Ross County forward Liam Boyce was thrilled to score the goal that secured his side’s Premiership safety, having feared the Staggies’ top-flight stay was coming to an end just three months ago.
Boyce notched the winner against Hamilton five minutes from the end to make sure County took advantage of Motherwell’s 2-1 defeat by St Mirren, after Michael Gardyne had cancelled out Lucas Tagliapietra’s opener for Accies.
The result consigned Well to the relegation play-off position, confirming the Dingwall men remain in the top flight for a fourth successive season.
County’s survival had looked improbable in early February, at which point the Staggies had won just two of their first 24 league matches, falling six points adrift at the bottom of the table.
However, a 3-2 victory against Motherwell on February 14 was the springboard for the Highlanders’ revival, sparking a run of eight wins from nine matches.
Boyce admits he doubted County’s chances of staying in the Premiership but was relieved to score the all-important goal that clinched his side’s safety.
The 24-year-old said: “When we lost at home to St Mirren in January to leave us adrift at the bottom, there were things said.
“In February we played Motherwell, six points adrift at the bottom and winning that started the run. That was the biggest three points of the season, just to get that win gave us the belief.
“Had we lost that one I think it would have been too far to retrieve.
“It was just unbelievable to get that goal and keep us safe.
“It meant even more to me to score the winner after missing a lot of chances in last week’s game against St Mirren.
“I thought in the first half we didn’t get started. We were nervous and sort of froze on the big stage. That wasn’t like us, especially during that run we were on but we got in at half-time and seemed to regroup and play far better.
“They were great scenes at the end with the supporters on the pitch – they have been brilliant. They stuck with us through the long bad run we were on, at a time when no one knew when the next win was going to come.
“Everyone thought we were gong to go to the final week but, thankfully, it hasn’t.
“Now we can have a relaxing week and just look forward to this week and have a bit of fun.”
Boyce has already committed to a new two-year contract with the Staggies and is aiming to make further progress next season having made a strong impression at Dingwall after his move from Northern Irish side Cliftonville a year ago.
Boyce added: “I set myself the target of 10 goals this season – and I achieved it. Even when I wasn’t getting a regular start, I always felt I could score goals.
“Next year I’ll just do the same, aim for 10, and if I get there quickly I’ll re-evaluate it. I was out of shape when I signed. It took me time to get there but I feel good now and next season I’ll come back even stronger.”