Ross County

Ross Morren
Fan writer

Ross County fans were hopeful their side might finally end their away-day hoodoo as the Staggies travelled down the A9 to McDiarmid Park to face St Johnstone.

Unfortunately, the 90 minutes in Perth was a perfect example of Murphy's law – anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

Things started to unravel very quickly. Benjamin Kimpioka caught the County defence napping at the back post as he reacted quickest to tap home the opener.

Things went from bad to worse after 30 minutes as Eli Campbell was sent off for two bookable offences. I thought his first caution was pretty harsh, however there's no disputing his second yellow as it was a rash tackle to make, especially already being on a booking.

The game was effectively over on the stroke of half-time as Kimpioka doubled his tally and St Johnstone's lead in identical circumstances to his opener.

In the second half, County huffed and puffed to try and get back into the match but failed to create any clear-cut chances or test Ross Sinclair in the St Johnstone goal.

In the closing stages, Charlie Telfer - only on the pitch three minutes - was shown a straight red card by John Beaton for a tackle on Sven Sprangler, meaning County were down to nine men for the first time since Boxing Day 2020.

To rub salt into the wounds, Makenzie Kirk tapped in St Johnstone's third goal with virtually the last kick.

As bad days at the office go, this has to be right up there. With back-to-back home matches against Kilmarnock and Hibernian on the horizon, Don Cowie and his players will be desperate to make amends for a bitterly disappointing day in Perth.

Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external

BBC Sportscene pundits Neil McCann and Barry Robson reflect on Ross County's red cards in their 3-0 defeat against St Johnstone.

Graeme: Very disappointing, but Don Cowie and the players know that. Football is played in the mind as much as on the pitch, and this game highlights the contrast between battling Celtic at home and facing St Johnstone. The 'they shall not pass' mentality was lost in going toe-to-toe with a stronger side. County will regroup and come back stronger.

Angus: I had optimism going into the game. I have watched County for a long time. I think the performance from the whole squad on the park is the worst I have seen. You could not say that was a team of professional players out there. So disappointed.

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• Jack Sanders attempted 96 passes in this game, the highest total for a St Johnstone player in the Premiership this season.

• Benjamin Kimpioka has scored four goals in the Premiership this season (two in this game), more than any other St Johnstone player.

• St Johnstone attempted 18 shots in this game, their highest total in a single match in the Premiership this season.

• St Johnstone attempted 631 passes in this game, their highest total in a single match in the Premiership this season.

• Ross County have failed to score in four of their nine games, no team has failed to do so more often in the Premiership this season.

Don Cowie said his side, "let the fans down today" following the 3-0 defeat to St Johnstone.

Were you part of the travelling support or did you take in the game elsewhere?

Either way, we want to hear from you.

Give us your thoughts on the game here., external

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Ross County manager Don Cowie: "We concede pretty early in the game and then we go down to ten men. It's about trying to stay in the game up until half-time, getting in at 1-0, then regroup, so, really disappointed to concede right on the stroke of half-time. Then, the task is even greater in the second half when we go down to nine.

"You don't want to be 2-0 down with ten men, but what I did say to them was 'let's go and work hard and put our bodies on the line,' and again, I'm just really disappointed to get to the last minute of the game and concede a third goal because if we came away with a 2-0, I would have accepted it to a degree, in terms of playing for a long time with ten men and then nine.

"We have to respond from it. We are disappointed. We took a big travelling support. today and we let them down in terms of the result and we need to make sure next Saturday against Kilmarnock that were back to what we can do best."

On Eli Campbell's two yellow card: "I've not seen them back, but he has made two fouls and been booked for both of them. It seems slightly harsh. But, if they deem it as a yellow, then we have to go with that."

On Charlie Telfer's red card: "I think it's a split-second decision. The ball drops in the middle of the park, Charlie's just come on the field, is eager to have an impact and he sees the ball and mistimes it. I've not seen it again to see the extent of how dangerous it looked, but, he is not a dangerous player and he has not went out to hurt someone, so he is disappointed in terms of getting a red card."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at McDiarmid Park

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For all the praise County rightly received for their performance against Celtic before the international break, they'll rightly receive criticism for this.

Even before going a goal or player down, Don Cowie's side were far from their structured and disciplined best.

The defence were shaky, Laidlaw was erratic and the midfield and forward players could not make an impact on the game.

Campbell's crazy decision cost his team, leaving his side with an insurmountable task.

With just 27% in the second half, County couldn't break from their rigid defensive shape and fleetingly ventured into their attacking half.

Plenty to ponder for Cowie who came here in high hopes following the showing against Celtic. Inconsistency strikes again.

Both sides at McDiarmid Park show two changes from defeats by the two sides of the Old Firm last time out.

While Simo Valakari is not yet officially in the St Johnstone dugout, you imagine the new team boss will have been the one who decided to promote midfielder Jason Holt and striker Adama Sidibeh into the starting line-up.

Defender Aaron Essel and forward Makenzie Kirk drop to the bench following the 2-0 loss to Rangers at Ibrox.

