The Staggies look to build on recent form and avoid relegation threats.
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As the Scottish Premiership season progresses, Ross County finds itself at a critical juncture, preparing to face St Johnstone in a match that could significantly impact their relegation battle. With the Staggies currently sitting 11 points clear of the bottom-placed Saints, the stakes are high for both teams.
A victory for County could solidify their position and provide a much-needed boost in confidence.
Recent form and past encounters
Ross County enters this match with renewed vigor, having secured wins in their last two outings. However, manager Don Cowie remains cautious, recalling the previous encounters with St Johnstone that have not gone in their favor.
The last meeting ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, but a subsequent visit to McDiarmid Park resulted in a disappointing 3-0 defeat, where County finished the game with only nine players. Cowie expressed his frustration over that performance, emphasizing the need for his team to rectify past mistakes.
Focus on improvement and survival
Cowie’s primary objective remains clear: to improve upon last season’s finish and ensure survival in the Premiership. While the prospect of a top-six finish is enticing, he insists that the focus must remain on accumulating points and avoiding relegation. The league’s competitive nature means that a few points can drastically alter a team’s standing, making every match crucial. Cowie stated, “The challenge has always been to improve – especially on last season, when we finished 11th in the league.”
Key players and their contributions
One player who has emerged as a standout performer for Ross County is defender Akil Wright. Since joining the club, Wright has become a vital part of the squad, making 32 starts and contributing significantly to the team’s defensive efforts. His recent performances have also seen him become a goal-scoring threat, netting four goals this season, including a spectacular strike in the recent victory over Dundee. Wright believes that his experience in lower leagues has prepared him well for the challenges of the Premiership, stating, “Playing men’s football from a young age helped me adapt from an early age.”
As Ross County prepares for this pivotal match against St Johnstone, the team is focused on building on their recent successes while addressing past shortcomings. With the potential for a significant impact on their survival chances, the Staggies are determined to put their best foot forward and secure a vital three points.
