Match Preview -Livingston (H)

By Peter Mackay

Don Cowie has weathered a large storm over the past two weeks, and despite not picking up any points, he has reminded the Ross County supporters that there are positives to be had.

Don Cowie will take to the Global Energy Stadium touchline on Saturday in what will be his first match in front of the home fans.

Livingston travel north for the 3:00 PM kick-off, which doesn’t need any fancy introductions – it’s a huge clash.

Ross County

As mentioned earlier, it has been a tough period to be a Ross County fan.

However, a change in management opening the opportunity for Ross County legend Don Cowie to step into the hot seat should be taken as a good thing by the County contingent.

Despite no points being picked up yet, it is already clear that Don has implemented an upward shift in togetherness, hard work, and determination – which the new gaffer has made clear are non-negotiables under his control.

Pegging back Rangers to 1-1 at Ibrox was a magnificent moment, and not only that, but it also showed a glimpse of just how productive the Staggies can be going forward.

Against Dundee, the overall play was positive – but lapsing moments cost Ross County a share of any points.

Getting back on home soil is huge for this tie, and you can ensure that Don Cowie will do his utmost to get us in the best shape to face up against David Martindale’s side.

It is going to be a big challenge, but we all know how imperative it is that defeat is avoided.

Player to Watch

Since personnel has changed in the Dugout, fan favourite Eamonn Brophy has returned to the starting XI and is showing his qualities already.

Despite scoring just one goal this season vs Motherwell, all the Ross County fans know just how prolific the Wolf can be when he is at his best.

On his starting return at Ibrox, Eamonn Brophy fired in a wonderful cross from the right-hand side to assist Simon Murray’s leveller.

That was a timely reminder of the kind of quality he can pop up with out of nowhere – exactly the kind of thing that could be required on Saturday.

From the Dugout, with Don Cowie - By Roy Templeton

New Staggies boss Don Cowie is hugely excited to be leading his team this Saturday for his first game in charge in front of home fans.

And he wants the County faithful to play their part by really getting behind the players and help them take all three points against the team just below them in the league.

"I'm very proud to be the person in charge and I've made no secret of the fact I wanted to become a manager. It's an opportunity I've worked hard to get and now I want to put my stamp on things," said Cowie.

His first full week getting the players on the training pitch without a midweek game to focus on is one he's enjoying.

The County boss hopes that work will pay off with a performance against Livingston that will get the home fans off their seats.

"We need the fans - that's what this club is all about.

"We're a community club and we do best when we all pull together. What I've been trying to to do this week is get the players to know that I believe in them. I think they know that and I'm really looking forward to them putting on a performance in front of our own fans."

Despite two defeats in his first two game Cowie has taken positives from both.

"I said from the outset that I wanted the foundation to be hard work and I've seen that in both games. What we need is to take the plusses from both games, put them together, and be a bit more ruthless."

Already the Cowie management style is beginning to take shape and it's clear that it's good to talk in his dressing room.

"My personality is all about engaging with the players and I do that a lot with one to ones, making them feel good about themselves. I want them to feel comfortable in this environment and that's why I talk to them a lot," he said.

Two of the players he's welcomed into his team are Josh Reid and Eamonn Brophy - while he also had good news about long-term injury Ross Callachan.

"I know Josh well as I was his Under 18 manager and I know the quality he has - but we've also got another two good left backs so that's a nice problem to have," he said.

Eamonn Brophy's return, and the fact he played the whole 90 minutes against Dundee, is welcomed.

"Eamonn is a real goal threat - he had four or five decent attempts on goal against Dundee - and it's now about him getting into a rhythm. When he does I'm sure the goals will come from him and our other two strikers and that's what could make the difference to us come the end of the season."

Ross Callachan, meanwhile, will return to full training next Monday and if things go well he could come into the selection plans soon.

On Saturday, Livingston will come to Dingwall with a spring in their step following their first win in weeks at the weekend.

"Fair play to them and we know they won't give us anything, so we'll need to roll up our sleeves and be ready to battle. That's what I've been trying to get over to the players this week.

"I want them to forget about the hype around the game and just concentrate on putting on a performance that will excite our fans," he concluded.

Livingston

David Martindale’s side turned the tide on their form with their first hard-fought victory in 16 matches as they defeated St Mirren 1-0.

That upturn has certainly come at a good time for the Lions, who will be well-educated on what this match could do for the league standings.

The East Lothian side currently sit at the bottom of the table, three points below the Highlanders – however, County have a game in hand.

They have picked up three wins this season, alongside seven draws.

Many people have written Livi off, but if there was ever a man to pull them out of this situation it would be Mr Livingston himself, David Martindale.

Player to Watch

Scoring against in the last fixture this season, Bruce Anderson always seems to be a handful for defenders.

His quick movement and sharp finishing make him a danger for the backline, as he is always on the move within the box.

Anderson missed a golden chance in the last meeting between the sides, so we can expect the former Aberdeen man to be eager to right his wrongs.

Anderson has netted on three occasions this season, but his all-around link-up play and deceiving ability to hold up the ball make him very effective.

Previous Encounters

It was a tight draw in Dingwall earlier in the season as Connor Randall curled in a lovely strike.

In the last meeting of last season, we picked up a massive three points where Alex Samuel scored his first goal for the club, adding to a powerful Alex Iacovitti header to make it a 2-0 win.

Owura Edwards smashed home an important goal to claim three points early last season after some incredible skill by Jordy Hiwula. That ended as a solid 1-0 for us Staggies.

Just a few weeks ago it was tight as ever between the sides as Simon Murray rocketed home two goals to earn a 2-2 draw at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

Memorable Match

Familiar Faces

Former gaffer Derek Adams played for both Ross County and Livingston, as well as club legends Richard Brittain and Scott Boyd.

Fan favourite Josh Mullin moved north after a magnificent spell in Livingston, whilst Steven Craig, Sam Morrow, Andy Barrowman, and Gary Glen played for both sides.

Current Staggie favourite Jordan White also had a successful spell in yellow.

Team News

Scott Allardice, Connor Randall, Will Nightingale, Dylan Smith and Jack Baldwin are all ruled out.

Ross Callachan is close to making a return to full training.

Teddy Jenks is back and available for selection.

Eli King is working hard to be back for this match.

Ticket Information

Tickets can be purchased from the following link: Ross County FC vs Livingston FC - MyProVenue™ (tickets.com)