County's Don Cowie makes two changes from their 2-1 home defeat by Celtic.

In come striker Eamonn Brophy and Scott Allardice, whose fellow midfielders, Noah Chilvers and Aidan Denholm, drop to the bench.

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Croatian centre-half Bozo Mikulic is still waiting on a work permit after signing for St Johnstone, who remain without Uche Ikpeazu (knee) and Sam McClelland (Achilles).

Ross County defender Will Nightingale faces more than two months out following knee surgery. George Harmon (ankle) and Ricki Lamie (Achilles) remain out while Max Sheaf has had a setback in his recovery from a thigh problem.

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Don Cowie feels suitably prepared to take on St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership, but isn't taking the Perth side for granted.

It was less than a month ago that the sides played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in Dingwall and since then, the Saints have appointed Simo Valakari as their new head coach, replacing Craig Levein.

Even though the new man at the helm won't be in the dugout for Saturday's clash at McDiarmid Park, Cowie insists County will be prepared for whatever the Saints throw at them.

"It is not too long ago we played them and we are aware of the personnel they have got," Cowie said.

"But at the same time a few weeks ago they were without two of their main threats at the top of the pitch [Benjamin Kimpioka and Adama Sidibeh], so we have that to think about that going into the game.

"But we did our homework on them a month ago so nothing really changes.

"I think they have managed to sign one player [Bozo Mikulic] outwith the window, so that adds to their group but we are fully aware.

"The way football is now, you pretty much know everything about the opposition going into the game."

We asked for your views on what you want to see from Ross County.

Here's what some of you said:

Dave: Although Ronan Hale has made an encouraging start and Jordan White poses problems to opposing defences, we need a sharper edge up front to build on the good work in midfield and defence. Someone in the classic inside forward role to hold the ball, and then deliver those telling passes. Defensively we have been excellent though.

Craig: Although we haven't won many games, some of the performances have been encouraging, especially against difficult sides. We look to have brought in some higher quality players like Josh Nisbet, Noah Chilvers, Aidan Denholm, Jack Grieves and Hale, all technically good players on the ball. Akil Wright and Kacper Lopata look good too, I'm quietly confident they will gel. Connor Randall is a great captain.

Stephen: We are doing well at the moment, yes the lack of wins is a slight concern, as is away form in general, but I think we are one win away from putting a run together.

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Ross County defender Will Nightingale is facing 10 weeks on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury.

The 29-year-old joined the Staggies on loan from AFC Wimbledon in July 2023 and that deal was extended for another year in the summer after a successful spell last term.

The centre-back has made four appearances for County this season, but the Englishman is now set for at least two months out.

The Dingwall side return to domestic action on Saturday when they travel to face St Johnstone in the Premiership.

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• St Johnstone are unbeaten in four league meetings with Ross County (W2 D2), winning as many of those four (2) as their previous 15 against the Staggies beforehand (W2 D8 L5).

• Ross County have only lost one of their last five league trips to St Johnstone (W2 D2), going down 1-0 in November 2023.

• St Johnstone have lost all three of their home league games this season, the only side in the Scottish Premiership in 2024-25 yet to pick up a home point. Since the Scottish Premiership re-brand in 2013, only three sides have lost each of their first four home matches of a campaign in the division: St Mirren (2014-15), Dundee (2018-19), and Dundee United (2022-23).

• Ross County are winless in 20 away league games (D8 L12) since beating Kilmarnock 1-0 in September 2023. Home and away, the Staggies have just one win in their last 11 Scottish Premiership fixtures (D6 L4).

• This will be Simo Valakari’s first game in charge of St Johnstone, the first Finnish manager to take charge of a side in the Scottish Premiership since Mixu Paatelainen with Dundee United in 2015-16. Not since Billy Stark in October 2001 has a St Johnstone boss lost his first top-flight match in charge of the club.

With domestic football making its return this weekend, we want to know what you're looking for from your side.

It hasn't been a straightforward start to the season for Ross County, who have just one win from eight league games.

The narrow defeat to champions Celtic last time out showed promise, but what do you feel needs to be improved between now and November's international break?

Give us your thoughts here, external.

Ross Morren
Fan writer

At the beginning of September, if you had offered Ross County fans five points from the upcoming four matches, most of them would have gladly accepted that offer.

The performances from The Staggies in all four matches were impressive and showed different characteristics.

The victory against Dundee displayed a clinical edge in front of goal and the late comeback against St Johnstone to earn a 3-3 draw showed they're a side who will push the opposition right until the final whistle.

Although Don Cowie's side dropped points from winning positions late on against Hearts and Celtic respectively, they showed a defensive stability throughout the match which very nearly saw them pick up a larger haul of points.

So, how do County continue their momentum gained prior to the international break and continue to build their way into the season?

The Staggies face trips down the A9 to face St Johnstone, St Mirren and Dundee United before the next international break. They'll also welcome both Kilmarnock and Hibernian to Dingwall in-between the trips to Perth and Paisley.

