Scottish football as it happened

1. FT: Aberdeen 1-5 St Johnstone (Easton, Shaughnessy, Craig, MacLean 2) (Taylor)
2. FT: Dundee 2-1 Motherwell (Loy, Holt) (Pearson)
3. FT: Hearts 1-1 Kilmarnock (Walker) (Balatoni)
4. FT: Partick Thistle 3-0 Dundee Utd (Amoo, Dumbuya, Bannigan)
5. FT: Ross County 1-2 Inverness CT (Storey, Vincent) (Boyce)

So, St Johnstone produce a five-star display to stun league leaders Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Meanwhile, Inverness CT supporters will have bragging rights in work on Monday morning following the 2-1 win at Ross County.

Partick Thistle ease the pressure with a convincing home win over managerless Dundee United, while Kilmarnock hold Hearts at Tynecastle.

Dundee secure victory at home to Motherwell, despite a late Motherwell comeback.

Thanks for your company this afternoon. We're back tomorrow for Hamilton v Celtic. Enjoy your Saturday night. Cheers.

Partick 3-0 Dundee United

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport

Dave Bowman accused the Dundee United players of being 'soft touches' after the defeat by Partick Thistle that leaves the Tannadice club bottom of the table.

"People think we are a soft touch and that second half performance proved that we are - it's just not acceptable," he said.

"Every time there was a 50/50 challenge I knew that Partick would come out on top," he said.

SNS

The defeat leaves United with five points from 10 league matches.

"People think it's a false position - it's not and the players have to grasp that."

Asked if the managerial situation needed clarified, he said: "I think it does yes. Just for clarity for everybody."

Ross County 1-2 Inverness CT

"Obviously, we had a really poor 10 minutes just before half-time. We switched off for Inverness's first goal and then not defended a corner which is unlike us.

SNS

"We just didn't have the final piece of quality we needed on the day. Our delivery and execution just wasn't there until the final minute."

Rangers 3-1 Falkirk

Jonathan Sutherland

BBC Scotland

"I went into see the referee, he's reported me to the association."

SNS

Peter Houston is furious with referee John McKendrick after he gave a free-kick to Rangers on the edge of the box, from which James Tavernier scored. Houston says Falkirk player Tom Taiwo won the ball and it should never have been a free-kick.

Definitely one for the Sportscene highlights. Houston concedes he will be in trouble with the SFA for his comments.

Ross County 1-2 Inverness CT

"It was everything we'd expect from a derby match. We knew we'd need to stand up to them for 15/20 minutes and then get on the ball.

"Our first goal was straight off the training ground. And, with the second goal, it's nice to score from a set piece."

SNS

"At 2-1 we were kind of hanging in their in the last five minutes but we've got that spirit amongst us. I'm absolutely delighted for them - that's what, six or seven unbeaten now.

"With the injuries we've got, I take my hat off to these boys."

Aberdeen 1-5 St Johnstone

"We expected to come up here and put on a performance - and hopefully get a win. To win by that margin, and the quality of the goals, is a perfect day for us.

SNS

"Brian Easton's goal settled us with a tremendous finish; it must be up there for goal of the season. And the second goal gave us a good cushion. Aberdeen are a good side and came back into it.

"We were better in the second half when we went back to 4-4-1-1. We didn't allow Aberdeen much time on the ball."

Get Involved

Max-Baggins Craig: Fantastic games & goals today. Aberdeen best watch out, it's a three-horse title race (them, Celtic & St Johnstone)

FULL-TIME

LEAGUE TWO

Arbroath 0-2 Annan

Berwick 2-1 East Stirling

East Fife 1-1 Stirling

Elgin 1-1 Clyde

Queen's Park 0-1 Montrose

FULL-TIME

LEAGUE ONE

Airdrie 0-1 Stranraer

Ayr 5-0 Cowdenbeath

Dunfermline 3-0 Albion

Peterhead 2-2 Forfar

Stenhousemuir 2-2 Brechin

FULL-TIME

CHAMPIONSHIP

Dumbarton 2-1 Livingston

Queen of South 0-3 Hibs

Raith 2-1 Morton

Rangers 3-1 Falkirk

St Mirren 1-1 Alloa

FULL-TIME

Aberdeen 1-5 St Johnstone

Partick 3-0 Dundee United

Ross County 1-2 Inverness CT

Hearts 1-1 Kilmarnock

Dundee 2-1 Motherwell

BBC Scotland's Paul Mitchell: "Just checked scores. Anyone in Aberdeen area be wary of getting run over by wheels formally attached to Dons bandwagon! What a result St J."

