Ross County

Ross County fans, how concerned are you by your team's run of form ahead of a huge match against St Johnstone next weekend?

Let us know your thoughts here.

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Ross County were full of scrap and snarl, typified by the industrious Nohan Kenneh in the middle of the pitch, and wing-backs George Harmon and James Brown, although their attacking impact was often limited by Hearts' dominance.

Ronan Hale was their liveliest threat, showing his ruthlessness with an excellent opening goal, and drawing a terrific save from Craig Gordon later in proceedings.

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On their five-game losing streak, the Highlanders had scored only two goals, so little wonder Don Cowie named a front-line bristling with menace.

Their early openings were limited to long balls, hoping one of the front three would pluck a rabbit from a hat.

Ronan Hale's snapshot imbued them with some belief, but again, they were unable to capitalise further on momentum or maintain their lead for more than a few minutes. Defensively, they were unpicked by Hearts' wide men too easily and too often.

For all County's endeavour and competitiveness, this bleak run of form - at this time of the season - will deeply concern those in Dingwall.

Dundee's late loss to Motherwell gives them some hope ahead of a monumental bottom-two showdown in Perth next weekend.

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Ross County midfielder Scott Allardice suffered a recurrence of a knee injury while Ross Laidlaw is a major doubt through illness. Andrew Macleod (groin), Noah Chilvers (knee) and Ryan Leak (Achilles) remain out.

Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland is available after a minor injury and James Wilson returns from suspension. Gerald Taylor (knee) and Aidan Denholm (hamstring) remain out.

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

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Ross County club captain Connor Randall admits the possibility of fighting for their Premiership status for a third year running "hurts", but guarantees everyone is pulling together to avoid ending up in the dreaded play-off spot.

The Dingwall side host Hearts on Saturday, before final fixtures against St Johnstone and Dundee away and Motherwell at home.

As things stand County sit 11th, the same relegation play-off spot in which they found themselves at the end of the past two terms.

"This club means a lot to me," Randall said.

"I've been here for a while now and the place and the people in the club mean a lot to me too, so it hurts when you are in the position that we are in and on a run that we are in the moment.

"But that only adds to the motivation to get ourselves out of it."

The 29-year-old hopes to draw on previous experience of ending up in the play-offs to help steer the team out of danger.

"You can always look back and take positives from [winning the play-offs]. But we are looking forward.

"We've had honest conversations this week as a group and as a club about what we need to do," the midfielder added.

"Everyone is in the same boat and pulling in the same direction. Everyone at this club wants to achieve the same thing.

"So that's one thing you can guarantee is that you'll have everyone working together to get this club up the table to where we want to be.

"It's very important that we finish the season strong and make sure as a group that we keep this club where it belongs in the Premiership."

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• Ross County have only won one of their past 18 Scottish Premiership meetings with Hearts (D10 L7), a 2-1 victory in March 2024.

• Hearts have only lost one of their past 13 Scottish Premiership away games at Ross County (W6 D6), although are winless in their last two (D1 L1).

• Ross County have lost league games in a row; in their top-flight history, only in September 2014 (seven), December 2020 (six), and August 2022 (six) have they endured a longer losing run.

• Hearts lost three of their final four league games under Neil Critchley (D1), failing to score in all four. Not since March 1999 under Jim Jefferies have they gone longer without a goal in the top-flight (six matches).

• This will be Liam Fox's first Scottish Premiership game in charge of Hearts since a 3-2 defeat to Aberdeen in October this season. Two of his last three games as a manager in the competition have been against Ross County, losing 4-0 with Dundee United in February 2023 and drawing 1-1 with Hearts in September this season.

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

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Manager Don Cowie says he is "very confident" he has the full backing of the Ross County board despite the club's perilous Premiership position.

County suffered a fifth successive defeat last weekend, losing 2-0 at Kilmarnock, to drop into the relegation play-off spot with four games remaining.

Cowie, whose side host managerless Hearts on Saturday, told BBC Scotland: "We are in a poor run of form, but we're the same group of players, managers, staff that five weeks ago were in a healthy position. And it's only us who can change the position we are in now.

"We've got plenty of evidence from this year to show what we are capable of. When we perform at a high level we've won football matches, we've gone on good runs at different stages of the season.