On paper, it looks like a fairly kind run of fixtures. County's home form since Don Cowie took over back in February has been well documented, so they'll be looking at the matches against Kilmarnock and Hibernian as a good opportunity for points.

Away from home, most County fans would be happy with any kind of positive result away to St Mirren or Dundee United. I don't think there's too much between County and either side, so both matches could be quite tight.

The biggest match out of the five in terms of importance is this weekend's trip to McDiarmid Park to face St Johnstone. Matches between the two sides feel vitally important after the end to last season, and a victory for County would send them 6 points clear of the Perth side.

The points gained from the next five matches could shape County's season. If they pick up a good haul of points, they could start aiming up the table rather than battling at the bottom like previous seasons.

Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external

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The Scottish FA's key match incident review panel have decided that two calls during Celtic's 2-1 win over Ross County were overturned correctly following VAR intervention.

No penalty was initially awarded when the ball struck Liam Scales, but the panel agreed that the Celtic centre-half's arm was high and outstretched, making his body unnaturally bigger.

When Ronan Hale's spot-kick was saved by Kasper Schmeichel, there was no signal from the assistant referee for the Celtic goalkeeper being off his line.

However, the panel supported the VAR's decision to intervene and award a retake, from which the striker scored.

BBC Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your questions.

Ron asked: Is it conceivable that a Scotland manager would ever consider picking a player from a Highland club? Ross Laidlaw would seem to me to have as good a claim as many other goalkeeper, but never appears to be in the frame. Is it because he plays for County?

Tom answered: Hi Ron. I won’t try to second-guess Steve Clarke on this, but I can understand why you might be frustrated given that Robby McCrorie is in the squad despite having just played his first games since mid-August, which brought his total number of matches to around 14 in three-and-a-half seasons. It's not a lot to go on.

I can't ever remember Laidlaw getting a mention before, which seems harsh. Maybe you're right. Out of sight, out of mind.

Is there really a whole lot between McCrorie, Jon McCracken and Laidlaw? I don’t think so.

Ross County striker Ronan Hale will be unable to play for Northern Ireland against Belarus and Bulgaria because international clearance for his switch from the Republic of Ireland, for whom he played at under-21 level, has not come through on time. (Scottish Sun), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

What would you like to ask Tom English about Ross County?

Our chief sportswriter is in the hotseat ready to answer your questions and offer his insight and opinion on your club.

Who has been the top performer so far? Is the manager living up to expectations?

Put your questions to Tom here, external.

Sportscene pundits Niall McGinn and Cammy Bell assess Ross County's penalty drama in their 2-1 defeat against Celtic.

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Ross Morren
Fan writer

Ross County fans were hoping their side could capitalise on a potential European hangover from Celtic in Dingwall on Sunday.

The early signs were very promising. Celtic looked sluggish in possession and didn't offer a creative outlet in the final third against a County defence who were quick to limit space and were a match to any threats the away side had to offer.

At the other end, Don Cowie's side took a shock lead thanks to Ronan Hale's penalty. Hale showed real character to pick the same corner after his initial penalty was saved by Kasper Schmeichel, who was judged to have been off his line when Hale made contact with the ball, prompting a retake.

Celtic seemed to be running out of ideas and the County backline looked impenetrable. However, going into the final 15 minutes, a stroke of bad luck and then a moment of controversy cost County a historic result.

On another day, Callum McGregor's volley could have deflected off Alistair Johnston and gone high and wide. Unfortunately, it flew into the net to give Celtic a lifeline.

Everyone associated with the Staggies was then bemused with Kevin Clancy's decision to award a free-kick for challenge on Luke McCowan halfway inside the Celtic half. The frustration at the standard of officiating was growing as the match went on and stonewall fouls on County players were being waved away

That feeling then turned to anger as Celtic took the free-kick quickly and, two passes later, Nicolas Kuhn was played through on goal to score the winner on what was probably the only occasion Celtic carved open the resolute County defence.

County deserve a lot of credit for pushing Celtic right to the end. Connor Randall and Josh Nisbet were outstanding up against Reo Hatate and Arne Engels, who really struggled to have any influence, while Kacper Lopata had Adam Idah in his back pocket.

Cowie will take plenty of positives from this performance as well as the previous three matches and hope to continue County's recent momentum on the other side of the international break.

Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external

County fans, we asked for your thoughts after Sunday's narrow defeat to Celtic.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Graham: A really strong and positive performance. Well organised, good support play and a great team effort. Very happy with the players who Don Cowie is getting the best of.

Ron: An excellent team performance that illustrated to Brendan Rogers how to set up against a vastly superior side. The half-time stats were astonishing - County had only 20% possession but five shots on target compared to Celtic's one. A soft foul given in midfield followed by an uncharacteristic loss of shape undid us for the winner but no shame in the result.

Mike: I haven't seen a better performance from Ross County for a long time, the manager has had a huge influence on the squad when you play a team like Celtic. Sunday afternoon was a joy even though it was a defeat. I think we've got a squad that could surprise the league. Maybe top six or Europe next year, who knows? I can cross my fingers but every team beware!