After a 2-2 draw against Aberdeen today, Ross County dropped to the dangerous 5th place on the relegation side of the table. The position requires them to take part in the Scottish Premiership play-off final.
At Victoria Park the final game of the Scottish Premiership season started brightly for Ross County. In the 5th minute it was Simon Murray that put the Staggies ahead. However, it was Aberdeen’s Ester Sokler that made things level again in the 32th minute. In the second half Aberdeen’s Jamie McGrath made Ross County’s worst nightmares come true when he found the net in the 52th minute. The goal meant the Aberdeenshire side got ahead 1-2.
There was still hope for a good outcome for the Staggies when Aberdeen’s Angus McDonald was given a red card. The following spot kick got netted by County’s Yan Dhanda. But the fans in Dingwall could not cheer at the final whistle, as they had to watch in horror how the score remained level at 2-2. The result proved insufficient for Ross County to avoid the Scottish Premiership play-offs.
On another pitch in Motherwell it was St Johnstone that took their last opportunity to avoid the play-offs. The Perth side scored a comfortable two goal lead during normal time. A late goal by Motherwell in extra time did not endanger St Johnstone’s victory. The 3 points allowed the Saints to climb past their rivals Ross County, to the secure 4th spot on the Scottish Premiership relegation side of the table.
Relegation is not yet certain for Ross County. The highlanders will now have to prepare for two meetings with Raith Rovers in the Scottish Premiership play-off final. The winner will earn the right to play Scottish Premiership football next season. The 1st leg will kick-off on Thursday 23 May at 8:00 PM, with the all important 2nd leg taking place on Sunday 26 May at 12:00 PM. The Kirkcaldy side reached the final of the Scottish Premiership play-offs last Friday, after defeating Partick Thistle over two games in the semi-final. Both Scottish Premiership play-off final games will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