RED CARD

Hearts substitute Gavin Reilly is given his marching orders for lashing out after appearing to be fouled.

GOAL

GOAL

County pull one back as Liam Boyce forces the ball home with a close range header. Could there be a dramatic end to this Highland derby?

GOAL

The visitors reduce the deficit as Stephen Pearson pulls one back with a deflected strike.

Get Involved

Ciaran Reid: When was the last time the team top of the league lost by such a big scoreline? #bbcscotfootball

Rob Mac: St Johnstone: championship-winning form.

Ross County 0-2 Inverness CT

County's Liam Boyce glances a header towards goal, but it's not powerful enough, and Owain Fon Williams holds it comfortably.

GOAL

Partick 3-0 Dundee United

Mathias Pogba rounds Luis Swick and rolls the ball across goal, but there is no-one to take advantage.

If Dundee United escape from Firhill with a 3-0 defeat they will have done well.

GOAL

Conrad Balatoni scores his first goal for Kilmarnock, firing home their equaliser at Tynecastle.

Partick 3-0 Dundee United

David Amoo almost gets his second and Thistle's fourth, but heads just wide of the near post, clattering into Luis Swick at the same time which leaves them both nursing bruises.

GOAL

Kevin Holt fires Dundee into a two-goal lead with a low free-kick from 20 yards.

Hearts 1-0 Kilmarnock

Sam Nicholson forces a fine save from Jamie MacDonald and then Osman Sow is denied as he tries to round the Kilmarnock goalkeeper. Second after, MacDonald saves from Juanma as the striker shoots on the turn.

Get Involved

Ian McArthur: Tommy Wright is 100% correct - St Johnstone DON'T get the credit they deserve. Maybe that will change now!

GOAL

The confidence is growing in the home side, while the visitors look like they want to be on the team bus. The Thistle players were queuing up to take a pop, and Stuart Bannigan deflects a shot off his own team-mate to make it 3-0.

GOAL

We have the breakthrough at Dens Park! Rory Loy puts Dundee ahead with a back-heeled finish...

Ross County 0-2 Inverness CT

Scott Fox in the County goal has taken a real sore one after he punched a cross clear and landed awkwardly on his right leg. The stretcher has been brought on; his game is over, and he'll be replaced by Gary Woods.

PENALTY APPEAL

County pressing hard for a way back into the Highland derby, as Jackson Irvine stings the palms of Owain Fon Williams and Liam Boyce heads high over the bar from six yards.

And the hosts have a penalty shout turned down by Willie Collum as Ricky Foster is felled in the box...

Partick 2-0 Dundee United

John Barnes

BBC Scotland

"Thistle well and truly in the driving seat now after Mustapha Dumbuya makes it 2-0 against United, although it looked a cross rather than a shot from wide. United have an uphill struggle now."

GOAL

SNS Group

The hosts double their lead as Mustapha Dumbuya hits what looks like a low cross from the right but it finds its way into the corner of the net. A bit of a nightmare for United goalkeeper Luis Swick.

GOAL

Steven MacLean knocks in another close-range header as the Dons defence is posted missing. The same defence that conceded three goals in first seven matches of the season.

Willie Miller bellows news of the goal like Bonnie Tyler belting out Total Eclipse Of The Heart. An audio sensation!

Your Views

Scott Mayberry: Hearts need second goal to put this game to bed. McDonald could come back to haunt us!

GOAL

Now, then. What did Tommy Wright put in his St Johnstone players' half-time cuppa? Saints stretch their lead at Pittodrie as Liam Craig's clipped corner is steered home by the head of Steven MacLean at the front post.

KICK-OFF

A quick cuppa and a Star Bar later, we're back up and running...

Get Involved

Gerard Boyd: What on earth is going on with the Dons?! Hibs, ICT now St Johnstone?