"And that gives us belief, it gives me belief. I've got a lot of trust in the players we've got at this football club. But, myself included, we need to do a bit more going into these four games.

"I know the scrutiny and pressure that comes with it - you've got to embrace it, you've got to accept it. Just like when things are going well you don't get too high, and when you are in a challenging period you don't get too low.

"You are the figurehead that the players look to, the staff look to. It's up to me to keep them together, united and get ready for this game."

On Saturday Hearts return to the Highlands with Liam Fox in interim charge following the departure of head coach Neil Critchley after just six months in charge.

"I know the demands and expectations," said former Tynecastle midfielder Cowie. "They are a club that will see themselves as a top-six team and at any club they've got their right to make a change and do what's necessary."

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It will come as little surprise to anyone that the latest attempt at reconstruction of the Scottish Premiership has failed to get off the ground.

A change from the current 12-team set-up to one of 10, 14 or 16 were the options being discussed but the SPFL said "there was no reasonable prospect of achieving consensus".

Maintaining the status quo is a consequence of there being "no perfect option" for change, according to The Herald football writer Stephen McGowan.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish football podcast, McGowan said: "If you look at the options for expanding the Premiership, for 14 you would have to have probably a top six and a bottom eight and a different number of fixtures. So that's less than ideal.

"Look at the 16, which is the one that supporters really want. But Neil Doncaster has been saying consistently that you would then have to find a way to still preserve your four Celtic v Rangers games because Sky sports are not a charity. They're a subscription network who want to get the biggest numbers for games. So they want more Celtic and Rangers games.

"So it's how you square that circle with the 16 that's the problem. So it's not so much I don't think there's no great desire for expansions. There's no such thing as a perfect option and one that they can all vote for. That's the problem basically."

Former Scotland defender Maurice Ross, meanwhile, has accused Premiership clubs of "self-preservation".

"If they're going to remain the same, okay, let's put two clubs [automatically] down then and have a third-place play-off," said Ross.

"And we'll see what the reaction is of the clubs in four or five years' time. Then they'll want reconstruction."

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

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Ross County manager Don Cowie has been speaking to BBC Scotland before the home game against Hearts in the Premiership this weekend.

Here are the main points:

• Cowie is "very confident" he still has the board's backing after the 2-0 loss at Kilmarnock left County in the relegation play-off spot.

• He adds: "We understand where we are as a football club and the challenges. We are in a poor run of form but we're the same group of players, managers, staff that five weeks ago were in a healthy position."

• Cowie says it is time to "stick together" and stand up to the challenge as he looks for a "better, more complete performance" on Saturday after five straight defeats.

• It will be the second time County have faced Hearts off the back of a manager departure and with Liam Fox in interim charge. Cowie says: "The challenge or problem it poses for us is that there could be a change in system, change in personnel, people that have maybe not been playing could come back into the reckoning."

• Former Hearts midfielder Cowie knows the "demands and expectations" at Tynecastle and reckons they will see the trip as "an opportunity to come up here, win a football match and distance themselves from any issue at the bottom of the table".

• With four games left, the Dingwall boss insists his side must focus on themselves to get out of relegation danger.

• Midfielder Scott Allardice is a doubt after coming injured at Rugby Park, while goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw is struggling with illness.

Ross Morren
Fan writer

In their biggest match of the season so far, Ross County's performance was completely lacklustre as they failed to lay a glove on Kilmarnock.

The damaging defeat leaves Don Cowie's side in the Premiership play-off spot with four matches remaining.

In the first half, the Staggies completed 186 passes, which was more than double the hosts' amount. However, once the ball was moved into dangerous areas in the final third, the players looked totally devoid of confidence and ideas on how to test Kilmarnock's backline.

They would then give possession away so cheaply or choose to recycle the ball back into midfield or defence which killed any momentum – it was hugely frustrating to watch.

The second-half performance was even worse. The difference in determination levels between the two sides was glaringly obvious the longer the match went on.

Kilmarnock were first to every second ball, snapped into tackles and took a real grip of the game by showing the type of character required to try to avoid any scraps at the bottom of the table.

