Ross County Archives - Page 2 of 2

SPFL Weekly: Five Talking Points

Rangers’ second-half performance saves Barry Ferguson’s embarrassment, Hibbies go 14 games unbeaten and Hearts move into top six. There was also a debut home win for new ‘Well boss Michael Wimmer, St Johnstone closes the gap at the bottom, and Celtic win emphatically in unconvincing display. Here’s our round-up of the big talking points from Matchday 28 in the 2024/25 SPFL season. AvenGERS thrust into blockbuster action A heroic second-half performance saw the Light Blues come from two goals down to defeat Killie 4-2. The script replicated a typical superhero blockbuster with the protagonist struggling against a grave threat, only to overcome it in the picture’s second half. Cyriel Dessers was the hero who saved Barry Ferguson, the man chosen as Phillipe Clement’s successor on Monday. Dessers’ two decisive goals carried the Light Blues into the lead to give the interim manager his first SPFL victory. Throughout the first half, Ranger’s defence was terrorized by Kilmarnock’s front two, Bobby Wales and Marley Watkins, prompting Ferguson to make the bold decision to hook French centre-back Clinton Nsiala after just 30 minutes. A goal from Vaclav Cerny ten minutes before half-time gave them hope, and the team talk from boss Captain Hamilton must have helped rally the gang as his team put on a gritty and determined performance in the second half. A tired Kilmarnock ran out of steam as the game wore on, and the Glasgow side only grew in confidence. Ferguson’s team must continue to perform to close the 13-point gap on Celtic. Is there a Hollywood ending in sight, or is it too little or too late? All eyes will be on this weekend’s sequel as Motherwell visits Ibrox. Unbe-Leith-able! Hibs march on Hibernian extended their unbeaten run to 14 matches after late goals from Kieron Bowie and Junior Hoilett, which gave them a dramatic 3-1 victory at Tannadice. Their goals came after Dundee United had a second-half leader disallowed for handball in the second half following a lengthy VAR check. Jim Goodwin was incensed by the decision, but referee Dermot Gallagher on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch agreed with the VAR’s decision that Sam Dalby headed the ball onto his arm. The positive vibes continue to build in Leith following the announcement that they have signed Aberdeen’s Jamie McGrath on a pre-contract deal, and Hibs owner plans to make £7m donation to cover club losses. Wimmer feels at home Michael Wimmer experienced his first taste of victory on his Fir Park debut following his arrival last week. Attendance last night was at 4,258, and the home fans would have been excited to see how their new boss got their team playing. However, it was set pieces where they looked most dangerous. Defender Dan Casey scored the two goals to stop the Lanarkshire side’s rot, leading them to their first win in eight matches. The game also saw a landmark for ‘Well midfielder Callum Slattery, who made his 100th appearance for the Steelmen, with his first appearance coming against Annan Athletic just over four years ago. The visitors, Dundee, will now look over their shoulder as they have now lost five games in a row, leaving them three points off bottom spot. Jammin’ Jambos into top six Hearts fought a challenging game, coming from behind to beat St Mirren 3-1, which saw them leapfrog the Paisley side. Victory has taken them into the top six for the first time since August. 17-year-old James Wilson got the equaliser and won man of the match, amusingly posing post-match with a bottle of rum that his parents probably don’t want him drinking. The goal that put the Jambos ahead at Tynecastle was by Calem Nieuwenhof, who was making his first start in almost a year. Hearts manager Neil Critchley told BBC Sport after the game: “It was a really tough game. I didn’t think we were at our best, but we’re finding ways to win games. “We weren’t clean or efficient in our play. I wouldn’t say sloppiness but not our usual selves on the ball. But moments went for us, and we showed real grit and resilience.” Hearts now have eight wins in their last 10 in all competitions. Their next game? Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday. Saints close the gap St Johnstone’s 1-0 victory over top-six hopefuls Ross County significantly boosts their fight for Premiership survival. Only 3 points now separate them and Dundee, who are above them in the play-off relegation spot with 10 games left to play. Fans at McDiarmid Park will feel better about themselves after the win following back-to-back defeats. Mackenzie Kirk’s close-range finish was the decisive goal that, despite a slim scoreline, was a thoroughly deserved result. County ‘keeper Jordan Amissah put in an inspired performance to keep the Saints at bay and the scoreline respectable. Saints Manager Simo Valakari told BBC Sport about the importance of the result: “It was a big win. This match was our most must-win game for our hopes for the rest of the season.” “I’m most happy with how the players performed in this high-pressure game.” County came into this with four wins from their previous five away league games. Their fans were hopeful of the top six but now will have one eye on what’s happening behind them as they still are worryingly close to the relegation play-off spot.