Craig M Evans: Honeymoon period of this season over for Aberdeen? #bbcscotfootball

HALF-TIME

SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Dumbarton 1-1 Livingston

Queen of Sth 0-2 Hibernian

Raith Rovers 1-0 Morton

Rangers 1-1 Falkirk

St Mirren 0-0 Alloa

SCOTTISH LEAGUE ONE

Airdrieonians 0-0 Stranraer

Ayr 2-0 Cowdenbeath

Dunfermline 1-0 Albion

Peterhead 1-0 Forfar

Stenhousemuir 1-0 Brechin

SCOTTISH LEAGUE TWO

Arbroath 0-2 Annan Athletic

Berwick 0-1 East Stirling

East Fife 1-0 Stirling

Elgin 1-1 Clyde

Queen's Park 0-0 Montrose

HALF-TIME

Aberdeen 1-3 St Johnstone

Hearts 1-0 Kilmarnock

Partick 1-0 Dundee United

Ross County 0-2 Inverness CT

Hearts 1-0 Kilmarnock

Sam Nicholson, Jamie Walker and Juanma all go close to extending Hearts' lead in the dying seconds at Tynecastle.

Hearts 1-0 Kilmarnock

Hearts are looking to extend their lead and Jamie MacDonald produces a fine save to deny Sam Nicholson, who then sends a superb volley into the side netting.

GOAL

Brilliant double-save from Scott Fox in the County goal to deny Miles Storey and James Vincent, but from the resultant corner, Vincent nods home to double the visitors' advantage.

Partick 1-0 Dundee United

Alan Archibald's men are in confident mood and dominating the game, Sean Welsh drilling a shot just wide.

United though pounce on some slackness at the back and Blair Spittal shoots straight at the goalkeeper.

GOAL

Against the run of play, Caley Thistle have the lead, and it's the prolific loanee Miles Storey who slots Liam Polworth's brilliant square ball calmly into the bottom corner.

An exciting new chapter in Storey's career, ahem...

GOAL

SNS Group

Osman Sow is brought down by Conrad Balatoni and Jamie Walker makes no mistake from the spot as Hearts draw first blood at Tynecastle.

PENALTY FOR HEARTS

Hearts 0-0 Kilmarnock

Blazej Augustyn clears off the line for Hearts after Greg Kiltie curls an effort over goalkeeper Neil Alexander.

Dundee 0-0 Motherwell

Alasdair Lamont

BBC Scotland

"A less-than-thrilling first quarter at Dens Park, with neither side troubling the opposition goalkeeper. Greg Stewart has come in for some close attention from Motherwell who obviously see him as the main threat and Louis Moult earns a booking for a challenge that looks like it's ended Stewart's afternoon."

GOAL

SNS Group

Danny Ward makes a great save to keep out a Liam Craig shot but the midfielder instantly gets his revenge, rifling a shot past the keeper from the resulting corner. From the sublime to the ridiculous from the home goalkeeper, who really should have stopped that one.

Ross County 0-0 Inverness CT

Not to worry, County fans - Boyce has been patched up and the striker with 10 goals to his name this season is back in the action.

Partick 1-0 Dundee United

Two great chances in a minute for the hosts. First Sean Welsh's free-kick is heading for the top corner but Luis Swick does brilliantly to tip it over.

From the corner Daniel Seaborne heads off the bar, with the ball then hitting Cerny and back towards goal, but to his relief it bounces wide of the post.

Hearts 0-0 Kilmarnock

Hearts applying the pressure against Kilmarnock and, after Jamie Walker has a shot deflected wide, Juanma pokes wide from Sam Nicholson's corner.

Rangers 1-1 Falkirk

Jonathan Sutherland

BBC Scotland

SNS Group

"A stunning strike from Will Vaulks brings the score level! An arrow of a shot from range right into the corner. The Falkirk midfielder celebrates with a similarly spectacular somersault. Definitely one to watch out for on Sportscene."

Partick Thistle 1-0 Dundee United

John Barnes

BBC Scotland

"Thistle have started the better of the sides after taking the lead through David Amoo the Thistle wide man had a great chance to put them 2-0 in front but Zwick made a good block. Thistle don't look like a side at the bottom of the table on this showing so far."

Aberdeen 1-2 St Johnstone

Aberdeen striker Adam Rooney gets a glimpse of goal but doesn't catch his shot properly from the edge of the box and the ball slips wide.

Ouch!