On the other hand, County retreated into their shells and failed to impact the second half whatsoever. They registered their one and only shot on target in the 82nd minute.

Ultimately, the fans who made the 400-mile round trip from the Highlands to Rugby Park and back deserve better than the unacceptable performance they witnessed.

Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external

Watch highlights as Kilmarnock pick up a vital win against Ross County.

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We asked for your views on Ross County's 2-0 defeat against Kilmarnock.

Here's what some of you said:

Alistair: Don Cowie is single-handedly driving that gutless, useless and hopeless group of players straight down into the Championship. He hasn't a clue. Does the chairman still have Stuart Kettlewell's number on his contacts list? Got to be worth a try.

Jamie: Another really poor performance where we never look like scoring. It was blatantly obvious this team lacks pace and creativity but this wasn't addressed in January for whatever reason. Like Yan Dhanda last season, we have totally relied on Noah Chilvers to come up with something, but with him out injured it's hard to see who can provide our strikers with a bit of service they so desperately need. We must now be heavy favourites for another 11th-placed finish, but still wouldn't rule out finishing 12th.

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• Ross County have lost their last five games in the Premiership, their last longer losing streak was from 7 May 2022 to 13 August 2022, a run of six games.

• Kilmarnock have scored in each of their last five games in the Premiership, scoring seven goals in that run.

• Ross County have failed to score in 15 of their 34 games, more often than any other team in the Premiership this season.

• Daniel Armstrong has contributed to goals in his last three games in the Premiership (one goal, two assists).

Kilmarnock earned a potentially vital three points in their bid to remain in the Scottish Premiership as Bruce Anderson's first-half header and Liam Donnelly's fine finish saw off relegation rivals Ross County.

County fans, give us your thoughts on the game here.

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Ross County manager Don Cowie: "Overall, probably, yeah [a fair result].

"I don't think there was much in the first half at all. One moment of quality from Danny Armstrong puts in a great ball into the box, and they score from it, and that was the difference.

"In these games, that's really important, getting that first goal then allows Kilmarnock to play with that bit of confidence, bit of freedom.

"We chased the game to try and get back into it, and it gives them spaces to exploit, so they then win the game 2-0.

"So, really disappointed because we spoke all week about how important it was to try and get that first goal.

"Well, we won't hide away from it. We're disappointed with the run of form that we're in. So we know where we are. We've got four games left, it's a case of not feeling sorry for ourselves.

"It'll hurt right now, you tonight. Long journey up the road, a lot of time to reflect on the game, which I'll do, and then it's making sure that on Monday that we are ready for a massive game against Hearts.

"We're at home, we've got to be ready for it, and it's still in our hands.

"That's the message. It really hurts in terms of losing a game today, a big game, it was important, but we need to recognise [we have] four games to go, 12 points at stake, and it's in our own hands and it's up to us to go and deliver that."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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A four-game losing run coming into this five-game bottom-six scrap was clearly not ideal.

County are used to being in this situation, having been in the play-off two seasons running and survived.

But you don't want to dance with the devil too often, and this outcome leaves them in the play-off spot with a lot of work to do.

If they are to avoid third time unlucky in terms of overall survival, they'll need to find an effective way to trouble their opponents more consistently.

They couldn't pose many problems for Kilmarnock and there's little to be gained from being competitive but not making it count. That's what is happening and at a bad time.

In truth, the Dingwall side rarely looked likely to take anything after falling behind and with a bruised Hearts side next at home, they need to quickly arrest this form.

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Kilmarnock captain Kyle Vassell has had a setback with an ankle injury, but Rory McKenzie is available after recovering from a thigh injury and Matty Kennedy is back training. Kyle Magennis (knee) remains out.

Ross County's Andrew Macleod will see a specialist to ascertain the seriousness of a groin injury. Noah Chilvers (knee) and Ryan Leak (Achilles) remain out.

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

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Defender Zac Ashworth says the pressures of the Scottish Premiership and honesty of Ross County manager Don Cowie have been a welcome "reality check".

The 22-year-old left-back has made seven appearances in an injury-disrupted spell since joining on loan from Blackpool in January.

"I've wanted to play more, but I had a little injury that set me back," he told BBC Scotland.

