Livingston draw will be a better point with benefit of hindsight – says Ross County manager Malky Mackay
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Ross County manager Malky Mackay felt an element of frustration over taking the lead and not being able to see the match out for all three points – however, he suspects it will come to be a good result for the Staggies in time.
Simon Murray had given County the advantage right on the hour mark in Dingwall, only for Bruce Anderson to equalise a little over 10 minutes later.
It was a game that was defined by its physicality, with crosses into seemingly dangerous areas being dealt with by defenders at both ends of the park more often than not.
After the bruising encounter, then, Mackay believes his side could have claimed the victory, but knows the result could be put into greater context if other teams face similar struggles against Livingston.
"The initial feeling after the game was that it was two points lost – but I think if I look back on this later in the season it will be a point gained," Mackay reasoned.
"Livingston will do well this year in this league. Davie knows how to put a team out and how to get points.
"I was so enthused by my team's attitude and their willingness to keep striving to get three points.
"I've got three centre backs who were absolutely immense, but all three of them switched off and made the wrong decision and they got their goal.
"I don't want to be too harsh on them, because as the season goes on they are going to keep clean sheets for us."
The Staggies were once again able to rely on their top scorer for the season so far, Simon Murray.
The January arrival took his tally to nine goals in 10 matches across all competitions this season, and Mackay thinks his blistering form is a result of the competition for places he is seeing within his squad.
“Simon is someone who is so enthusiastic and so popular with his team-mates – and is working so hard," he said.
"He was stepping back up into the Premiership in the second half of last season, he played there as a kid and he’s climbed back up the divisions which isn’t easy.
“If you look at the end of last season, that last month he was coming like a train and has just hit the ground running.
“We’re working on his runs and he's forming a really good partnership with Jordan White, who is taking a battering at the brunt of a lot of things.
“Jordan knows he should be scoring goals and had another couple of great chances today. Behind that, we have Eamonn Brophy who is coming in terms of fitness, as is Alex Samuel.
“There’s competition for places and it keeps the two up there hungry. That’s what I want."