County hitman Liam Boyce catches a sore one to the face and retreats to receive medical attention with a dollop of claret beneath his right eye.

Aberdeen 1-2 St Johnstone

Liam McLeod

Football Commentator, BBC Scotland

"An amazing start to proceedings at Pittodrie. Brian Easton and former Don Joe Shaughnessy with goals inside the first 10 before - as last week at Inverness - Ash Taylor reduces the deficit.

"The Easton goal was quite something. The Dons facing yet another examination of their credentials here."

Partick 1-0 Dundee United

The visitors try and hit back straight away. Ryan Dow fires a stinging shot which goalkeeper Tomas Cerny does well to tip over.

However, from the corner Thistle race forward on the counter attack and Mathias Pogba really should do better from close range but Luis Swick is able to block his shot.

#bbcscotfootball

BBC Scotland's Chris McLaughlin: "Deserved opening goal for Partick. Amoo with the close range header. They've been the hungrier side so far here at Firhill."

CLOSE!

What a chance! We're still waiting for the opening goal in the Highland derby. Michael Gardyne and Jonathan Franks fizz balls into the Caley Thistle box, before the former somehow contrives to volley over the bar from six yards.

GOAL

SNS

GOAL

SNS Group

Alan Archibald's men take the lead. A nice one-two passing play on the left, Callum Booth's cross into the middle sees David Amoo right in front of the goal which appears to spook goalkeeper Luis Swick and Amoo allowed to head into the net.

Hearts 0-0 Kilmarnock

Jamie Walker sets up Juanma and the Spaniard forces a superb one-handed save from visiting goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald.

GOAL

SNS Group

Niall McGinn curls in a corner and Ash Taylor attacks it well to thump in a header. Terrible marking from the visitors and a terrible mistake from keeper Zander Clark to concede the set-piece in the first place. It's raining goals at Pittodrie!

GOAL

The visitors double their lead as a free kick whipped into the box causes consternation in the Aberdeen penalty area, Steven McLean's header clipping the post before Joe Shaughnessy rifles home from close range.

GOAL

Dundee 0-0 Motherwell

Dundee striker Rory Loy spins in the box and sees his shot deflected wide for a corner.

GOAL

SNS Group

Tommy Wright's men show no sign of being affected by speculation linking their boss with Dundee United. Brian Easton finds the net with a crisp 25-yard volley into the top corner, Danny Ward has no chance. The visitors draw first blood at Pittodrie.

GOAL

SNS

GOAL

Get Involved

Ryan: Motherwell should get Terry Butcher back in charge. He did great during his time there and would be welcome with open arms #bbcscotfootball

KICK-OFF

Hang onto your hats, we're off and running!

Partick Thistlve v Dundee United (15:00)

John Barnes

BBC Scotland

"This match is hard to predict with two sides looking for a change in form. Partick Thistle still looking for their first win of the season, while Dundee United have picked up only one league win and that was away to Motherwell in early August.

"Considering their last three League meetings at Firhill have been drawn this could be the fifth...."

Motherwell caretaker boss Stephen Craigan

"It has been a bit easier as we have had more time on the training pitch.

"The application of the players has been terrific. It has been a delight to work with them this week.

SNS

"It has been a delight to work with the players"

"Marvin Johnson didn't train until Thursday, so we have made that one change.

"I am manager of the team today and some discussion will take place next week - whether that means me being involved in the management longer term or going back to the under-20s.

"I hadn't joined as Under-20 manager in the summer to become manager this early, so whether I am ready or not for a five or 10 year career, I don't know."

Dundee United caretaker boss Dave Bowman

"It has not been difficult. The players have been great and really focused all week.

"You can be focused all week, but it is what happens between three and five o'clock.

SNS

"I know there is no game next week, so it gives the club time to work things out and interview.

"I am in charge for today and that's all I'm interested in.

"Billy unfortunately has been playing with a slight hamstring injury, so he might be doubtful for Northern Ireland.

"There's lots of good players there in the dressing room and they just have to come out and prove it."

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes

"What we have got is real honesty and togetherness. We accept that last Saturday [against Inverness CT] the first half was not good enough.

"The second half was more like the Aberdeen that I know.

SNS

Derek McInnes is not unduly concerned by the reverse against Inverness CT

"But it was the first defeat of our league campaign and and training has been as normal, the boys were lively and they are ready to go."

