MacKenzie came in for Andy Dow which was a bit odd, as Dow had improved drastically on Saturday. Scott did score a goal though. Another change was new signing Gerhard Fellner, who replaced Sergei Baltacha. I wasn't there so this will be a brief report.

During the first half Graham Guy was stretchered off after a shocking challenge. Thankfully his ankle isn't broken but he'll be out for a wee while. Brian McGinty, who was doubtful before the game, took a few heavy knocks and also had to go off.

County scored right on half time, with Chris Kerr making yet another mistake to allow Connor Gethins to put County one up at the interval. Once again it seemed like Saints performed poorly in the first half, and far better in the second.

On the hour mark it was 1-1, with Ian Ross being fouled in the box and Ricky Gillies converting the penalty. That was how it stayed until full time, and at the end of extra time it was still level so it was down to penalties.

Both sides scored their first 5 penalties, with Ross, Martin Cameron, Gillies, Dow and, amazingly, Mark Yardley scoring for Saints. Yards isn't the greatest penalty taker ever so full credit to the guy for standing up and taking the 5th. Ross County's 5th was scored by their goalie!

Robertson then saved Mark McCulloch's shot and Simon Lappin scored to send Saints to the semis.

The other three teams left are Queen's Park, Queen of the South and Brechin City. I'd love Queen's Park away at Hampden, but failing that a tie at love Street will do nicely. As long as we aren't away at either of the other two!