Penalty costs St Mirren dearly as Buddies' top six hopes suffer a blow in the Highlands

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Buddies' top six hopes suffered a serious setback in the Highlands as Joseph Hungo's penalty sealed a third straight defeat.Stephen Robinson's side knew a win in Dingwall was crucial to keep up with the rest of the top half contenders.It was a close encounter in the first half, with very few clear cut chances as both defences came out on top.Alex Gogic's mistimed tackle proved crucial, as he felled Joseph Hungo in the box leaving the referee no other option but to point to the spot.The Watford loanee dusted himself off to fire in the opener off the bar.St Mirren tried to rally as the second half wore on, with Jordan Jones a constant thorn in the Staggies side.But in the end they just couldn't force home an equaliser, consigning Robinson to third straight defeat since taking charge last month.Robinson was forced into a change from the Celtic defeat with number one keeper Jak Alwnick ruled out after catching Covid-19.Dean Lyness was brought in to replace him, with 17-year-old academy kid Kenzie Smith coming into the senior team for the first time as a substitute.New Zealand international Alex Greive also came into the starting XI, with Robinson preferring him to Curtis Main.Ross County started the game well, with flying wingers Regan Charles-Cooke and Joseph Hungbo looking dangerous.The Buddies defence was dealing well with the threat though, with Joe Shaughnessy and Charles Dunne both pulling off some timely interceptions to keep the Staggies out.Alex Gogic was impressive in the heart of the midfield, carrying the ball well and making a number of tackles to stop the hosts in their tracks.The Saints were trying their best to hold onto possession and managed to do so as the half wore on.They were struggling to cut the