Another point in the blank
County edge closer to Europe
Malky Mackay admitted the best result of the day was Motherwell’s defeat at Dundee United as Ross County edged a point closer to Europe.
The Staggies boss claimed a share of the spoils was made all the more satisfying with the news their nearest rivals for fifth spot had gone down at Tannadice.
After playing out a seventh draw in the last eight outings against the Jambos, Mackay insists the path is now clear to claim a Europa Conference League slot.
He said: “I checked that score very quickly. Celtic and Rangers are going for the league, while Hearts are looking at the cup final and they need to be ready for that.
“There’s then this little mini league where we have got Motherwell, ourselves and Dundee United.
“I think they were both looking at that thinking, ‘ Come on
Hearts – do us a favour.’ They probably would have been disappointed to see us come away with a point.
“As fa r a s we a re concerned, the five games is now down to three.
“Celtic and Hearts have gone and we have got three games to go, with two at home, to manage to get that f ifth position. I’m delighted because a point down at Tynecastle is a terrific point.”
The Jambos dominated from the outset with Josh Ginnelly prominent in several early breaks only for his final ball fa i l ing to match some impressive build-up play.
County grew into the contest and began to enjoy possession of their own with Craig Gordon superbly palming away a strike from distance by Connor Randall in the 12th minute for the game’s first threatening moment.
Jordan White had the ball in the net just after the half-hour mark as he slammed home a Randall cross but the Staggies had their celebrations brought to a halt by a linesman’s raised flag. Hearts should have sealed the points as Barrie McKay sent Liam Boyce clear inside the box but his shot was straight at keeper Ross Laidlaw when a more cultured finish was required.
McKay then screamed an effort inches wide in the 82nd minute before Boyce wastefully slid a shot off target in a final chance to claim the points.