THE controversy over poor officiating this season saw yet another decision added to the list yesterday following the sending-off of Thistle defender John Robertson.
The stopper, who only looked guilty of trying to free his leg from the grasp of County's grounded Steven Craig, was adjudged to have kicked out at the striker by assistant referee Richard Gough. Referee Colin Brown promptly walked over to Robertson a
nd produced a red card to the astonishment and fury of both player and supporters prior to half time.
It compounded a miserable day for Thistle, who never recovered from losing an early goal via Craig's header in seven minutes. It was indeed a valuable three points for Derek Adams' side who lifted themselves off the foot of the table.
Coming into this encounter, County were huge underdogs as Ian McCall's men had made a dream start to the season. Three wins out of four in the league as well as two victories in both the Challenge Cup and League Cup has given the Jags faithful lots of optimism for the campaign.
Yesterday, though, they were brought back to earth with a bump. County had been struggling so far this term and had just one point on the board prior to the visit to Firhill. Yesterday's performance makes you wonder why. It was a surprise when the Highlanders took the lead early on moments after Steven Lennon should have put the Jags in front. The on-loan Rangers youngster hit the ball off County goalkeeper Tony Bullock's legs in six minutes when clean through but, moments later, Adams men went 1-0 up. Midfielder Scott Morrison had three identical positions to fire a free kick into the penalty area in the opening exchanges. And it was a delightful ball from him which caused the Thistle defence problems. Craig took advantage of the hesitancy to head home from two yards to the delight of the County fans.
It's not the first time Thistle have had to try and come back from behind this season and they went on the search for an equaliser. They should have been back on level terms in 27 minutes when Gary Harkins found space at the back post to meet Marc Twaddle's cross, but he headed way over. With three goals in his last four games it was a bad miss for the midfielder. It could have been costly, too, as Craig almost doubled County's lead seconds later with a brilliant header which came off the woodwork.
Thistle defender Robertson then got his side out of jail just before half time. A nice passage of play from County saw Alex Keddie find space to cross and when Richard Hart took aim from 12 yards, Robertson flung himself in the direction of the shot to block. Robertson also blocked David Winters attempt from the rebound.
It was a first-half performance Thistle will want to forget, but one which County will feel deserved a further goal. It ended in controversy when Robertson and Craig tangled off the ball and Gough raised his flag. After a quick discussion with his assistant, referee Brown pulled the red card from his back pocket and ordered the stopper from the field.
In comparison, the second half was a much quieter affair. Harkins was unlucky with a long-range effort which Bullock spilled, but, with ten men, it was difficult for Thistle to go on all out attack. Ian Maxwell had to come to the rescue late on, clearing a Richard Brittain effort off the line but the points were already in the bag.
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