The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
‘No chance’ of County taking foot off the gas
CHAMPIONSHIP: Keeper has eyes on promotion prize but final comes next
Ross County goalkeeper Scott Fox rejected any assertions the Staggies will take their foot off the accelerator in the Championship run-in.
They have the Irn-Bru Cup final to look forward to on Saturday, and their nearest challengers for the title, Dundee United, can close the gap to two points before County return to league action.
However, Fox would much prefer to be in the Staggies’ position, with an eight-point advantage and a cup final around the corner.
The 1-0 defeat at Tannadice on Tuesday night was their second loss to United this season and Robbie Neilson’s side face Alloa at the weekend before heading to Dunfermline on Tuesday night.
Fox, who won promotion from the second tier with Partick Thistle six years ago, said his side will not relent in their chase for an immediate return to the Premiership.
He said: “Of course, we would rather be in our position. Tuesday was just a bump in the road.
“There’s a lot going on and this is the end you want to be at in the league. It’s a bit raw now with the result but we’ll regroup today and get ready for the cup final.
“We’re off league duty and Dundee United have got work to do. We’ll see how it goes and look forward to Saturday.
“We wanted to build after last season and we’ve got that winning mentality. We’re gutted that we’ve lost but we need to make it right and win as many games as we can to get out of this league.
“You don’t want it going to the wire, not when you’re eight points clear. We’ve still got a derby to come and there’s a few big games and we’ll not take our foot off the pedal.
“Even if we won on Tuesday, we wouldn’t have done that.
“I’ve been in the same situation as them when I was Partick. Morton had played three games more and they were six points clear – it’s in our hands and we just need to take care of our own business.
“Certain things happen that can give you a boost and we just need to look forward to winning games, like we’ve done all season. I don’t think that will change.”
County have to face United once more before the end of the season, with the fourth and final encounter coming in Dingwall on April 5.
The Staggies take a break from league action this week as they aim to claim their first trophy of the season on Saturday.
Welsh club Connah’s Quay Nomads stand between the Staggies and Irn-Bru Cup glory and chairman Roy MacGregor would love nothing more than to see the cup back in the boardroom at Victoria Park.
He said: “We set out at the start of the season with the ambition of winning promotion back to the Premiership and competing in every cup competition to the best of our ability.
“We are getting closer to achieving one goal but are continuing to take it one game at a time.
As for the cups, we lost in the League Cup to a very good Hibernian side in the last minute, were knocked out of the Scottish Cup on penalties in a replay and we are in the final of the other cup we played in.
“When we were in the Premier League and the Premiership we couldn’t play in this competition so to be able to participate again has been an enjoyable experience for me as I’ve been able to see the younger players who have come through the academy at the club represent Ross County.
“Our focus, understandably, has been on higher things but Saturday will be a lovely distraction and make no mistake, we want to win this.”
We’re off league duty and Dundee United have got work to do. We’ll see how it goes and look forward to Saturday. SCOTT FOX