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright

"The pitch is looking great and I see that they're watering it. We're set up for a good game.

"We have players on form and some momentum with Cummings doing well up top.

SNS

"I enjoy my job at St Johnstone"

"Defensively - touch wood - we've been a lot better. We're dangerous opponents."

On being linked with Dundee United and how attractive the vacancy is, he said: "I think for anyone it would be. But I'm totally focused on trying to get three points today and that's all my work's been about this week.

"I can't do anything about speculation. If I'm being linked with jobs then it proves I'm doing a good job. That's all I can do and I enjoy my job at St Johnstone; I'm loving my time here. "

Dundee v Motherwell (15:00)

Alasdair Lamont

BBC Scotland

"Both sides have made just the one change from last weekend having recorded positive results. Paul Hartley's men fought back from 3-1 down to earn a point against Ross County, with James McPake forced off through injury. He's replaced in the heart of defence today by Thomas Konrad.

"Interim 'Well boss Stephen Craigan, who remains non-committal over his desire to take the job permanently, oversaw an important victory against Partick Thistle and only a slight change in tactics prompts a solitary change in personnel with Josh Law replacing Marvin Johnson."

LINE-UPS

Hearts: Alexander, Paterson, Augustyn, Rossi, Oshaniwa, Buaben, Gomis, Nicholson, Walker, Sow, Juanma. Subs: Hamilton, McGhee, L.Smith, Djoum, Pallardo, Swanson, Reilly.

Kilmarnock: MacDonald, Findlay, Higginbotham, O'Hara, Obadeyi, Slater, McHattie, Kiltie, Balatoni, Hamill, Magennis. Subs: Ridgers, Smith, McKenzie, Boyd, Splane, Syme, Frizzel.

LINE-UPS

Dundee: Bain, McGinn, Etxabeguren, Konrad, Holt, Stewart, Ross, Thomson, Calder, Hemmings, Loy. Subs: Gourlay, Irvine, Meggatt, Harkins, Healey, Curran, Dryden

Motherwell: Ripley, Grimshaw, McManus, Ainsworth, Pearson, Lasley, Chalmers, Kennedy, Law, Moult, McDonald. Subs: Samson, Laing, Fletcher, Johnson, Robinson, Clarkson, Taylor.

LINE-UPS

Partick Thistle: Cerny, Seaborne, Welsh, Booth, Osman, Amoo, Bannigan, Lawless, Dumbuya, Lindsay, Pogba. Subs: Scully, Miller, Doolan, Stevenson, Wilson, Edwards, Nisbet.

Dundee United: Zwick, McGowan, Dillon, Souttar, Rankin, Spittal, Dow, Morris, Fraser, Spark, Bodul. Subs: Szromnik, Murray, Telfer, Connolly, Coote, Donaldson, Taggart.

LINE-UPS

Aberdeen: Ward, Shinnie, Logan, Considine, Taylor, McLean, Rooney, McGinn, Hayes, Pawlett, Jack. Subs: Brown, Quinn, Robson, Goodwillie, McLaughlin, Smith, Wright.

St Johnstone: Clark, Mackay, Scobbie, Lappin, Davidson, MacLean, Wotherspoon, Shaughnessy, Cummings, Easton, Craig. Subs: M Hurst, Anderson, Sutton, Caddis, Fisher, Thomson, G Hurst

LINE-UPS

Ross County: Fox, Boyd, Boyce, Gardyne, Foster, Graham, Irvine, Franks, Murdoch, Fraser, Robertson. Subs: Woods, McShane, Dingwall, Holden, Reckord, De Vita.

Inverness CT: Fon Williams, Raven, Vincent, Meekings, Draper, Devine, Tansey, Williams, Polworth, Mutombo, Storey. Subs: Esson, Tremarco, Lopez, Wedderburn, Horner, Vigurs, Sutherland.

Hearts v Kilmarnock (15:00)

Brian McLauchlin

BBC Scotland

"This the first time since losing his job at Tynecastle Gary Locke has returned to take on his old team.

"Hearts remarkably looking for their first league win since August and go with a very attacking line up with Sow and Juanma starting upfront."

