July 15th 2024
A DELIGHTED Ronnie Sharp heaped praise on the spirit and character shown by his players as they recorded an incredible victory at Huntly. County found themselves 3-0 down in the first half but battled back through goals from Ross Naismith, Wayne Mackintosh, Callum Maclean, Gregg Main, an own goal and Dylan Mackenzie to take all three points back to Station Park. Sharp said: "It was an incredible, incredible game. Our own mistakes cost us in the first half as we slightly overplayed it but I have said before, I would rather we did that than just getting rid of the ball." "The goal before half time was crucial. It got us back to 3-1 and gave us a platform. We knew that we had not played badly in the first half and then we got another one straight back in the second half but we lost one again to go 4-2 down. But it shows you the character of the side now." "There were a lot of changes in the team again but the squad is getting better. I thought that everybody who came in did really well, including Ryan (Macleod) who made his debut in goals while Stevie Mackenzie did well at the back as well. Overall, it was a great second half performance." Sharp's men trailed 3-1 at half time but went on to ram home five after the break. The manager added: "At half time, we knew that we had to get higher up the park. We knew that if we managed to get higher and wider then we would cause them problems. We were virtually playing with a back five in the first half instead of getting the two wide boys up and giving more space for the midfield to work. That is what we did in the second half though and we pushed Wayne (Mackintosh) slightly further forward to get closer to Gary Kerr and Ross (Naismith). That is the kind of role he has been lately and that worked a treat." Sharp was pleased to see the goals spread around his players with a number of members of the squad contributing in the final third. He said: "We scored some excellent goals and worked the set pieces well. We scored one from a corner and one from a free kick and the other goals were well taken – bar the own goal which I think Ryan is claiming an assist for!" "I thought Ryan's handling was great and he played with a lot of confidence. He did not have any chance for the goals and that is his first game in the Highland League. It bodes well for the future for us having two young goalkeepers of that standard." The visitors were backed by a large and vocal travelling support and Sharp was keen to lavish praise on the club's fans who made the trip to back their team. He stated: "It was tremendous to see them all through and they were all in good spirits. The players totally appreciate the support and went over to see them at the end of the game. It was excellent all round from everybody." Graeme Macleod
