Kilmarnock 1-0 Ross County: Three things we learned

By Laurie Finlayson

Vassel’s goal made the difference (Image: Getty Images)

Third time lucky for Killie

Kilmarnock have been one of the success stories of the Scottish Premiership this season. After a 1-1 draw away to Hearts last weekend, they secured a top-six place with two pre-split matches to spare. The first of those two matches came against something of a bogey team for Derek McInnes’ side, Ross County.

Killie and the Staggies faced off twice earlier in the season, with County tasting victory at Rugby Park in September and a goalless draw taking place in Dingwall two months later. The home side were looking to set the record straight and build momentum for the upcoming post-split fixtures.

The game was a fairly even affair with the home side arguably edging it, but it won’t live long in the memory. The game certainly wasn’t helped by the blustery conditions with gale-force winds.

Matty Kennedy and Danny Armstong had first-half efforts thwarted by the woodwork and the Ross County goalkeeper, George Wickens. The visitors had their chances early on too, with Michael Efete and former Rugby Park favourite Eamonn Brophy coming closest for County in the opening period.

The second half was very much a continuation of the first: Two teams desperate not to lose. The home side, however, broke the deadlock after 64 minutes when Kyle Vassel’s strike was too powerful for Wickens. The Killie captain is now in double figures for the campaign. After the Ayrshire side took the lead, there looked to be only one winner. So it proved, with the only other noteworthy action being an on-pitch bust-up resulting in five yellow cards being dished out by referee Euan Anderson (three for Kilmarnock and two for Ross County).

European dreams are almost a reality in Ayrshire

With this result and St Mirren losing 2-1 against, Hearts, Killie sit fourth, five points clear of the Buddies.

The likelihood is that a fifth-place finish is going to be enough for Europe of some flavour unless Aberdeen goes on to lift the Scottish Cup. Earlier this week, McInnes admitted that there would be a “twinge of disappointment” were his side not to reach UEFA qualifiers. Less than a year ago, this would have sounded outlandish as Killie were battling to stay in the division. Now, they are hoping to right the wrongs of 2019’s brief foray on the continent.

County must be careful

County are in danger of the drop (Image: Getty Images)

Ross County currently occupy 11th spot in the Premiership table, meaning that if the season were to ground to a halt now, they would face a relegation playoff. A crumb of comfort for interim boss Cowie is that his team are nine points clear of Livingston, who are propping up the table. As things stand, they are four points off St Johnstone, who sit in 10th place. It will undoubtedly be their target to have leapfrogged the Perth side by matchday 38.

The Staggies welcome Rangers to the Global Energy Stadium in their final pre-spit fixture. They will be huge underdogs in that game so all focus will turn to three weeks when they start playing to avoid a second playoff in two seasons or worse, automatic relegation to the Scottish Championship.







SportLaurie Finlayson