Angry Robbo gets a boot in the flaws
BY ALASDAIR FRASER FUMING John Robertson saw Scottish Cup victory snatched away from Caley in the dying moments of their derby – and he blasted his side’s sloppiness.
But the former Hearts striker still believes his team
have a golden opportunity to claim a semi-final place after drawing fellow Championship side Dundee United in the last eight.
Josh Mullin’s last-gasp equaliser for Ross County last night sent their Highland clash to a replay in Inverness a week today.
And gutted Inverness boss Robertson said: “That sums our season up, it has been like that for us.
“It was terrific match. I don’t know what I’ve done to Scott Fox but he was magnificent again. He keeps pulling these saves out against us.
“We told the players the next goal would be vital after half-time. County got it but we got ourselves back in front again.
“They ended up with five attackers on the park and were launching long balls at us but I felt we were doing enough.
“At the goal, while the striker was offside, Mullin certainly wasn’t and we have waited on a flag that wasn’t coming. We switched off and were punished for it.
“We panicked after that, we gave away a free-kick and a corner so were hanging on. Tonight sums up why both teams are where they are.
“County have made a habit of coming back in games, turning them into wins, and we have been going in front and drawing matches.”
Robertson though was happy with the draw.
He said: “Whoever gets through next week will go to Tannadice with plenty of hope.
“We drew with them down there this season and could have won it, while County went down to Tannadice and battered them.
“It’s not a draw which will put any fear into either of the teams.”
County co-manager Steven Ferguson praised his team’s never-say-die spirit.
He said: “It’s a trait we’re really pleased we have in abundance. They never know when they’re beat.
“The game had everything. There was four goals, mistakes, blood and guts. You can’t ask for much more than that.”
Both County goals came from subs and Ferguson said: “Because of the amount of games we play, it’s going to be a squad game.
“Michael Gardyne came off the bench last week and scored the winner against Dunfermline for us. Ross Stewart and Josh Mullin get us the couple of goals we needed tonight.
“It’s great for a Championship club to go through. We’d take it.”