Champions used crowd control to KO County
HARRY CLARKE reckons Ross County were blown away by the Rangers away support sucking the ball into Ross Laidlaw’s net.
The Staggies found themselves two goals down early on Sunday as the stuttering champions responded to Steven Gerrard’s wake-up call.
But on-loan Arsenal defender Clarke fired hope into Malkay Mackay’s men just before the break when he marked his full County debut with a goal.
Champs Gers have had a troubled start to the campaign having seen Dundee United blow apart their 40-game unbeaten record before crashing out of the Champions League to Malmo.
County were hoping to take advantage as the second half began and kick-start their own league campaign having taken just one point from their first two games.
But Rangers were spurred on to a 4-2 victory by the huge travelling support which had followed their team to the Highlands.
Alfredo Morelos and Scott Arfield added to first-half strikes from Joe Aribo and Connor Goldson to ensure the points headed back down the A9.
Jordan White did briefly give County hope when he pulled the score back to 3-2 but stopper Clarke was disappointed his side could not have given the loyal Staggies support more to cheer.
“At 2-1, we had them sweating a bit,” admitted the 20-year-old. “If it wasn’t for the crowd behind the goal and their support, I don’t think it would’ve ended like that.
“It’s disappointing. I don’t think we did the basics well. We didn’t meet our tackles or do the dirty work well enough. But we will take the positives.”