February 27, 2025

SPFL Matchday 1: Five Talking Points

Rangers gave Philippe Clement his marching orders, Hibernian defeated a lethargic Celtic, there was no new manager bounce for Motherwell, and the cool-as-ice Kabangu kept Hearts ticking. Meanwhile, Ross County continued their push for the top six, and Aberdeen stave off capitulation with back-to-back wins. Here’s our round-up of the big talking points from Matchday 27 in the 2024/25 SPFL season. Clement sacked – Who’s next? Rangers 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren was the straw that broke the camel’s back. A dismal showing at Ibrox sealed Philippe Clement’s fate in a week filled with speculation about a potential US-led takeover by San Francisco 49ers’ investors. His dismissal came just hours after our report last night, which anticipated the club’s official announcement. After the match, Clement apologised to the fans, telling BBC Sport: “I can only say sorry and apologise [to the Rangers fans] from me and the team. This is not what Rangers teams need to show on the pitch. We all know this was by far below the standards we all expect.” However, for Rangers supporters, it was too little, too late. Some even set up a JustGiving page to fund his rumoured £1.2 million compensation fee. During his 16-month tenure, Clement showed rare glimpses of promise, particularly in Europe, where Rangers secured automatic qualification for the Europa League round of 16. Yet, he struggled to translate those performances into domestic success, leaving the club 13 points adrift of league leaders Celtic. Attention now turns to his long-term successor, with former Everton boss Sean Dyche, ex-Rangers title-winning manager Steven Gerrard, club legend Barry Ferguson, and former Light Blues midfielder Gennaro Gattuso all linked. Ferguson has been announced by the club to manage until the end of the season. VAR controversy mars heroic Hibs performance The heat on VAR grows with Brendan Rodgers’ latest comments following Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Hibernian. An equaliser for Celtic was ruled out in the second half after the VAR overruled the on-field officials. Their decision was that Alistair Johnston crossed the ball after it was out of play, with the linesman originally calling it in. Regarding the controversy, Rodgers told BBC Sport: “I was very disappointed we didn’t get that, especially when the linesman didn’t think it was out. He probably has the best view. “I don’t know how you can tell the ball is definitely out from an image from the 18-yard line. We need to see evidence the ball was out. If you don’t have that, you’re having a guess.” However, the debate surrounding the decision has unfairly overshadowed Hibernian’s outstanding and fully deserved performance. They fought with grit and determination to withstand Celtic’s attacks while capitalising on a fatigued Hoops defence in transition. A defining moment came when Rocky Bushiri heroically cleared the ball off the goal line following a surging run from Jota, sparking a deafening roar from the home crowd. By the final whistle, as Sunshine on Leith echoed around Easter Road, there could be no denying that Hibs had earned their moment of celebration. No new manager bounce for the ‘Well One could forgive the neutral fan who gave little thought to this fixture last weekend. However, there has been renewed interest following the appointment of Michael Wimmer as Motherwell’s manager. The German spoke about bringing “intensity, energy, and passion” to proceedings. Still, there was little evidence of this in the first half of a 1-0 defeat to Dundee United. Both sides came into the game in poor form, but the Tangerines struck first and stopped the Lanarkshire side from having a new manager bounce. The visitors did react positively in the second half but lacked the clinical edge to get back into the match. On the second-half performance, Wimmer told BBC Sport: “We can work with the second half. It was really good. It was aggressive, we had opportunities, and we played forward. That’s what we want to see.” The Steelmen are now on their joint longest losing streak in ten years and worryingly looking over their shoulders at the teams behind them in the table. Kabangu injection saves Hearts Nine years ago, the Perth club witnessed a bejewelled Elton John in a stellar concert at McDiarmid Park, singing hits such as Crocodile Rock and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. This weekend, they saw another Elton dazzle before their eyes. Elton Kabangu, the January recruit from Hearts. The Belgian scored twice in a 2-1 away victory to see Hearts look towards the top six and European places. Putting aside last week’s disappointing home result to Rangers, where he failed to take his chances, he was a thorn in the Saints’ side throughout and put away two clinical finishes to take his toll up to six goals from seven games. Hearts boss Neil Crichtley told BBC Sport about his performance: “I’m delighted for Elton Kabangu to get two goals after his disappointment last week. He’s such a great personality to have at the training ground every day. I thought he was fantastic again.” The Saints are running out of games to turn things around, languishing six points adrift at the bottom of the table. Their manager, Simo Valakari, joined the club in October to do just that. With each passing game, that is looking increasingly less likely, and preparations for the Championship may lie ahead. Battle for top six Ross County is on an excellent run of form, with five wins from their last 9. Their only two defeats from that run came against the two Glasgow giants. They came from behind this weekend to beat Dundee 3-1. On the performance, Cowie told BBC Sport: “I was most pleased with how we responded to going behind, we were not spooked by it and deservedly got back in the game at 1-1. “We came out the traps flying after half-time and scored two goals. A fantastic win, and it keeps the momentum going.” The man from Inverness has given the Dingwall fans hope, as the club is only two points off the

