In an instant, hearts were broken and tears of joy were shed. Fans of St. Johnstone, Gretna and The Mighty Ross County endured a rollercoaster 93 minutes on Saturday.

Having failed to score for the last 4 or so Games, Gretna had all but thrown away their Division 1 title challenge. Their inability to score goals had seen County slide to the bottom of the table, their survival being in the hands of a team with nothing to play for… Queen of the South.

County had never been relegated. Gretna had seen back to back promotions. One team had money, the other didn’t. Former County favourite Martin Canning (who was identified as being very good by me years back) was now captain of Gretna.

Over 6,000 packed in to Victoria Park. The team played with determination and drive. The radio commentary was passionate and excitable… Saints seemed to be coasting 3-0 up at Hamilton, County 1 up, 2-1 down, now 2-2, Saints now 4-3… until that goal at the death. But even them County still had one further chance.

The Central Belt Selects, as Division 1 is now, will be happy to be rid of County. Dingwall on a wet and windy Tuesday night isn’t one of footballs great away trips. Yet, it does offer something different, especially with teams playing each other 4 times. If all you do is drive between Greenock and Airdrie, your world is quite small…

Some clubs with decent (away) support in that league now, Morton, Thistle, maybe St. Mirren, which should lend itself to a decent competition.

For County it is the delights of Alloa away, but hopefully they may be spared the epic Stranraer away who are in a playoff. I love lower league football. There is always such a better atmosphere, more banter with those on as well as off the field. Even with relegation battles, there seems to be a less serious attitude, people enjoying it more, taking it less seriously.

Follow County at The Jailender, more up to date than the official site.