Against the run of play we found ourselves a goal behind at the break but the introduction of Ainsworth for McFadden was the catalyst Motherwell needed to convert our dominant possession into goals.
Sutton celebrates
Hollis, Lasley, Sutton and Anier returned after their midweek rest with the former County players Lawson and Vigurs on the bench. The Staggies kicked off but inside a minute Anier had a fine chance saved by Brown. We camped in their half and a number of half chances came along. Hutchinson headed over the bar, Sutton had a fine shot from the edge of the box and it seemed like only a matter of time before we would take the lead.
Carwell and Lasley looked comfortable in the centre of midfield and Francis-Angol enjoyed his freedom to push forward. McFadden has still to find the inspirational spark that will light his season. County scored very much against the run of play when a shot from De Leeuw shot into a crowded box. The ball took a big deflection off Hutchinson and off the opposite post it crossed the line. We were fortunate not to concede a second before the break when Brittain had the ball set up outside the box but, thankfully, his shot was wild and high.
Hollis holds
The manager kept McFadden in the dressing room at the interval and Ainsworth came on to patrol the right wing. The change worked and his pace lifted our attack as we chased the equaliser. It followed a couple of free kicks - from the first Lasley hit the wall but a minute later Sutton struck the second and we earned a corner. Hammell delivered from the East Stand side and Sutton rose above the rest to head home.
Hollis earned his bonus money with a couple of excellent saves. Brittain's long range effort was deflected and needed quick reactions to save the shot then Kettlewell had a powerful shot on target but our 'keeper was up to the task.
We kept up the pressure and looked the most likely to score the next goal. Ainsworth delivered a terrific cross that Anier met with a flying header but the bal missed the target. In 68 minutes Sutton took on the chase for Anier's through ball. The outpaced the central defenders and got his shot away just outside the box. The Cooper stand exploded as the ball found the corner of the net.
Ten minutes later McHugh added the third and killing goal when he leapt to Ramsden's high ball to deliver a powerful header beyond Brown.
It was a commanding display from Motherwell and the visitors were swept away. The referee was kept busy penalising County's physical challenges but, surprisingly, no yellow cards were issued.
We're off to Parkhead next week, ahead of another international break with a run that includes 13 points from the last 15. We could hardly have hoped for better.