February 24, 2025

Amissah heroics can’t stop Celtic trouncing to open 18 point gap

Ross County 1 (0) J. White 60′ (pen) Celtic 4 (1) K. Furuhashi 40′, 81′, A. Engels 90+6′ (pen), L. McCowan 90+8′ An inspired Celtic met County’s resistance with brute force, putting four past the home side despite the heroics of keeper Jordan Amissah to extend their lead to 18 points, albeit having played a game more than Rangers. Having banged on the door for forty minutes, Kyogo Furuhashi was the heartbreaker as he met Alistair Johnston’s bouncing cross for a cool finish. Unfortunately the right back was at fault for County’s response, having pushed Phillips in the back as he tried to meet 14s cross with Jordan White making no mistake from the spot. That was as good as it got for the home side as Arne Engels escaped his marker to send a dipping ball into the box met by the onrushing Kyogo with nine minutes of normal time left to play. Once opened, the floodgates could not be closed in the dying moments of the game. James Brown’s foul on Yang Hyun-Jun saw Engels convert the penalty with his second attempt after Amissah’s save was denied after he was adjudged to have stepped off his line. Demonstrating the gulf in class, Luke McCowan added the fourth eight minutes into added time as the midfielder completed a devastating counter attack for the visitors. Striker Adam Idah had a chance to add a goal of his own early on, collecting the ball from Kyogo’s effort but could not hit the target. Getting himself involved on the wing, Idah provided an accurate cross to tee up Alistair Johnstone’s flick behind the leg but Amissah was equal to it. County will rue not having taken their chances when the score was level, Josh Nisbet having poached the ball off Auron Trusty laid the ball into the feet of Noah Chilvers who should have done better than fire wide. In yet another moment of class, Amissah’s reflexes were on hand to deny Kyogo as Celtic pushed for an opener after Idah’s header back to the Japanese forward’s feet was brilliantly stopped just in front of the line. At hand to deny Celtic yet again, the keeper produced a terrific double save to first keep Idah out before batting Kyogo’s effort away. Yang and Alex Valle would have their turn at trying to beat the shot stopper but the German loanee made sure their names would not be added to the score sheet. Despite three wins from five, County could find themselves in the relegation play off place should Hearts get a result against Aberdeen. Attendance: 6,254 Line-ups: Ross County (3-5-1-1): J. Amissah, E. Campbell, K. Lopata (J. Grieves 53’), A. Wright, G. Harmon, N. Kenneh (J. White 46’), C. Randall (c) (V. Loturi 85’), N. Chilvers, J. Brown, J. Nisbet (S. Allardice 85’), R. Hale (K. Phillips 46’) Substitutes: S. Allardice, J. Grieves, J. Hamilton, R. Lamie, V. Loturi, K. Phillips, J. Reid, C. Telfer, J White Celtic (4-1-4-1): K. Schmeichel, Alex Valle (L. Scales 85’), A. Trusty, C. Carter-Vickers, A. Johnston, C. McGregor (c), Yang Hyun-Jun, R. Hatate (L. McCowan 73’), A. Engels, K. Furuhashi, A. Idah (J. Kenny 73’) Substitutes: D. Cummings, Paulo Bernardo, J. Kenny, L. McCowan, A. Montgomery, A. Ralston, L. Scales, V. Sinisalo, G. Taylor Referee: Matthew MacDermid

