Ross County must erase recent defensive lapses
Published:
Ross County are sitting nicely in the top half of the Ladbrokes Premiership, but while that’s a fine achievement for the Highlanders, a slump in form might be cause for concern.
The Staggies occupied a spot in the top four during the early part of the season, but six defeats in their last eight league games has curtailed that lofty start.
Home wins against Motherwell and Aberdeen were the only points for Jim McIntyre’s men in October and November, and what looked to be a point last weekend was snatched away by a late St Johnstone winner.
The Ross-Shire team aren’t letting the difficulties get them down however.
Defender Ricky Foster said: “It hasn’t affected us that much. We still know we’re playing well in games and that’s probably the most important thing.”
The results may be somewhat harsh on paper, with three of County’s last four opponents currently occupying a top four spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
What is an issue that needs addressing is defence, with the side’s last three defeats seeing them concede at least three goals each.
Foster admits that though things need to improve, there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic.
“If we start playing poorly and not creating chances, that’s a much bigger problem. At the moment we’re still playing well enough and we’re creating chances,” he added.
“We’re just not taking them, coupled with the fact we’re giving away soft goals.”
County began the season in sublime fashion, and former Rangers man Foster believes his side can return to that form.
“Earlier in the season we were unbeaten in seven games. We know we’re capable of that and the manager has got confidence in us. We need to get back to being hard to beat and carrying a threat in attack,” Foster explained.
County look to arrest their slide when they take on fifth-placed Hamilton this weekend and the Staggies are 7/4 for what would be a much-celebrated victory.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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