SATISFYING RESULT WAS NEARLY SO MUCH MORE

Malky Mackay named an unchanged line-up from last Sunday.

At first sight, the XI seemed quite negative and defensive with Jordan White playing a lone striker role. However, this view was immediately dismissed when County came quickly out of the blocks and were stationed with a higher line than usual.

County set out with instant high pressure on the Aberdeen back line when they would look to play out from the back. County’s midfield three were energised and worked hard to force the ball to be played long and on a few occasions caused errors from the Dons defence. Ross Callachan was key in this set-up and pinned himself on Aberdeen skipper Scott Brown, doing his best to stop Brown from being the pivot and dictating the play.

After a delicious delivery from Blair Spittal, a rebounded shot fell in the path of Regan CharlesCook. He kept a cool head and slotted past Lewis. It was Charles-Cook’s first league goal for the club, and one which may have silenced a large number of critics.

Many haven’t been filled with confidence by his past performances, but today he was one of County’s standouts, constantly driving at fullbacks, creating several chances. After being used as a full-back at the start of Mackay’s tenure, he’s been put back in his more natural right-midfield position. This move is one which has seen his performances blossom, which was proved today with that goal.

The three points were comfortably on their way back to Dingwall until a Ross Laidlaw fumble saw the win slip away from County.

A shot by Jonny Hayes shot didn’t have the greatest conviction behind it, but Laidlaw was unable to make the save and ultimately threw away two Ross County points.

If offered a point from the off, County fans would have been fairly satisfied, but with the game so close to being won, this one feels more like a loss than a positive outcome.