With key matches ahead, Ross County seeks to secure their place in the league.
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As the Scottish Premiership season progresses, Ross County finds itself at a critical juncture. Currently sitting in 11th place, the team is just five points above the relegation zone, making their upcoming matches vital for survival. With a series of fixtures against teams in similar predicaments, the pressure is on for the Dingwall side to secure points and distance themselves from the threat of relegation.
Upcoming matches and their significance
This weekend, Ross County will face Motherwell, a team currently without a manager but still positioned in sixth place. Following this match, they will take on Dundee, St Johnstone, and Kilmarnock, all of whom are also battling for points.
These encounters represent a golden opportunity for County to not only gather crucial points but also to build momentum as they approach the season’s final stretch.
Head coach Don Cowie has emphasized the importance of these fixtures, stating, “It will have a big effect and shape where we want to go this season.” His confidence in the squad’s ability to perform against these rivals is evident, especially considering their recent performances against top teams like Celtic and Rangers, where they struggled to secure points.
Building on recent performances
Despite a disappointing 4-0 loss to Rangers earlier this month, Ross County has shown resilience, having recently ended a 15-month wait for an away win. Victories against Dundee, Aberdeen, and Kilmarnock have provided a much-needed boost to morale. Cowie believes that if the team can rediscover their winning touch, they still have a chance to push for a top-half finish, a feat they achieved in 2022.
“We must be ready and try to accumulate as many points as we can over the next six to eight games,” Cowie remarked, highlighting the urgency of the situation. With only eight matches remaining before the Premiership split, every point is crucial in determining their fate.
The competitive landscape of the Premiership
The current season has proven to be exceptionally competitive, particularly in the lower half of the table. The difference between seventh and twelfth place is a mere nine points, underscoring the tight race for survival. Cowie noted that while Ross County is in a better position point-wise compared to the previous year, the competition remains fierce.
“Points-wise, we’re in a much better place than we were this time last year, but we need to be because of how competitive the league is,” he explained. The challenge now is to capitalize on their current form and ensure that they do not let opportunities slip away as the season draws to a close.
As Ross County prepares for this critical phase of the season, the focus will be on consistency and performance. With the right mindset and determination, the team can navigate these challenging fixtures and secure their place in the Premiership for another season.
