Ross County manager Don Cowie reflects on pivotal moments in the match.
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In a gripping encounter at Easter Road, Ross County faced Hibernian, with the match ultimately turning on a few critical refereeing calls. Despite taking an early lead through Eli Campbell’s header, County succumbed to a 3-1 defeat, leaving manager Don Cowie questioning the officiating decisions that he believes shifted the momentum of the game.
Early dominance and missed opportunities
Ross County started the match brightly, with Campbell scoring just three minutes in, capitalizing on a rebound after a header from Scott Allardice struck the post. The visitors controlled much of the first half, creating several chances to extend their lead.
However, they failed to convert these opportunities, a fact that would haunt them as the match progressed. Cowie noted that his team had a golden chance to double their advantage at 1-0, but the second goal eluded them, allowing Hibernian to regroup.
Turning point: The controversial goal
As the first half drew to a close, a pivotal moment occurred when Dwight Gayle scored for Hibernian, leveling the match just before the whistle. This goal, which came after the allocated stoppage time, was a source of frustration for Cowie. He expressed disbelief that the referee, Lloyd Wilson, allowed play to continue beyond the five minutes of stoppage time, stating, “For me, that changed a big part of the game. It gives Hibs momentum and something to cheer about going into half-time when we were thoroughly in control of the game at that stage.” This sentiment highlights the psychological impact of such decisions on players and teams.
Penalty drama and defensive lapses
The second half saw Hibernian awarded two penalties, the first of which was saved by County’s goalkeeper Jack Hamilton. However, shortly after, a foul by Ryan Leak on Josh Campbell resulted in a second penalty, which Elie Youan converted, putting Hibs ahead. Cowie lamented the defensive errors that led to the penalties, emphasizing that his players had been warned about the consequences of shirt pulls in the box. He remarked, “It’s lazy defending and you give the referee the option to give penalties, and that’s what we did.” This highlights the importance of discipline and awareness in defensive situations.
Looking ahead: A need for improvement
With this defeat, Ross County’s search for an away league victory extends to 25 matches, a streak that has lasted over 15 months. As they prepare for their upcoming home match against St Mirren, Cowie knows that his team must improve to avoid the risk of being at the bottom of the table during the festive season. He stated, “Twelve of our 15 points have been earned in Dingwall, and we would welcome three more before our Boxing Day trip to Dundee.” The pressure is on for County to turn their fortunes around and capitalize on their home advantage.
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