“A moment of bad luck and controversy cost County a historic result”

Ross County fans were hoping their side could benefit from a potential European hangover against Celtic in Dingwall on Sunday.

The first signs were very promising. Celtic appeared sluggish in possession and offered no creative scope in the final third against the County defense, which quickly restricted space and was equal to any threats from the away team.

At the other end, Don Cowie’s side took a surprise lead thanks to a penalty from Ronan Hale. Hale showed real character and chose the same corner after Kasper Schmeichel had saved his first penalty. He was deemed to be outside his line when Hale touched the ball, leading to a replay.

Celtic seemed to be running out of ideas and the County defensive line looked impenetrable. But in the final 15 minutes, 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 of the goal. Unfortunately it flew into the net, giving Celtic their salvation.

Everyone associated with the Staggies was then puzzled by Kevin Clancy’s decision to award Luke McCowan a free-kick halfway through the Celtic half to challenge him. Frustration with the quality of refereeing grew as the game progressed and Stonewall fouls on County players were dismissed

That feeling then turned to anger when Celtic quickly took the free kick and two passes later Nicolas Kuhn played on goal to score the winner. This was probably the only occasion on which Celtic broke through the resolute County defence.

County deserve huge credit for pushing Celtic all the way to the end. Connor Randall and Josh Nisbet were outstanding against Reo Hatate and Arne Engels, who really struggled to make an impact, while Kacper Lopata had Adam Idah on the back foot.

Cowie will take plenty of positives from this performance, as well as the previous three games, and will be hoping to continue County’s recent momentum on the other side of the international break.

Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external