Don Cowie admits need for Ross County to improve late in matches after Staggies’ games this season already feature 13 goals in closing stages
Don Cowie says Ross County must improve their performances deep into matches after late goals has become a recurring theme of the season so far.
The Staggies’ 14 matches in all competitions so far this season have seen 13 goals scored in the 80th minute or later.
Sometimes that has been to County’s benefit, like late equalisers against Dundee United and St Johnstone, however they have also conceded goals against Aberdeen, Hearts and Celtic in the last two months alone that have cost them five points in the league.
A further stoppage time concession against St Johnstone last weekend did not affect the outcome, but was further evidence that it is becoming an issue for the Dingwall outfit.
“It could be down to many factors,” Cowie reasoned.
“One, for me, is concentration levels. It is getting to that point in the game where you are getting tired and are not quite as switched on, so you might lose a runner or make an error of judgement that costs a goal.
“Another thing is, with five substitutes, a lot of changes can be made later in the game. You can have 10 different players on the pitch come stoppage time in a match.
“There’s maybe not that continuity at that time in the game, and also a bit of freshness in certain areas of the pitch for whichever team is pushing for a goal.
“Taking all these things together, it is something that we need to work on and get a lot better at. Despite us experiencing it in a positive manner as well, we’ve also been really affected by it.
“It is about placing demands on each other and leading, and making sure there is always good communication with your team-mate.”
After last Saturday’s disappointment in Perth, County now turn their attention to Kilmarnock’s visit to the Highlands this weekend.
Derek McInnes’ men will be travelling full of confidence after defeating Rangers last time out, and while Cowie acknowledged the need for improvements late in matches he also feels the best way to get a result against Killie will be to go on the front foot early and take control.
“First and foremost, it is about starting the game well and showing strong positives early on,” he added.
“We need to show the strength of our home performances again, against a very good team and give ourselves the best possible opportunity to secure a positive result. We didn’t do that last Saturday.”
