Ross County manager Don Cowie admits Staggies were lucky to steal point from Hearts in Dingwall – but praised his players’ commitment to keep fighting until the final whistle
Ross County manager Don Cowie admits his side may not have deserved to escape with a point against Hearts – but he was full of praise for his players for battling to the very end.
The Staggies were behind due to early goals in each half from 17-year-old James Wilson, with only VAR preventing the Jambos from having both a third goal and a penalty to add to their tally.
However, County had extra reason to be thankful for those calls, as the delays caused by VAR meant eight minutes were added when the 90 were up.
Deep into stoppage time, first Josh Nisbet and then Jordan White would find the back of the net to dramatically level up the scores, and keep County above their visitors in the Premiership table.
“It feels good in terms of the manner of scoring two goals as late as we did,” Cowie reasoned.
“Did we deserve it? Probably not, but it shows that we keep going to the end and anything can happen.
“Psychologically it’s a massive point for us.
“I’m always proud of the players because I know they give 100 per cent every single time.
“It was a difficult day in challenging conditions, and we don’t help ourselves by giving Hearts a goal in the first minute of the game which gives them belief and confidence.
“We did exactly the same in the second half, so I’m disappointed with that but I’m delighted that we kept going.
“It’s not the first time we’ve done something like that, and it could prove very valuable.”
The draw means County have taken four points out of six from their post-Christmas fixtures, having finally ended their away hoodoo at Dundee on Thursday afternoon.
Those results give the Highlanders some momentum going into their New Years’ clash with Aberdeen at Pittodrie this coming Thursday.
“It was important to try and build on the win at Dundee,” Cowie added.
“Hearts will be disappointed to concede two late goals, but we have to take belief and confidence from that going into another tough game against Aberdeen.
“I know their form hasn’t been as good as it was at the start of the season, but it’s still the same players so we will have to be at it again on Thursday.
“Obviously there’s a good vibe around our squad now. Getting that victory away from home, the next day everyone was vibrant.
“Now it’s about us going and building on it, and that starts against Aberdeen.”