January 12, 2025

Harmon strikes late at Kilmarnock to secure County’s third straight away win

Venue: Rugby Park Date: 05/01/25 Time: 15:00pm Ross County travelled back to Dingwall with their third consecutive away win, a result made all the more impressive considering they hadn’t recorded one since September 2023 prior to the run. In a lesson for the home side on how to take your chances, George Harmon was clinical in dispatching Noah Chilvers’s pass into the box with just minutes to play. Despite the result, Kilmarnock had the first real chance of the game. Fraser Murray used some fine footwork to create shooting space, forcing Jordan Amissah into a save he would need to double down on after it deflected back towards goal. However it wasn’t long before County began to impose themselves, Josh Nisbet did well to get in on goal but his centred shot made it all too easy for Robbie McCrorie to deal with. McCrorie was soon called on again, this time straining every muscle in his body to tip Connor Randall’s effort from far reaches of his box over the bar. No doubt buoyed by his earlier effort, Randall soon attempted a shot from outside the area but watched it sail over the bar. It took over an hour but eventually Kilmarnock got their first attempt on target albeit not one that troubled Amissah as David Watson could not get enough purchase on Fraser Murray’s cross. Murray’s next cross found Bruce Anderson who saw his shot deflected out for a corner but Kilmarnock could not make the set piece count. The result means Derek McInnes’ men now sit tenth, just one point above Hearts in the relegation play-off place. Attendance: 5,426 Line-Ups: Kilmarnock (4-4-2): R. McCrorie, C. Ndaba, L. Mayo, J. Wright, B. Lyons (c), F. Murray, (L. Donnelly (K. Magennis 63’), D. Watson, D. Armstrong (G. Mackay-Steven 84’), B. Anderson, I. Cameron ((M. Watkins 5’)(B. Wales 62’)) Substitutes: O. Bainbridge, A. Brown, J. Burroughs, R. Deas, G. Mackay-Steven, K. Magennis, K. O’Hara, B. Wales, M. Watkins Ross County (3-5-1-1): J. Amissah, C. Randall (c), K. Lopata, A. Wright, G. Harmon, J. Nisbet (V. Loturi 75’), N. Kenneh, J. Grieves (R. Hale 59’), J. Brown, N. Chilvers (C. Telfer 88’), J. White Substitutes: S. Allardice, E. Brophy, R. Hale, J. Hamilton, V. Loturi, J. Reid, J. Reid, M. Sheaf, C. Telfer Referee: Steven McLean

