Dundee’s long unbeaten league run came to an abrupt halt in the Highlands against a rejuvenated Ross County side.
It was a disappointing day all round for the Dark Blues who rarely threatened the Staggies goal.
The first half was instantly forgettable with both sides producing plenty of honest endeavour but little in the way of quality.
Chances were notable by their absence until the 39th minute when County’s Liam Boyce played in Michael Gardyne inside the Dark Blues penalty area but the on-loan Dundee United player blasted wildly over Scott Bain’s crossbar when he should at the very least have hit the target.
In the 45th minute, Dundee were forced to make a change with Greg Stewart limping off to be replaced by youngster Craig Wighton.
Five minutes after the restart, Dundee had a big let-off when a cross from Raffaele De Vita sailed all the way through to Scott Boyd but the big defender’s shot was blocked by Bain at his near post.
The Dundee keeper came to the rescue again 10 minutes later when he dived at full stretch to brilliantly tip a Jackson Irvine shot onto his post.
However, Bain was helpless in the 66th minute when Gardyne crossed from the right to the unmarked Jamie Reckord at the back post who calmly slotted home to give County the lead.
The Dark Blues then almost went further behind when a header from sub Jake Jervis bounced off Bain’s crossbar with the keeper beaten.
With the clock ticking down, Dundee lumped a succession of high balls into the Staggies box but to no avail with Jim McIntyre’s side holding on to take all three points.
See Monday’s Courier for full report, reaction and analysis.