Ross County

Image source, SNS

Don Cowie has been speaking to the media before Ross County's away game against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership this weekend.

Here are the key lines:

• On beating Motherwell for a first win in four games, Cowie says it was an "important victory for us, it comes at a really good time".

• The County boss is now braced for "two really difficult games" with the trip to Celtic Park followed by Rangers visiting Dingwall.

• He adds: "That's why we worked as hard as we did last year, we want to be facing these teams, we want to be in the Premiership."

• Cowie praised his side's "belief" and says the Staggies have "proven we're a really strong team, especially here in Dingwall". Now he would like to see his side "replicate that away from home".

• He wants County to show "bravery and togetherness" at Celtic Park and hopes they can "stand up to the challenge" of facing the league leaders.

Ross Morren
Fan writer

The County fans got what we wanted on Saturday as Don Cowie's side delivered a deserved 2-1 win over Motherwell.

It was the positive reaction we were seeking after the 3-0 defeat against Dundee United prior to the international break.

Goals from Ronan Hale and Josh Nisbet in a strong second-half performance secured all three points. Even when Zach Robinson halved the deficit late on, the County players recomposed themselves and showed great character to see the game out.

One of the most impressive factors in the victory was the effectiveness of the County midfield. Connor Randall won the most tackles and most duels in the match, which provided the platform for Noah Chilvers to support the attack as he topped the charts for chances created, successful crosses and successful dribbles.

Alongside them was Nisbet who had his best performance in a County shirt. He had the highest pass accuracy across the 90 minutes, which was impressive, but the standout moment came in the 54th minute as Nisbet whipped the ball into the far corner from the edge of the box to open his account for the Staggies.

It was a goal of pure quality and excellent technique which fans will hope iss a sign of things to come from the Australia international.

The victory further strengthened the fortress Cowie has built in Dingwall during his time as manager. The Staggies have now picked up 80% of their total points tally so far at home, with only Aberdeen and Celtic having left Dingwall with three points this season.

It's also worth remembering Motherwell handed Cowie his first home defeat back in April in a 5-1 loss, so Saturday's performance and result highlights the progress this County side have made in a short space of time.

Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Joshua Nisbet scored a magnificent goal in Ross County's 2-1 win over Motherwell on Saturday.

County's other goal scorer Ronan Hale is unfortunate to miss out on my team of the week, but competition up front was keen this week.

We asked for your views on Ross County's 2-1 win against Motherwell.

Here's what some of you said:

Roger: I believe County have the right management team, are finding good players to bring in, and are now being hard to beat.

Jim: Overall quite an entertaining game spoilt by some terrible refereeing decisions and an incredibly long VAR delay after the Motherwell goal. County dominated second half chances after an even first without much goalmouth action. Two well taken goals, could have been more. Credit to the 'Well fans who made it to Dingwall.

Ron: All the talk recently was about Lennon Miller but he was overshadowed by Josh Nisbet and Noah Chilvers in a midfield controlled by Connor Randall. Encouraging to make so many chances in the second half but having not converted enough of them, we were needlessly left hanging on in the end. Dull first half in driving rain but an excellent performance after the break

Watch Sportscene analysis of Ross County's 2-1 win against Motherwell.

Josh Nisbet jokes he will need to tip the striker coach at Ross County after scoring in the 2-1 win over Motherwell. (Press and Journal - subscription), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

Watch highlights as Ross County win 2-1 against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

Image source, SNS

• Ronan Hale has scored five goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Ross County player.

• Lennon Miller has assisted four goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Motherwell player.

• Ronan Hale attempted six shots in this game, the joint-highest total for a Ross County player in the Premiership this season.

• Motherwell have scored in their last three games in the Premiership, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of six games from 10th August 2024 to 5th October 2024.

Image source, SNS

Ross County manager Don Cowie: "Delighted to win the game, I thought the first half hour of the second half we were excellent.

"Disappointed to concede late on but we managed to see it out and get a valuable three points.

"We attacked [the second half] really well. We built upon that and got the second goal and easily could've had a third.

"It was a fantastic goal [Joshua Nisbet] got, hopefully that's the first of many for him."

Were you in Dingwall on Saturday or following the match elsewhere?

Either way, we want your views on the game – have your say, external.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Joshua Nisbet's lovely goal will likely be the initial talking point among the County fanbase post-match, but that cannot detract from the eye-catching start Ronan Hale has made.

Signed from Cliftonville in the summer, the striker is a gripping watch, constantly positive in his play and determined to get shots away.

An ambitious one from the Northern Irishman sailed wide in the first half before he had a dangerous effort blocked and another parried over after the break.

He is now on eight goals for the season, with his excellent first touch and composed finish for the opener highlighting why he is already on such an impressive tally after just 17 games.

Image source, SNS

George Harmon returns for Ross County but Will Nightingale (knee) and Max Sheaf (thigh) remain out.