"But it's just about embracing all those challenges and playing against different teams, in different stadiums, in different conditions and using that to become a better player in the long term."

Football is in the Ashworth blood – his father Dan is the former sporting director at Newcastle and Manchester United and younger brother Finn turned professional with Wolves last year.

But he believes he has learned already from his stint under the leadership of Cowie.

"He sort of pushed me in a different way to get more out of me and I respect the honesty he's given me at times," he added.

"I think that's sort of been a bit of a reality check sometimes for me, because some managers will tell you you're doing everything well even though maybe you're not.

"The gaffer here has been good with me and has helped me a lot and made me understand what is expected and what my standards should be every single day. That will make me better player in the long run."

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• Along with Celtic, Ross County are one of two sides to win all three of their Scottish Premiership games against Kilmarnock this season; the last team to beat Killie four times in a single top-fight campaign were Rangers in 2010-11.

• In their top-fight history, Ross County have never beaten a particular opponent four times within the same campaign.

• Kilmarnock have only won one of their past seven league games (D1 L5), although that was their last at home, beating Motherwell 2-0. Indeed, a league-high 74% of their points in the Scottish Premiership this season have come at home (26/35).

• Ross County have lost their past four league games – the longest ongoing losing run in the Scottish Premiership this season. The Staggies last lost more in a row in August 2022 (six), and last did so within a single season in December 2020 (six).

• Ronan Hale has scored nine league goals this season and could become only the sixth player to score 10+ in a top-fight campaign for Ross County, after Liam Boyce (three times), Alex Schalk (2017-18), Regan Charles-Cook (2021-22), Jordan White (2022-23), and Simon Murray (2023-24).

Ross County goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw fears missing his friend's wedding should the Staggies end up in the Scottish Premiership play-off final. (Sun), external

Laidlaw, 32, is putting talks about his future on hold as he tries to help County retain their Scottish Premiership status. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

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Manager Don Cowie believes "having a clear mind" is key for Ross County as they bid to secure survival in the post-split Premiership run.

County are a point above second-bottom Dundee and six clear of St Johnstone with five matches remaining.

The Staggies head to Kilmarnock on Saturday seeking to end a four-match losing streak.

"We've had two weeks since the last game and we've been really frustrated with the results we've had. We've got to recognise that," Cowie told BBC Scotland.

"As I always say there's so much effort in those games that the boys have put in and to get no reward for it is disappointing.

"But it's about being consistent, making sure you stay with that intent you are playing with and you want to come out and get the rewards from it."

Having survived via the play-offs in the past two seasons, Cowie is not avoiding the dreaded 'R' word this term in favour of being honest with his squad.

"It's about being open and recognising where we are in the league and that's the challenge for us as a group," he added.

"We've been in it before, we know what's at stake in these situations and you've got to draw on those experiences that we've had in the past and use it to our advantage.

"I've always said we've got a great group of players here and I demand a lot of them so what they deserve in return is for me to be open and honest with them.

"If I want more, or they are doing well, I'll certainly try and relay that message to them and it means we've got a healthy, really good group who enjoy being with each other."

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

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Ross County manager Don Cowie has been speaking to BBC Scotland before his side's first post-split fixture, a trip to Kilmarnock in the Premiership this weekend.

Here are the main points:

• The Staggies boss felt they should have come away with at least a point from the 3-2 defeat at St Mirren, but while disappointed still believes his side "performed well at a difficult venue".

• As they head into the final five games with just 11 points separating the six sides, Cowie says: "Every team in the bottom half now knows what's at stake. It's very tight, very competitive."

• Despite County having won all three meetings this season, Cowie says anyone who witnessed the "competitive" fixtures would "know they could have gone either way" so Kilmarnock will "see it as an opportunity" on Saturday.

• He predicts Derek McInnes' side - who sit level on points with 10th-place County - will force the Staggies to defend and adds: "They've got players back who have been out with long-term injuries so they'll be looking strong."

• Cowie is determined to halt County's four-game losing run and says: "At this stage of the season it doesn't really matter how that victory comes, it's just about rolling the sleeves up and doing whatever is necessary to get those points."

• Noah Chilvers and Ryan Leak remain on the long-term injured list, with the squad otherwise feeling good after a fortnight without a competitive game.