Rangers v Falkirk (15:00)

Jonathan Sutherland

BBC Scotland

"Falkirk manager Peter Houston feels his side can end Rangers winning run, but he is probably in the minority. However, his side are second in the table, albeit nine points behind the Ibrox side.

"Rangers have been in fairly free-scoring form generally, and look a cut above the general Championship level. Mark Warburton's side are aiming for nine in a row - league wins, that is - as they seek to maintain their 100% start to the league season. Victory over Falkirk would also mean Rangers have beaten every side in the Championship, which would be a major psychological marker.

BBC

Ibrox before Rangers face Falkirk in the Championship

"Thoughts also turn to the recent 7-0 hammering Falkirk took in the League Cup at Ross County. But the Bairns are unbeaten in the league and drew on their last visit to Ibrox last season. A victory for Peter Houston's side would cut Rangers lead over them to six points."

Ross County v Inverness CT (15:00)

Martin Dowden

BBC Scotland

"A real edge to this Highland derby with the backdrop of the Dundee United link to John Hughes lingering over it. Two sides in great form but the big question seems to be how Inverness CT cope without Ryan Christie who's been at the heart of most of their attacking threat this season."

BBC

Team sheets ahead of the Highland derby

Hearts v Kilmarnock (15:00)

Brian McLauchlin

BBC Scotland

"If last week's Scottish League Cup tie between these two is anything to go by then Saturday's clash should be a cracker.

"Sam Nicholson scored the winning goal for Hearts deep into stoppage-time after Kilmarnock had twice led in an end-to-end affair at Rugby Park.

"This also marks a return to Tynecastle for Gary Locke for the first time in the opposing dugout since being told in 2014 their was no room in the new regime led by Hearts director of football Craig Levein.

BBC

The sun is splitting the sky over Tynecastle

"A few Kilmarnock players will also be familiar with their surroundings, with goalkeepers Jamie MacDonald and Mark Ridgers, defender Kevin McHattie and midfielders Jamie Hamill and Scott Robinson all returning to their former club."

Inverness CT boss John Hughes

"Matumbo comes in for Ryan Christie today. He is looking fitter and I have faith in him.

"I have a wee sneaky feeling he could be our match winner.

"We have worked very hard on the training pitch and, if we are at it and at our best, I am sure we can pick up three points.

SNS

John Hughes says the Dundee United speculation is "water off a duck's back"

"Ross County are flying, but we are up for a challenge."

Asked about the Dundee United managerial vacancy and whether it would affect his players, he said: "It is water off a duck's back."

Partick Thistle v Dundee United (15:00)

John Barnes

BBC Scotland

The Men In Black.

Referee Craig Thomson meets SPFL delegate Frank Coulston while his assistants check the pitch...

BBC

The match officials check the pitch at Firhill

Dundee v Motherwell (15:00)

Alasdair Lamont at Dens Park

BBC Scotland

"Glorious day at Dens. Who'd have thought it'd be too hot to play football here in October?"

BBC

A sun-kissed Dens Park...

Manager-less Dundee United

John Barnes

BBC Scotland

"I'm advised former Aberdeen midfielder Brian Grant will be assisting Dave Bowman in the @dundeeunitedfc dug-out today..."

Aberdeen v St Johnstone (15:00)

Liam McLeod at Pittodrie

Football Commentator, BBC Scotland

"Aberdeen are aiming to bounce back from back-to-back defeats against a St Johnstone side who have had the better of recent meetings."

BBC

Liam's commentary position at Pittodrie

"Expect Derek McInnes to return Adam Rooney to the starting line-up with Saints without suspended keeper Alan Mannus."

Get Involved

Are you heading to a game today? Do you have a view on who Dundee United and Motherwell should be targeting for their respective managerial vacancies?

Anything else to get off your chest?

Get in touch by tweeting #bbcscotfootball or message me @bbcthomasmcg - you can also text using 80295.

Today's games

Aberdeen v St Johnstone

Dundee v Motherwell

Hearts v Kilmarnock

Partick Thistle v Dundee United

Ross County v Inverness CT

Here we go...

Five top-flight games at 3pm, including a Highland derby. Not too shabby, eh?

Good afternoon and a warm welcome to our live text coverage of a busy day of Scottish Premiership football, with action from the Championship and Leagues One and Two thrown in for good measure!

SNS

Ross County enjoy a five-point lead over their Highland derby rivals