Defender Akil Wright discusses his error and the team's performance in the Scottish Cup.
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In a gripping Scottish Cup match that saw Ross County face off against Livingston, defender Akil Wright has openly acknowledged his pivotal role in the team’s 3-2 defeat after extra time. This loss marks the sixth consecutive season that the Staggies have exited the competition at the first hurdle, a statistic that weighs heavily on the squad.
Wright’s moment of lapse
During the first half, Wright’s unusual handball led to a penalty awarded to Livingston, which Robbie Muirhead successfully converted. Reflecting on the incident, Wright stated, “The penalty was unusual. I have gone to head the ball and my arm is up and I can’t explain it.” He emphasized that the handball was unintentional, attributing it to a misjudgment of the ball’s trajectory.
“It starts from there and I’ll take full responsibility for that. It’s on me,” he admitted, showcasing his accountability for the team’s early setback.
Match dynamics and team performance
Despite the initial setback, Ross County managed to equalize twice during the match, with Jordan White and Cristian Montano both finding the net. However, it was Andrew Shinnie’s late goal in extra time that sealed the victory for Livingston. Wright expressed disappointment with the overall performance, stating, “We are more than frustrated, we’re disappointed. They were up for the fight and from the first minute you could tell that they were more than we were.” His sentiments reflect a broader concern within the team regarding their readiness and execution on the pitch.
Looking ahead to the Premiership
As the team prepares for their next challenge against Hibernian, Wright is determined to ensure that the cup exit does not derail their Premiership campaign. “We’ve been on a good run and we’ve got Hibs next week. They have also been on a good run, but we are still confident we can win,” he stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus and morale. The 28-year-old defender’s resolve is crucial as the team looks to bounce back and regain their momentum in the league.
Wright’s candid reflections on the match serve as a reminder of the highs and lows of competitive football. As Ross County moves forward, the lessons learned from this defeat will be vital in shaping their approach to upcoming fixtures.
