Ross County smashed a 33-year club record with a staggering 14-0 victory over Hearts B19s in the KDM Evolution Trophy. The result at Global Energy Stadium on Saturday eclipsed the previous high of 11-0 set against St Cuthberts Wanderers in December 1993.
Kieran Phillips led the demolition with five goals, four of which came in a rampant first half. Ricco Diack added a hat-trick, while Luke McCarvel netted twice. Chris Hamilton, Jamie Lindsay, and others also found the net in a performance that manager Stuart Kettlewell said his team treated with complete professionalism.
"I think my biggest focus, as always, is my team," Kettlewell said. "I think that they treated the game exactly how it should be treated."
The match turned decisively when Hearts' Robbie Flockhart was sent off in the 34th minute for denying a goalscoring opportunity, with County already 4-0 ahead. The visitors, reduced to ten men and with limited substitutes, changed formation but could not stem the tide as the goals continued to flow.
This historic win is the latest statement from a Ross County side sitting comfortably at the summit of League One. They have taken 19 points from their opening seven games, scoring 22 goals and conceding just four. The team's form has been built on a solid defensive foundation and a potent attack.
The result also marked their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions, a run that includes an 8-0 league win over Queen of the South. This relentless form provides the perfect platform as they prepare for their next challenge. County host Alloa Athletic this Saturday, with the visitors currently fifth in the table.
With one match remaining in the KDM Evolution Trophy league phase, the Staggies are in a strong position to be seeded for the knockout rounds. The squad, featuring experienced heads like Brian Graham and Connor Randall, is showing both depth and a ruthless edge. Several young players also staked a claim for more involvement with their performances in this record-breaking match.
Kettlewell praised the collective effort, noting the importance of maintaining standards regardless of the opposition. The victory sends a clear message about the squad's strength and ambition for the season ahead. Check the full schedule on our fixtures page. For a full look at the players contributing to this run, visit the squad section.
Ross County's next fixture is at home to Alloa Athletic on Saturday, October 3rd.
The original report is at Mirror Football
