Montrose 0-6 Ross County

Craig Curran and Thomas Mikkelsen both struck doubles as Ross County hit Montrose for six at Links Park.Michael Gardyne and Alex Schalk were also on target as County continued their perfect start to the Betfred Cup with a 6-0 triumph over their League Two opponents.County replaced Scott Fox, Marcus Fraser and Schalk with Aaron McCarey, Kenny van der Weg and Mikkelsen following their opening win over Alloa but there was no disruption to their rhythm.After early chances for Gardyne and Curran, Mikkelsen put County in front on 15 minutes, nodding in Ryan Dow's cross.County were two to the good on 27 minutes as ex-Dundee United defender Sean Dillon pushed Andrew Davies over in the box, allowing Curran the opportunity to tuck the ball away from 12 yards.It got worse for Montrose on the half-hour mark as Curran teed up Gardyne and his low finish, initially well-saved by Jordan Millar, rolled over the line.Matthew Wallace and Terry Masson fired shots over for the hosts but Curran's second on the stroke of half-time, coming via the crossbar after Gardyne's free-kick was not cleared, put the Staggies in cruise control.Mikkelsen notched his second 10 minutes after half-time when Dow played him in and Schalk did likewise from Gardyne's superb ball.County cruised through the remaining half hour, ensuring a win against Group D rivals Hibernian on Friday will all but secure safe passage to the second round.ends