BIG UCHE'S A BENCH STORMER

Ikpeazu gives Saints a head start on rivals

- ALASDAIR FRASER A

SUPER Saints cemented their 100 per cent start to the season with Uche Ikpeazu the matchwinning hero in Dingwall.

The Uganda international sprang from the bench in the second half before leaping to head home a vital goal against potentially St Johnstone's fiercest rivals in the title race.

The battle of last season's two relegated Premiership sides proved a fascinating Friday night contest that, by the late second half, could have gone either way.

But Saints, having begun with a real swagger before hitting a solid and determined dark blue wall, found the telling moment with seven minutes to go.

County, much slower starters this season in the league and cup, defended superbly and went close before the killer blow. Returning favourite Alex Iacovitti, secured from St Mirren earlier in the day, earned an immediate start in defence. Absent Ross Docherty made way, with James Scott, loaned from the Paisley side, on the bench.

St Johnstone were flying after five straight wins, 20 goals scored and a 5-1 thrashing of Partick Thistle.