And while the side suffered a 4-2 defeat, they received plaudits from Arbroath manager John McGlashan on their display.

The young side, which lost the experience of Paul Tosh in the pre-match warm up through injury, performed admirably against a strong Ross County side which featured the likes of Derek Soutar, Danny Griffin and Derek Adams.

Nicky Smith continued his battle to regain match fitness while Steven Weir was injured with 20 minutes remaining.

He was replaced by Sam Woods, a trialist currently unattached after being released by Glasgow Rangers in the summer.

John McGlashan said: "It was a really good game and the young guys handled it well, especially since Ross County had seven players with Scottish Premier League experience in their side.

"These reserve games are really important. I'm playing guys who are out on loan, recovering from injury or needing games."

He added: "Sean Simpson scored a well taken double and should have perhaps had a hat-trick when clean through but the 'keeper pulled off a great save.

"He, and several of the players, massively impressed me and they have put themselves in my thoughts for Saturday's (tomorrow's) game."

Team - Morrison, McMullen, MacDonald, Campbell, Rennie, Masson, Urquhart (Richardson 80), Smith, Weir (Woods 70), Simpson, Reilly. Not used: Burns.