Stop making it easy says Ross County co-manager Steven Ferguson
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STEVEN Ferguson is adamant Ross County’s seven-game run without a win won’t erode confidence.
The Staggies’ co-manager, while frustrated by home defeat to Aberdeen, insists there was always recognition within the promoted club’s ranks that tough spells lay in store.
County have lost only once this season to opposition outwith the Premiership’s top three, but succumbed again on Saturday to a powerful, streetwise Dons’ side.
Josh Mullin’s early penalty-kick after a handball award against Lewis Ferguson gave County a fifth-minute lead, but it proved short-lived. Five minutes later, Liam Fontaine’s handball allowed Niall McGinn to strike a low free-kick through the home wall to equalise.
Crucially, early in the second half, a poorly defended Ryan Hedges dead-ball delivery from the right was allowed to curl unhindered beyond keeper Ross Laidlaw’s reach to knock the stuffing out of the Staggies’ revival.
Poor concentration after a Sam Cosgrove penalty appeal then granted defender Andy Considine space to thunder in the third from 18 yards.
Ferguson felt the game was closer than the scoreline suggested, but stressed: “People can call it a sticky run, but, going back to the Premiership, we knew this was how it was going to be.
“We’ve had two sell-outs at home to Rangers and Aberdeen.
“To have that benefit and feeling means we’re up against teams we have no given right to win points against.
“We’re trying – trying very hard – and the players are frustrated their efforts weren’t rewarded with a wee bit more on Saturday, but they’re resilient – and there’s a long way to go this season.”
Ferguson pointed to fine margins in the match, adding: “It sounds silly when you lose a game 3–1 at home, but we felt we had a decent game plan.
“We feel we’re contributing to the goals we’re losing – and that’s the frustrating part. We didn’t feel we were going to lose goals in open play, so we need to eradicate that and defend set pieces properly.”
