The Staggies aim to overcome a challenging season in the Premiership play-offs.
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As the Premiership play-offs approach, Ross County finds itself in a challenging situation, needing to leave behind a disappointing league campaign. The Staggies, having finished 11th in the league, are set to face Livingston in a two-legged tie that will determine their fate in the top flight of Scottish football.
Reflecting on a tough season
Ross County’s recent form has been far from ideal, ending the season without a victory in their last nine matches. Despite managing to secure two draws, the team struggled significantly, culminating in a third consecutive end-of-season survival play-off.
Defender Michee Efete, who has been a key player for the Staggies, insists that the team must not dwell on past failures as they prepare for the upcoming matches.
“It’s going to be a tough game, but we have players in the dressing room that have been here before,” Efete stated. His experience from last year’s play-off against Raith Rovers provides him with valuable insights, emphasizing the need for a fresh mindset. “We’ve got to go in, forget about the whole season, and just go in with a fresh mindset to try and get the win,” he added.
Facing an in-form opponent
Livingston enters the play-offs with momentum, having recently defeated Partick Thistle 4-0 on aggregate in their semi-final. This puts additional pressure on Ross County, who must rise to the occasion. Efete acknowledges the challenge ahead but remains optimistic about their chances. “We can play well – we have shown that in games over the season, although we just haven’t done it enough,” he remarked.
The Staggies will travel to Almondvale for the first leg on Thursday, followed by the return match at home next Monday. Efete’s determination to help his team retain their top-flight status is palpable, especially after returning from a knee injury that sidelined him for several months. “All I can do is try and help the team stay in the league,” he stated, reflecting on his commitment to the club.
Lessons learned and the road ahead
Despite the disappointment of the season, Efete believes there are positives to take into the play-off final. He emphasized the importance of putting together a complete performance over the two matches. “In these two games we’ve just got to put it all together over the course of 90 minutes, which can get us the win over these next two games,” he explained.
As Ross County gears up for this crucial encounter, the focus will be on teamwork, resilience, and a determination to overcome the odds. The players are aware of the stakes involved, and with Efete leading by example, the Staggies hope to turn their fortunes around and secure their place in the Premiership for another season.
