Ross County fans were hoping their side could capitalise on a potential European hangover from Celtic in Dingwall on Sunday.
The early signs were very promising. Celtic looked sluggish in possession and didn’t offer a creative outlet in the final third against a County defence who were quick to limit space and were a match to any threats the away side had to offer.
At the other end, Don Cowie’s side took a shock lead thanks to Ronan Hale’s penalty. Hale showed real character to pick the same corner after his initial penalty was saved by Kasper Schmeichel, who was judged to have been off his line when Hale made contact with the ball, prompting a retake.
Celtic seemed to be running out of ideas and the County backline looked impenetrable. However, going into the final 15 minutes, a stroke of bad luck and then a moment of controversy cost County a historic result.
On another day, Callum McGregor’s volley could have deflected off Alistair Johnston and gone high and wide. Unfortunately, it flew into the net to give Celtic a lifeline.
Everyone associated with the Staggies was then bemused with Kevin Clancy’s decision to award a free-kick for challenge on Luke McCowan halfway inside the Celtic half. The frustration at the standard of officiating was growing as the match went on and stonewall fouls on County players were being waved away
That feeling then turned to anger as Celtic took the free-kick quickly and, two passes later, Nicolas Kuhn was played through on goal to score the winner on what was probably the only occasion Celtic carved open the resolute County defence.
County deserve a lot of credit for pushing Celtic right to the end. Connor Randall and Josh Nisbet were outstanding up against Reo Hatate and Arne Engels, who really struggled to have any influence, while Kacper Lopata had Adam Idah in his back pocket.
Cowie will take plenty of positives from this performance as well as the previous three matches and hope to continue County’s recent momentum on the other side of the international break.
Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner