THERE is surely nobody who better epitomises Ross County's arduous ascent of Scottish football than Stuart Kettlewell.
The work ethic, dedication and patient diligence that have characterised County's steady climb have been the same qualities under-pinning Kettlewell's career.
Just five years ago, the 28-year-old seemed locked in life as a part-time player with Queen's Park, his time split between football and holding down a teller's job with the Scottish Premier League's main sponsors. He has earned a more tangible link to the top flight now, his goal against Hibs helping to secure County's first home win in the top flight. He can also claim to have scored in every senior Scottish league.
It was a strike all the more crucial in light of three prior defeats and an early Hibs goal that could easily have buckled the hosts' will. After the gloom of a Highland derby defeat and a recent deluge of goals conceded, County again confounded those who see them as destined to struggle this season.
"The boys are just over the moon with the victory and the manner of the win," said Kettlewell, whose strike was added to by Iain Vigurs and Colin McMenamin. "We were a wee bit disappointed with the goals we lost, but we were really positive in how we played in the first half. We went a goal down but I thought we were the better side.
"It showed the character we have in the dressing room after a few hard results in recent weeks. People were looking to see how we would react after losing a few but we showed great character and answered a few questions out there.
"It is a great feeling to get that first home win. The lads are buzzing because Hibs are a good side, second in the table before the game, so the result speaks for itself. We have confidence we can move ourselves up the league."
They would only have needed to look as far as Hibs for inspiration. The Edinburgh side had marched to within touching distance of Celtic as they did their best to make up for an uncomfortable season last time out. The sting of this defeat will be salved somewhat by the knowledge that dropping down to fourth is still preferable than toiling down at the bottom of the league.
Leigh Griffiths had given Hibs an early lead, before James McPake offered hope of escaping the Highlands with a point later on. Such hopes would evaporate completely following the intervention of McMenamin, who scored his first goal of the season.
Yet Kettlewell was moved to reflect on his own milestone. "It is great to have now scored in every division now. There are not many players who have done it," said the midfielder. "I guess you could call me a journeyman. But at least my journey has been in the right direction up the leagues.
"I was delighted for Colin, too, to get his first goal as he has been working exceptionally hard in training. He took his goal well today and hopefully he can now kick on from here."
Not surprisingly, the atmosphere was much heavier around the Hibs squad, with scorer McPake left to dwell on defensive errors. "It was frustrating because we lost three goals all to mistakes. It's not been par for the course this season," said the Hibs captain. "We have been quite strong at doing the basics."
6' 0-1 Leigh Griffiths slides a shot through Michael Fraser's legs.
9' 1-1 Hibs fail to deal with a corner and Stuart Kettlewell drives the ball into the net.
34' 2-1 Iain Vigurs puts Ross County ahead with a calm finish.
44' 2-2 James McPake thumps a volley into the net after Griffiths' free-kick broke to him in the box.
83' 3-2 Colin McMenamin serves a timely reminder of his poaching instincts with a well-taken winner.
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