Ross County must negotiate a Premiership play-off showdown for a second successive season after their final day 2-2 draw with Aberdeen saw them fall short of automatic survival. St Johnstone, , came up with the victory they needed against Motherwell. Survival remained in County’s own hands, but after making the perfect start through Simon Murray’s opener, goals from Ester Sokler and Jamie McGrath swung the game in the Dons’ favour.
County were handed a lifeline midway through the second half against Aberdeen when Angus MacDonald was sent off and Yan Dhanda converted the subsequent penalty. Don Cowie’s men rallied against the 10 men, however, they failed to capitalise on a raft of chances to net the all-important winner in the latter stages. It means they will now face Raith Rovers over two legs in an effort to secure their top-flight status, County made one enforced change from the side who drew with St Johnstone in midweek, with James Brown replacing the sidelined Michee Efete.
The Dons recalled first choice goalkeeper Kelle Roos from the side who defeated Livingston 5-1, with Duk, Dante Polvara and James McGarry also dropping out in place of Jamie McGrath, Leighton Clarkson and Jack MacKenzie. That meant leading scorer Bojan Miovski was once again among the substitutes. The Staggies created a golden chance to take the lead after just three minutes when Simon Murray’s flick-on put Jordan White through on goal, however, Roos was out sharply to block his effort.
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