Ross County boss Malky Mackay wary of threat Motherwell will pose from set-pieces
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Malky Mackay knows his Ross County side will need to be prepared for a barrage at set-pieces this afternoon when they travel to Motherwell.
Four of the Steelmen’s goals already this season have come from dead ball situations, so it is a clear even six matches into the Premiership that it is one of their strengths.
Mackay has done his homework on Motherwell’s squad, and will be highlighting the importance of concentration when defending corners, as he knows just how important they could be for the Staggies this weekend and beyond.
“It will be a tough game against a team who are in a good vein of form,” Mackay said.
“They have a front line that will score goals and cause problems, and a team that have scored goals from set-pieces.
“It will be a tough game for us, but we’re looking forward to it.
“Six games is enough to see if teams have got a threat from a certain area or a player that can deliver a good ball. Motherwell have that, they’re a team that aggressively want to attack the ball.
“We look at set-pieces for and against every week because it is such a massive part of the game.
“If two teams are evenly matched, you can find that set-pieces can change the game.
“You can go back to Champions League finals where one cross and one header separates two of the best teams in the world, so it is so important you get it right in games.”
While Motherwell are unbeaten in their last five league outings, Ross County are yet to register their first win in the competition.
Their three draws so far have been solid points against tough opposition.
Mackay, therefore, is staying calm in his quest to get rid of the zero in County’s win column.
“I’m looking at performances every week, the way we play, and if we keep playing like that we’ll be okay,” he insisted.
“In the last couple of week’s games, the way that we’re creating chances, I’m really happy with that.
“We just need to stay in that vein of form.
“You saw that again against Hearts last weekend, they’re near the top of the league and on form and tried to blow us off the pitch with five attackers.
“It was end to end, we went toe to toe at the end, and we probably should have nicked it in the last minute, so I’ve got to be happy with the way we’ve played. If we do that over a period of time, we’ll be okay.”
