Staggies cast further adrift after narrow loss

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ROSS County boss Don Cowie is “frustrated” after his side dropped another three points in their defeat to Kilmarnock.

The Staggies are now four points adrift in the relegation play-off position, trailing St Johnstone after they beat Hibs yesterday at Easter Road.

In a narrow 1-0 defeat at Rugby Park, which marks 15 away games without a win for Cowie’s men, it was Killie captain Kyle Vassell who came up with his tenth goal of the season to separate the two sides.

Killie are now in the driving seat for a European place having stretched their lead over St Mirren in fifth to five points.

Interim Staggies manager Cowie reflected on a difficult game, with both sets of players struggling in the windy conditions as Storm Kathleen affected matches across Scotland.

Cowie said: “I’m frustrated because we didn’t manage to get something out of the game. Like the majority of the games away from home, we manage to stay in the game and then somehow find a way to lose it.

“It’s the concentration levels. I felt we have defended well enough, but in the wee moments we switch off. It’s about us concentrating on ourselves, there are six games to go and we need to focus on that.

“It’s a battle, it’s part of football. But we believe in ourselves. I have seen enough over the last nine games to leave me convinced that we can stay in this league. We play Rangers next week and we will try and win the game.”

Derek McInnes was delighted as his side extended their advantage in fourth place.

“We knew from the early part of the week that come three o’clock Saturday, we were going to get 60mph winds,” the Rugby Park boss said.

“We spoke about the need for concentration, it’s the type of conditions that can make players look silly and you can make mistakes – to get a clean sheet really pleases us.

“Sometimes these are the best ones, 1-0, getting the job done, playing with a bit of responsibility, real concentration

“It has been a good weekend and we could do with a few more like this one to secure that European spot. With six games to go, I still think there’s improvements in us.”