Kelly looks to seal qualification to boost Ross County confidence for league
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Stephen Kelly says Ross County are looking to win both of their remaining Betfred Cup games and seal their place in the second round of the competition.
The Staggies are away at Elgin City tonight before hosting Stirling Albion on Saturday, knowing that their fate is in their own hands.
If County win both matches, they will go through as group winners, but tonight’s match is crucial as Elgin currently lead the way in Group D with six points from their opening two games.
Elgin have not conceded a goal yet in the competition and have started the campaign well in League Two, so despite the three-division gap between the teams Kelly does not expect a walkover at Borough Briggs.
“We are just looking to win the two games,” Kelly explained.
“Of course there is a bit of pressure, but it’s nothing we should be scared of.
“Elgin will be a dangerous team. I’m sure they will have a go, it’s just up to us to match their effort, and hopefully we play the better football and win the game on the night to take all three points.
“Winning football matches makes the players a lot more confident.
“If we do that we can start a run and take that into the league, so it is important for us to win both games.
“In the last two games, we were unlucky to come away with nothing. Against Livingston we were close to coming away with the win, so hopefully we can build on the last couple of performances and start to get winning.”
Kelly knows first-hand how important winning in cup competitions can be.
He was part of the Ayr United team that knocked the Staggies out of the Scottish Cup last season, a performance that would certainly have done no harm in his eventual move to Dingwall on loan in the summer – so he is looking to use the cups again with County this season.
“It was a big win for me with Ayr last year,” he explained.
“With Ross County being a Premiership team, and Ayr being in the Championship it was a step up.
“It was good for me personally and for the team. Hopefully we can get a couple of wins in the next week.”
