First team
Match Preview - St Mirren (H)
19/10/2023
Written by Peter Mackay
We are finally back to Premiership action on Saturday after what feels like a lifetime away. There was an international break, in which we saw the small matter of Scotland qualifying for Euro 2024. Before those matches, torrential rain saw the Staggies' trip to Dens Park postponed – giving Malky Mackay and his players an unplanned hiatus.
However, it is back to work for Ross County who welcome high-flying St Mirren to the Global Energy Stadium this time round for a 3:00 PM kick-off.
St Mirren
The Buddies have built strongly on last season's top-six finish, and currently sit in third place – level on 15 points with Rangers.
Grabbing four wins already this campaign, there has been no shortage of goalmouth action for Stephen Robinson’s side who have netted eight in 11.
The Paisley side have also drawn three games this campaign – and despite their incredibly impressive third-place position they are winless in their last three matches which could lend confidence to us Staggies.
In those last three matches the Saints have lost 4-2 to Hibernian and 3-0 to Rangers – proving that they do concede goals, which again could lend confidence to our County attack.
Usually deploying a back five, it could be a tightly contested match formation-wise.
Player to Watch
Making four appearances at the World Cup, he has become a huge asset for St Mirren. Keanu Baccus, despite having only made just over 30 appearances in black and white, is by far the standout name in the side.
However, just a big name he is not, as his hardworking and big battling midfield performances are key to the playing style of the Buddies.
Baccus, who signed from Western Sydney Wanderers, was tipped for a big move away from Paisley over the summer – so their supporters will be delighted they have been able to hold on to him.
He might not be a prolific striker or a flashy winger, but if St Mirren are to have a grasp on the game, Baccus will have something to do with it.
Ross County
We are back on home turf for the first time in three long weeks, with what feels like a big chance to get back onto some positive form.
Before the hiatus for the Staggies, we had hit a sticky patch of form losing twice to Aberdeen and narrowly missing out on a point at home against Heart of Midlothian.
The Staggies have had a mixed start to the campaign, and getting back on track against St Mirren would play a massive part in not only boosting the season ahead but also giving the Staggies supporters a judgement of where we are compared to seasons past.
Player to Watch
Scott Allardice has had to bide his time in Dingwall after his move North across the Kessock Bridge. The combative midfielder was given regular playing time in the League Cup groups but picked up an unfortunate injury which hampered his run of form.
He made his return to the pitch with an impressive cameo against Hearts and showed the support the presence he can offer in the middle of the park.
Allardice was also part of the team which took on Brora Rangers in the North of Scotland Cup on Wednesday night – giving him some vital minutes which could lead to him making a more permanent return to our lineup.
Previous Encounters
St Mirren defeated the Staggies on the last occasion the sides met in a narrow affair thanks to a Declan Gallacher goal, however, there have been goals galore in other games.
In November 2022, Jordan Tillson scored his first goal for the club in hard fought 3-2 win in which Jordan White and George Harmon also scored. Mark O’Hara put St Mirren in front at half-time after Ryan Strain’s 12th-minute strike, but the Staggies had too much firepower on that occasion.
One of the most memorable fixtures between the sides was in our first season of the top-flight in 2012. St Mirren hosted a nine-goal thriller in which they managed to pip the Staggies 5-4 in a whirlwind encounter.
Rocco Quinn netted a brace for the Staggies alongside goals from Iain Vigurs and Grant Munro, but those four were somehow not enough for us to travel up the A9 with any points.
Familiar Faces
There have been several crossovers between ourselves Ross County, and St Mirren - including a few who are currently at both clubs.
Jay Henderson and Eamonn Brophy are the first two which come to mind, having signed for the club from the Buddies during the summer window.
Marcus Fraser is a popular name around Dingwall as not only a league cup winner but also as a league and cup double-winning club captain. It is fair to say that Marcus Fraser spent an incredibly successful period of his career in the Highlands. Of course, he now applies his trade in the central belt with St Mirren.
Two other former Ross County captains also played for St Mirren, including Staggies legend Richard Brittain and another double-winning hero in Keith Watson who captained the club as recently as last season.
Team News
Ben Paton and Ross Callachan remain as the long-term absentees for the Staggies.
Josh Reid and Josh Sims also remain out.
Ticket Information
Ross County supporters can purchase tickets from the following link:
