GLASGOW, Scotland (Interstat) — A late goal from substitute Uche Ikpeazu delivered a smash-and-grab 1-0 victory for Ross County over Queen’s Park in a Scottish Championship match at The City Stadium on Tuesday.

The match, which defied pregame projections that heavily favored the hosts, was decided in the 79th minute by Ikpeazu’s intervention. The striker, who had entered the match as a second-half substitute, finished a decisive move to stun the home crowd and secure all three points for the visiting Staggies.

The result flipped the script on statistical expectations. According to Interstat’s pregame analysis, Queen’s Park held a 68.80 percent probability to win, and the organization’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw. Instead, Ross County’s organized defense and clinical late strike handed Queen’s Park a defeat to open their league campaign.

The first half was a tense, tactical affair with few clear chances, as both sides struggled to establish offensive rhythm. Queen’s Park, playing at home, saw more of the possession but was consistently frustrated by a disciplined Ross County block.

The game’s complexion shifted in a frantic three-minute span early in the second half. Ross County’s Alex Iacovitti, also a substitute, was shown a yellow card in the 54th minute. Just two minutes later, teammate James Scott joined him in the book. The cautions signaled a more aggressive, physical approach from the visitors as they began to gain a foothold.

The breakthrough arrived with just over ten minutes remaining in regulation. The build-up involved two of the previously cautioned substitutes. Iacovitti initiated the play, providing the assist for the chance that led to the goal. James Scott was also credited with an assist, playing the final pass to Ikpeazu, who made no mistake from close range. The goal-scorer’s celebration was briefly tempered when he received a yellow card of his own in the 80th minute, but the damage was done.

Ross County then managed the game effectively through the final minutes and stoppage time, seeing out the victory to seal a perfect start to their Championship season. The win improves Ross County’s record in the competition to one win and no losses, while Queen’s Park begins with one loss and no wins. The records across all competitions for both clubs mirror their league starts.

The match will be recorded as a textbook away performance for Ross County, which absorbed pressure and capitalized on its key moment via impactful substitutions. For Queen’s Park, it was a frustrating evening of missed opportunity, failing to translate statistical favoritism and home advantage into a positive result.