Ice cool Ronan Hale drilled the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the Livingston net deep in injury time to salvage a 1-1 draw for Ross County in their bid to survive among Scotland’s elite football clubs.
The club’s square-up again in Dingwall on Monday but that goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time is a massive boost to the Premiership strugglers ahead of the play-off final, second-leg.
Livingston defender Danny Wilson, who broke the deadlock at the Set Fare Arena a minute into first-half injury time, firing the ball home from close range after The Staggies failed to clear, was spotted tugging substitute Jordan White’s jersey.
Video assistant referee, Andrew Dallas, alerted match referee John Beaton who pointed to the spot after a lengthy delay.
Tempers flared after the goal and County chief executive, Steven Ferguson, claimed a fan spat in the face of one of the club’s staff.
Livingston manager, David Martindale, rued several missed chances during the game which could have placed the West Lothian side in a comfortable position, now they walk a tightrope in The Highlands as they bid to get back into the William Hill Premiership at the first attempt.
Robbie Muirhead was one of the culprits, twice firing over when in great positions, and Livingston were disappointed not to get a penalty when Lewis Smith appeared to be tripped in the box but was booked for diving. VAR reviewed the incident briefly before play resumed.
Martindale was disappointed his men did not take full advantage of their opportunities and cited lack of quality in the final third. He wants his squad to take more care of the ball in Dingwall.
Ross Country manager, Don Cowie felt his men competed but felt they did not service Hale enough and added: “They pushed us and they are a very good team.”
FLASHPOINT: fans stand to see the touchline fracas at the end of the play-off final, first-leg at the Set Fare Arena. Picture Nigel Duncan