January 6, 2025

County down Dundee for first away win in 15 months

Venue: Dens Park Date: 26/12/24 Time: 15:00 An inspired Noah Chilvers put Dundee to the sword to ensure a first away win for Ross County since September 2023. Chilvers made his first goal for the club count with a pinpoint finish from outside the box. Dundee’s sloppiness in possession made their attempts at a comeback all the more difficult as Mo Sylla was caught out by Chilvers to put Josh Nisbet in on goal and stretch their advantage. With the game already lost, the home side could not keep their discipline, Josh Mulligan’s foul on Nisbet giving County a penalty with Jordan White making no mistake from the spot. Chilvers had attempted the miraculous in trying to catch Trevor Carson off his line from halfway but it could only land on the roof of the net. Mulligan was the first to make Ross Laidlaw work with as the County keeper parried the effort to keep the visitors at bay. Ronan Hale had come close to adding a second but Carson did well to deny the striker. An afternoon of attempted wonder goals continued with Sylla, whose volley from outside the box dragged just wide. Unfortunately for Tony Docherty his side spent most of the game defending for their lives, Ryan Astley put his body on the line to keep Ryan Leak out. The result means 10th place County sit just a point behind Dundee. Attendance: 5, 207 Line-Ups: Dundee: T. Carson, B. Koumetio, A. Portales (S. Kelly 46′), R. Astley, J. McGhee (F. Roberston 46′), J. Mulligan, L. Cameron, M. Sylla, S. Tiffoney (E. Ingram 68′), O. Adewumi (S. Palmer-Houlden 68′), S. Murray (C. Main 68′) Substitutes: S. Braybrooke, E. Ingram, S. Kelly, C. Main, J. McCracken, S. Palmer-Houlden, F. Robertson, H. Sharp, J. Vetro Ross County: J. Amissah, R. Leak, K. Lopata, A. Wright, G. Harmon, C. Randall (c), J. Grieves (J. White 60′), A. Denholm (J. Nisbet 34′), M. Efete, N. Chilvers (C. Telfer 79′), R. Hale (E. Brophy 78′) Substitutes: S. Allardice, E. Brophy, J. Brown, J. Hamilton, V. Loturi, J. Nisbet, J. Reid, C. Telfer, J. White Referee: Don Robertson

December 27, 2024

Oisin Smyth earns ten man Saints three points in Dingwall

Venue: Global Energy Stadium Date: 21/12/24 Time: 15:00 Oisin Smyth’s fantastic free kick gave St Mirren an important 2-1 win in awful weather despite Scott Tanser’s sending off early in the second half. Alex Iacovetti had given the visitors the lead against his former club in the first half when keeper Jack Hamilton failed to push Oisin Smith’s tame free kick into safety. County responded just 29 seconds into the second half when Michee Efete was quickest to his blocked effort following a Noah Chilvers cross. Despite going into the break a goal down, County were dominant in large spells, let down by a lack of accuracy. Chilvers sent a free kick from a promising position wide before Ronan Hale failed to trouble the Ellery Balcombe with an ambitious overhead kick. Already feeling the heat after conceding an equaliser Stephen Robinson looked on as Scott Tanser earned himself a second yellow after a crunching challenge on Aiden Denholm to leave his side with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage the Saints pushed for a winner, Oisin Smyth not far from giving them one, his attempt curling just wide. Jonah Ayunga’s introduction an added edge up front, the Kenyan international forcing Hamilton into making a strong save. Akil Wright had