Ross County manager Don Cowie disappointed with Staggies’ reaction after going behind in Premiership defeat to Dundee United
Ross County manager Don Cowie says his players know they could have done more after going behind against Dundee United.
The Tannadice outfit left Dingwall with all three points thanks to Ross Graham’s header in the 75th minute, shortly after squandering a carbon copy chance.
Visiting goalkeeper Jack Walton only had one real save to make during the match, albeit a good one at point-blank range to deny Alex Samuel from recording a goalscoring return to the starting 11.
It was that lack of creativity, and intensity, that was the real frustration for Cowie then, rather than the final score.
“It is frustrating that a set-piece was the difference, because there wasn’t much in it in the first half,” Cowie explained.
“The game was in the balance, and we spoke about a set-play potentially being the difference, so to be on the receiving end of that is frustrating.
“Dundee Untied are in the top six because they are relentless, and we didn’t do enough to get back in it when we were 1-0 down.
“At no stage did we create any real momentum, and we tried to change it with substitutions, but that was disappointing.
“It’s obviously still raw, but we say all the time that we can go 1-0 down – it’s about how we react.
“There was plenty of time left in the game, and we didn’t show enough. We had plenty of quality on the pitch, and with the way the squad is right now everyone is chomping at the bit to play, so I wanted to see a bit more.
“We’re an honest group, and they know they could have done better in that second half.”
It was Samuel’s first start for County since December 14, when he went off with a thigh injury away at Hibernian in the 66th minute.
Amidst a disappointing afternoon, Cowie felt that the striker’s return was a bright spot, and revealed the Welshman’s performances in training led to him being given the nod.
“I’m really happy with Alex, and he started the game because of what I’ve seen from him throughout the week in training,” Cowie added.
“He has been a menace for the boys to defend against, and this was a reward for him.
“It’s nothing against the other strikers we have, but in the first half we could see the attributes he’s got, we just didn’t serve him enough and that was the frustrating part of it.
“I’ve not seen his chance back yet, but at the time I was waiting for the net to bulge.
“He’s in the right place at the right time, and it was good for him to get a start, so now it’s about building on that and getting even fitter.
“I was conscious in the last 15 minutes that he hasn’t played much, so we made the change.”