Motherwell defender Liam Gordon returns from suspension but the Steelmen remain without Stephen O'Donnell (hamstring), Paul McGinn (thigh), Callum Slattery, Sam Nicholson (both knee), Ross Callachan (hamstring) and Jack Vale (calf).

Image source, SNS

Josh Nisbet is targeting a first goal in Scottish football when Ross County take on Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

The Australia international has made 11 league appearances for County since signing from Central Coast Mariners in the summer, and the diminuative midfielder says there has been a step up in physicality from Australia's A-League.

"I have been playing a bit deeper than I have previously, it's something I definitely want, get one and keep getting on," Nisbet said.

"The longer it goes, the more you want it so hopefully I can get one this weekend.

"It's a little bit different, probably more aggression compared to what I'm used to.

"But each league has got it's own qualities and one of the reasons that I came here was to prove the physicality, that I can compete and do well."

The Staggies are ninth in the league table, three points behind St Mirren in sixth, and Nisbet is looking upwards as the festive period comes into view.

"Every game is winnable, you've got to go in there with the right mindset, this league is quite strong and competitive and if you can get points against tough opposition, it goes a long way," he said.

"We know as long as we show up on the day we're going to get points and those points lead into positions, so as long as we perform and do our jobs, it's in our hands, hopefully we can push on."

Daldeep Kaur
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Ross County sit ninth in the Premiership, but will be looking to improve their scoring stats if they are to avoid another relegation dogfight this season.

The Staggies are the lowest scorers in the top flight, netting just 10 in 13 games.

They are underperforming their xG (expected goals) of 11.57 - which is also the lowest in the division - while their shot conversion rate of 7.46% is better than just one club, Hibs.

County's lack of attacking punch is further illustrated by the fact they've had the fewest touches in the opposition box (183), while only Motherwell have had less possession than the Dingwall side's average of 39.4%.

At the other end of the pitch, the Staggies are fifth in the table for goals conceded, with 21 goals hitting the back of their net, slightly higher than their expected tally of 19.28.

County are one of only three teams who have not made any errors leading to goals, alongside Rangers and Celtic.

We asked you what the one thing nobody is talking about in relation to Ross County - good or bad.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Michael: Keep doing what they are doing, confidence comes off the back of good results, so keep probing, these players are good enough. My only advice would be to test the keeper, be sharper than the opponents.

Craig: Feels like we are playing for draws. Don't get the ball forward quick enough. Don't create enough chances. Crying out for wingers (bought Jay Henderson, never gave him a chance and shipped him out) to put balls into the box. Five at the back is so negative. Feel sorry for our strikers in recent years.

Image source, SNS

• Ross County have won just one of their last 10 league meetings with Motherwell (D3 L6), a 3-0 victory in December 2023.

• Motherwell have won five of their last seven top-flight trips to Ross County (L2), as many as their first 13 such visits beforehand (W5 D3 L5).

• Ross County have failed to score in each of their last three league games, recording just five shots on target (29 shots total), 2.1 xG and only one big chance in those three combined. The Staggies last went four games without a goal in the Scottish Premiership in January 2023.

• Motherwell have won their last two league games (both 2-1), and could win three in a row for the first time since September 2023.

• Tawanda Maswanhise has been directly involved in each of Motherwell's last four league goals (3 goals, 1 assist). Should he score against Ross County, he will be the youngest player to score in three successive Scottish Premiership appearances for Motherwell (22 years, 3 days) since Mika Biereth in November 2023 (20y 266d).

Ross County are looking to extend their Premiership stay to a seventh season without the need for another nerve-shredding play-off.

The Staggies, who currently sit ninth, continue to do their best work at home, while their away form leaves a lot to be desired.

But what is the one thing nobody is talking about in relation to County - good or bad?

Let us know., external

Image source, SNS

Don Cowie says Ross County's home record gives the players "real belief" as they look to deliver a strong response to the listless 3-0 defeat at Dundee United.

That loss before the international halted County's three-game unbeaten run and left them in eighth place, four points above bottom club Hibs.

Motherwell are the visitors on Saturday to Dingwall, where the Staggies' only defeats this season have come against top two Celtic and Aberdeen.

"Our performance levels at home have been really strong, there's a real belief here among the group," said manager Cowie.

"There's real evidence for the group to look back on, it gives them confidence when they play here, they look back at what they've achieved and the results that they've had and that grows.

"I say it all the time, consistency is key. We had three games prior to Dundee United where we were really consistent, really solid, picked up five points in three games.

"Then we let ourselves down by losing 3-0 away to Dundee United, but one thing about this group is they've responded really well when they've faced adversity after a poor result and this is an opportunity to do that again."

Cowie is braced for a difficult task against former County boss Stuart Kettlewell's Motherwell, who occupy fifth place and are seeking a third straight away win.