a golden opportunity for County but could only skew Kacper Lopata’s cross wide as the side fell to their fourth consecutive defeat. Cowie’s men face difficult games against Dundee and Hearts as they sit just two points off the bottom of the table. Smyth’s set-pieces separate sides Since moving from Oxford United the Northern Irishman has hardly been the first name on the team sheet, today was just his second start of the season. It’s fair to say he made the most of it in the Highlands. His first free kick, whilst hardly thunderous, put the keeper under enough pressure to see the ball land at the feet of a grateful Iacovetti. The second was textbook despite the blustery conditions, curling his effort from outside the box past a hapless Hamilton to give his side the win. He has to bide his time this season, but with a goal and an assist tonight Smyth has Stephen Robinson yet another head scratcher ahead of home fixtures against Rangers and Dundee. Lack of goals haunt County With just fourteen goals this season, Don Cowie’s side’s lack of creativity in the final third continues to harm any chance of becoming a top six side. Ronan Hale has been the main source of goals with five but he cut a isolated figure this evening, not getting the necessary service to cause damage, his desperation epitomised in the wildly inaccurate overhead kick in the first half. One month ago they were three points behind St Mirren in sixth, driven by an ability to pick up points here and there. Now that gap has stretched to nine as sides around the bottom of the table continue to earn crucial points of their own, Hibernian beating Aberdeen tonight. Efete’s goal was much deserved but the side needed to capitalise on the reduced numbers of their opponents, their failure to do so means they will drop into the relegation play-off place whatever the score when Hearts welcome St Johnstone tomorrow. What the managers said Ross County boss Don Cowie: “St Mirren go down to ten men, the game’s perfectly poised for us to step through and get a valuable three points. At that moment in time we did nowhere near enough to go and win the game. “[They] dealt with the conditions so much better than us and we did not test them considering they were down to ten. “The results have not been good enough over the last six weeks and maybe the players are feeling a little low in terms of confidence.” St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson: “I think the character shown was superb. It was a real tough game in the conditions I’m sure Don said the same. “We started really poorly in the second half but our response to that was terrific. “Oisin starts and scores a wonder goal and sets the first one up. He’s a boy I believe will get better and better with each game and more football matches.” Attendance: 3,271 Line-ups: Ross County: J. Hamilton, C. Randall (c), K. Lopata, A. Wright, G. Harmon (J. Reid 68’), S. Allardice (A. Denholm 46’), J. Nisbet (E. Brophy 69’), M. Efete, N. Chilvers, R. Hale, J. White Substitutes: J. Amissah, R. Leak, V. Loturi, M. Sheaf, J. Grieves, A. Denholm, C. Telfer, E. Brophy, J. Reid St Mirren: E. Balcombe, R. Taylor, A. Iacovetti, M. Fraser, S. Tanser, K. Phillips, O. Smyth, E. Bwomono, G. Kiltie, M. Mandron (J. Ayunga 77’), R. Idowu (A. Gogic 76’) Substitutes: P. Urminsky, J. Ayunga, A. Gogic, J. Scott, C. Boyd-Munce, D. Adeniran, L. Kenny, C. Penman, E. Mooney. Referee: Iain Snedden

