Ross County defender Jack Baldwin out to avenge memories of Premiership debut disappointment when Aberdeen visit Dingwall
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Ross County's Jack Baldwin is looking to put one over on Aberdeen tonight to get his own back for his debut disappointment.
The former Sunderland defender signed a long-term contract with the Staggies at the end of August, and made his debut at Pittodrie four days later.
That match saw Regan Charles-Cook give County the lead, only for Christian Ramirez to score a late equaliser for the Dons.
Afterwards County felt as though they should have held on for all three points – which at the time would have marked Malky Mackay's first league victory in charge in Dingwall – and Baldwin is keen to right that wrong when Aberdeen come to the Global Energy Stadium tonight.
“That was my debut game, down at Pittodrie," he recalled.
“In that first bit of the season, we felt like we owed the whole league one because we created chances and leaked sloppy goals in pretty much every game – and it cost us points.
“We’ve felt like we’ve owed everybody we’ve played since, and it will be the same against Aberdeen on Tuesday.
“They will be coming here looking to get their own points on the board, but for us we’re in a good position and looking to kick on.
“Down there, we felt disappointed to come away without the win but hopefully that won’t be the case on Tuesday night.”
County are the third-highest scorers in the top flight, but Baldwin is more concerned with the statistic that has kept them from rising higher up the table – having the worst defence in the league.
Leakiness at the back is something the Staggies fans have been accustomed to since returning to the Premiership, and Baldwin is confident that if they can start shutting teams out on a more regular basis teams will begin to really fear coming up north.
“It is probably just down to concentration from the whole squad – pure focus for 95-plus minutes," Baldwin explained.
“We all know after seeing matches back what the issue is or how to prevent certain things happening. It is just down to concentration at the time.
“That’s something myself and older pros throughout the group can really try and drive when we’re out on the pitch. We’d like a few more clean sheets, especially as a defender myself.
“It is not an easy place to come. I doubt there are many teams who would come and enjoy a game of football here.
“That works in our favour if we can go and impose ourselves and make it even harder – and make sure they fear coming here for good reason.
“If we can make it into even more of a fortress and keep clean sheets at the same time, that will be perfect.”