"We're playing against a really good team, who've had a fantastic season so far," he added.

"They got to the League Cup semi-final, they're sitting in the top half of the table for a reason. They've been really consistent and we're expecting a really tough challenge."

Image source, SNS

Don Cowie has been speaking to the media before Ross County's return to Premiership action against Motherwell on Saturday.

Here are the key lines from his press conference:

• Cowie wants his side to bounce back from a "really disappointing" 3-0 defeat against Dundee United last time out, in which County capitulated after a "a good first-half performance".

• He adds: "One thing about this group is they've responded when they've faced adversity and this is an opportunity to do that again."

• He insists there's a "real belief among the group" and says their "performance levels at home have been really strong".

• On Motherwell, he says: "They're "a really good team who've had a fantastic season so far. They've been really consistent and we're expecting a really tough challenge."

• With a packed festive schedule, including a trip away to Celtic, Cowie says "every game is really difficult in this league" and stresses the importance of not looking too far ahead.

• With the transfer window opening in January, the County boss says he has a "strong and healthy" squad but is "always evaluating".

• He adds: "There will be players that are disappointed with the lack of game-time but they're all here for a reason, because I believe in them. If something does happen in January, it wont be too dramatic."

Ross Morren
Fan writer

Ross County will be keen to make amends for the disappointing 3-0 defeat at Dundee United when they return to home comforts against Motherwell this weekend following the international break.

Since Don Cowie's initial appointment as interim manager back in February, the Staggies have only lost on three occasions at home. One of the sides to taste victory in Dingwall is Motherwell.

Stuart Kettlewell's men have had an impressive start to the season. The former County manager has guided his side to fifth in the Premiership having picked up 19 points from 11 matches and will provide a tough test.

There was a total of 20 goals shared between the two sides in the four meetings last season. On their last visit to Dingwall, Motherwell scored five against County for the second successive time, so Cowie will be well aware of the Steelmen's attacking threat.

While goals were guaranteed in matches between the teams last season, the same can't be said for this term. The 0-0 draw at Fir Park on the opening day wasn't a match for the football purists. The Staggies had chances to steal the points but failed to take them.

Cowie will use the last performance against Motherwell as evidence that if they show the same battling qualities but also find a killer instinct in front of goal, they're more than capable of picking up another important victory in Dingwall.

Ross Morren can be found at the County Corner, external

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering some of your questions on Ross County.

Anon asked: How does Don Cowie address the lack of goals while in most games being able to provide a solid defensive performance? Do you agree the lack of creating chances will end up at County once again being in a relegation battle?

Tom answered: In a one-word answer to your second question, yes. You'll know the numbers and they're stark, aren't they? Ten goals scored in 13 games. No goal in the last three. Six league games where they've not scored. Ronan Hale was a very good signing, but he needs help.

Away from home, one goal scored. Also, there's a ruinous habit of conceding late goals home and away. Three conceded beyond the 90th minute, another in the 88th minute, another in the 84th minute. Some of those cost you points. It's a double whammy. Points-per-game wise, you're on a very similar trajectory to last season.

I think Hearts will get out of trouble fairly soon. Hibs are awful but I suspect they'll clamber out of danger eventually. I wouldn't bet the house on it, but I think they'll be okay. That leaves yourselves and St Johnstone, same as last season.

Defensively, you've looked decent (apart from the last day) and that's a plus. How does Cowie address the lack of goals? A winger in January? Some creativity and pace. Ross County have made decent January signings in the past and they're going to have to do it again.

Ross Morren
Fan writer

Ross County will have wanted to go into the international break on a high with a good performance and result against Dundee United at Tannadice.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be another tough afternoon on the road for the Staggies.

The County defence, having earned a lot of praise following back-to-back clean sheets, looked like they were standing strong once again. At the other end, there was chances for Jordan White and Connor Randall but both failed to hit the target.

At half-time the feeling among the away support was that if County could move the ball quicker into the final third and show a clinical edge in front of goal, the result could be there for the taking.

However, Don Cowie's side were completely blown away in the second half as the hosts ran out 3-0 winners.

The lack of reaction on the pitch following each of the goals was hugely concerning. When the momentum started to turn against the Staggies in the second half, they failed to deal with the adversity and didn't look like wrestling back any sort of control.

At times, it was like watching the County players chasing shadows as United continued to grow in confidence.

Cowie's side also failed to register a shot on target across the 90 minutes. It's the fourth time in the last five matches the Staggies have failed to net, so they need to try and find the right balance between defensive solidity and offering more of a threat in attack.

The international break probably comes at a good time for Cowie. It'll allow him to address the concerns from Saturday's performance but also highlight the positives from other recent performances and try to build on them ahead of the busy fixture schedule during the winter months.

Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external

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.

Answers will be provided on Tuesday’s episode of the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast and on this page later in the week.

Put your questions to Tom here., external