Despite a battling performance two second half goals from last seasons Scottish Cup Finalists saw us go down to defeat on our return to the first division.

There was one change to the side which had lost to Clyde the previous week with Craig Winter taking over from the suspended Kenny Adamson.

Cowden made a bright start to the game and O’Brien, who was making his league debut on his 19^th birthday, twice came close to breaking the deadlock.

The Staggies however were always a threat and a Brittain free kick found Gardyne and his header from close range saw Hay turn the ball against the upright.

Cowden were soon back on the attack however and a McKenzie pass split the visiting dfence but keeper McGovern dived bravely at the feet of Ramsay.

County however took the lead six minutes after the break when Miller sent over a cross which was nodded down by Di Giacommo for Michael Gardyne to fire a powerful shot home from 14 yards.

Our best chance of the second half fell to O’Brien who saw a shot from 25 yards just drift over the bar.

As we went in search of an equaliser the visitors sealed their win with eight minutes to go when sub Wood sent over a cross and Paul Di Giacommo had time to steady himself to shoot home from 14 yards.

Jimmy Nicholl spoke to the Blue Brazil Online after the game:

"We were up against a very good side that made the Scottish Cup final last season and I thought we competed very well and could have taken something from the game.

"There were more good points than negative ones to come from this game and we will build on this for our next league game away to Stirling Albion,"