December 21, 2024

Hibs move eighth with win as County give up two penalties in two minutes

Venue: Easter Road Date: 14/12/24 Time: 15:00 Ross County were the architects of their own downfall as they gave Hibernian a second opportunity from the spot following Nicky Cadden’s saved effort, Elie Youan making not mistake this time to help his side to three points. The result means Hibs take a massive leap up the table to eigth, leapfrogging Don Cowie’s side in the process. Elijah Campbell’s quick thinking opened the scoring for the visitors after Scott Allardice’s header hit the post just three minutes in. Hibs responded in the fifth and final minute of added time of the first half, Dwight Gayle flicking on a Junior Hoilett cross past keeper Jack Hamilton. Following his goal, Youan was again the hero, teeing up Josh Campbell to seal the three points in the final minutes of the game. Both sides were guilty of failing to capitalise on good opportunities, Joshua Nisbet denied by Jordan Smith who looks to have cemented his place between the posts. Ross County’s lack drive in the second half was compounded by their inability to take their chances epitomised by Noah Chilvers and Akil Wright, both players seeing their efforts deflected out for corners. The introduction of top scorers Jordan White and Ronan Hale couldn’t turn things around as Hibernian came out deserved victors on the night. Youan to the rescue It’s not so long ago that the forward’s keepy-uppies during the 4-1 loss to Dundee saw him vilified by fans and pundits alike across the country. Just a weeks on it is fair to say that after a goal and assist to earn Hibs a vital three points, attitudes will have shifted considerably. Plenty of credit is deserved for stepping up to the plate following Cadden’s tame effort just minutes earlier but also driving his side on with an unselfish pass to Campbell when through on goal and put the game to bed in added time. A space in the game usually reserved for the Edinburgh side to concede rather than score. With tonight marking his first goal and assist of the season so far, Gray will hope the Frenchman can kick on and push Hibs away from the threat of relegation that has hung over them since the campaign began. Staggies’ away woes continue Ross County’s away form continues to blight their season having picked up just three points, all draws, from a possible twenty-four points on the road. Worse still, it is a run that stretches all the way back to September 2023 when they ran out winners against Kilmarnock. A lack of goals has certainly not helped matters either. With just thirteen, County are the lowest goalscorers in the league so far with Ronan Hale making up five of those. Hale and Jordan White were both left on the bench this evening as Alex Samuel was left with the task of improving on his record of one in twelve. The striker attempted to make life difficult for Hibs defenders with his pressing but the reliance of long balls over the backline meant he was comfortably dealt with on another difficult night away from Dingwall. Now just two points ahead of bottom side Hearts and trips to Dundee, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock incoming, Cowie will need to find some kind of remedy for this drought or face another battle to avoid the drop. What the managers said Hibernian boss David Gray: “Credit to Ross County, they started the game far better than us. Maybe nerves and a bit of anxiety around some players potentially. “The reaction from the players to go behind and get themselves back in front was excellent. “The one thing we’ve always been questioned about this year, and rightly so because of the points we’ve dropped at times, was character. Ross County threw absolutely everything at us towards the end and I thought we stood up to it really well.” Ross County boss Don Cowie: “We lost it because we made poor decisions at important times. “I’m not sure why [the referee] thought about blowing the whistle when we’re over the five minutes. [On the penalties for shirt pulling] “I’ve warned the players not to do it, it’s lazy defending and you give the referee the option to give the penalties and that’s what we did.” “What I do believe is if we keep playing like that, especially away from home, the victory will come.” Attendance: 14, 885 Line-ups: Hibs: J. Smith, J. Iredale (J. Obita ’65), R. Bushiri, W. O’Hara (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu ’91), N. Cadden, J. Newell, N. Triantis, C. Cadden, J. Hoilett (J. Campbell ’65), E. Youan, D. Gayle (M. Boyle ’80) Substitutes: J. Bursik, M. Boyle, J. Campbell, J. Doyle-Hayes, Kwwon Hyeok-Kyu, D. Levitt, H. McKirdy, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita Ross County: J. Hamilton, E. Campbell (R. Leak ’21), K. Lopata, A. Wright, G. Harmon, J. Nisbet (R. Hale ’75), S. Allardice (V. Loturi ’65), C. Randall, J. Brown, N. Chilvers, A. Samuel (J. White ’66) Substitutes: J. Amissah, R. Hale, A. Denholm, M. Efete, R. Leak, V. Loturi, J. Reid, C. Telfer, J. White Referee: Lloyd Wilson

December 14, 2024

First half onslaught sees Celtic cruise to victory against Ross County

Celtic 5 – 0 Ross County Bredan Rodgers’ men continued their unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership, a 5-0 victory over Ross County extending their lead at the top to five points. County faced an uphill battle from start but it was made all the more difficult when a Liam Scales header put the home side ahead after only ten minutes. Don Cowie looked on as Ross Laidlaw could little to prevent the first half flood of goals. Charlie Telfer blasted over the visitors’ best opportunity, a fortunate Callum McGregor guilty of letting possession slip near his own box. Luke McGowan was on hand to double Celtic’s lead before Paulo Bernardo’s goal but the game to bed before forty-five minutes had elapsed. It was again all too easy for the hosts as McGregor, with far too much space, blasted a fantastic shot from outside the box. Adam Idah dealt the final blow, some tricky footwork giving the striker space to send a rocket past a miserable Laidlaw who saw himself substituted after the break. Despite the humbling defeat, Ross County sit in eighth, just three points outside of the top six. Line-ups: Celtic: K. Schmeichel, A. Valle (G. Taylor 80′), L. Scales, C. Carter-Vickers, A. Johnston (A. Ralston 61′), P. Bernardo, C. McGregor (A. Engels 61′), L. McCowan (R. Hatate 70′), D. Maeda (Yang Hyun-Jun 46′), A. Idah, J. Forrest Ross County: R. Laidlaw (J. Hamilton 48′), E. Campbell, R. Leak, A. Wright, G. Harmon, J. Nisbet, C. Telfer, J. Brown (M. Efete 46′), J. White (S. Allardice 46′), N. Chilvers (V. Loturi 61′), R. Hale (A. Samuel 73′) Referee: Gordon Crawford Attendance: 58, 436

December 1, 2024

Ross County