A late goal from Livingston's Andrew Shinnie seals Ross County's fate in the cup.

In a gripping encounter at the Scottish Cup, Ross County faced a heartbreaking exit after a 3-2 defeat to Livingston, with the decisive goal coming in the dying moments of extra-time. This match marked another chapter in a series of disappointing Scottish Cup performances for the Staggies, who last tasted victory in the competition back in 2019.
Match Overview
The match began with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. However, the deadlock was broken just before half-time when Ross County’s Akil Wright conceded a penalty, allowing Robbie Muirhead to put Livingston ahead. Despite the setback, County showed resilience, equalizing through Jordan White shortly after the break.
Yet, just minutes later, Cristian Montano restored Livingston’s lead, putting the Staggies on the back foot once again.
Turning Point in Extra-Time
As the match progressed into extra-time, both teams fought hard to secure a place in the next round. Ross County’s Kieran Phillips came close to scoring, but it was Livingston’s Andrew Shinnie who would ultimately change the course of the match. In the final minute of extra-time, Shinnie found the back of the net, sealing the victory for Livingston and leaving County to reflect on what could have been.
Manager’s Reaction
Frustration was palpable in the post-match comments from Ross County manager Don Cowie. He expressed disappointment at his team’s inability to capitalize on a favorable draw against a lower-league opponent. Cowie stated, “We didn’t earn it. We had little spells and it wasn’t through a lack of effort, just that we didn’t do the right things relentlessly.” His comments highlighted the need for improvement as the team looks to regroup after this setback.
Looking Ahead
With this defeat, Ross County must now focus on their league campaign, aiming to regain momentum and confidence. The Scottish Cup exit serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face, particularly against lower-tier teams that have proven to be formidable opponents. As the Staggies prepare for their next match, the lessons learned from this encounter will be crucial in their quest for success.