Ross County, affectionately known as the Staggies, are no strangers to the nerve-wracking post-split drama that characterises the tail end of the Scottish Premiership season. In a remarkable display of resilience, they've steered their fate on the final day in three out of the last four seasons, each time with the simple task of securing a victory to maintain their top-flight status.
In the 2020-21 season, the Staggies demonstrated their mettle with a crucial 2-1 victory away at Fir Park against Motherwell, which not only ensured a 10th place finish but also relegated Kilmarnock to the dreaded playoff spot, securing County's Premiership stay.
However, the tables turned two years later when Kilmarnock exacted their revenge. A disappointing 3-1 defeat at Rugby Park consigned the Staggies to their first-ever Premiership playoff, a situation they hadn't faced before, adding a bit of tarnish to their otherwise resilient history.
Last term was another roller-coaster with County drawing 2-2 with Aberdeen, while a separate 2-1 victory for St Johnstone over Motherwell shuffled the deck once more, pushing County down to 11th place for the second successive season. The tight league table, with only six points separating seventh from 11th, promises yet another down-to-the-wire battle to avoid the play-off spot.
Manager Don Cowie, a seasoned campaigner, faces the challenge of halting a worrying streak of four consecutive defeats. With all bottom-six teams dangerously close and aware that a dip in form now could spell disaster, there's everything to play for. Cowie, backed by a history of strong performances against other bottom-six teams—including perfect records against Dundee and Kilmarnock this season—will hope to steer clear of final-day dramas and instead aim for a more serene end to the campaign.
Looking ahead, if County can carry forward their season's form against fellow strugglers in the decisive post-split fixtures, they could well avoid the anxiety of last-day calculations and look towards a position of comfort sooner rather than later. For Ross County, known for their undying spirit and resilience, the final fixtures represent more than just games; they're a chance to solidify their status, defy expectations, and continue building on their storied legacy in Scottish football.
As the twilight of the season approaches, my belief in Ross County’s potential to not only survive but thrive remains unwavering. Mark my words, the Premiership isn't ready for the storm the Staggies are about to bring!
Now, let’s end on a lighter note. How many Inverness Caledonian Thistle fans does it take to change a light bulb? Well, presumably eleven - one to screw it in and ten to talk about how they almost stopped Ross County from shining, almost being the operative word!
