Ross County: 24h on

Last updated : 15 February 2015 By Firparkcorner

If the newcomers' individual performances were examined they would have earned pass marks yet the team were outplayed by Ross County.  Our opponents, stuck at the bottom of the table and fighting for their lives,  won both the psychological and physical battles.   We allowed them to dominate the game and they never looked like losing the match.

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Sutton and co. thank the fans

The 'keeper looks like an excellent addition and it seems fitting that he was sporting the number 1 jersey.  He produced a couple of finger tip saves in the first half and was efficient at cutting out any crossed ball within his grasp.  He'll keep the shirt till the end of the season.

For most of the game our formation was 4-1-4-1 with Ramsden in front of the defence and Sutton often on his own up front.  Erwin showed some early form on the left wing but there was no sign of a partnership with his fellow striker.

Grant looked the part in the left of midfield but there was little link up with the forwards.  His goal was a well taken free kick.  Pearson, if fit, will surely start in that position next week and his ability to make forward runs should be a something that Grant needs to follow.

Straker showed little of the promise that helped drive us forward in the second half of the recent game against St Johnstone  while on the right side Nathan Thomas  held his own.  Johnson came on for the last half hour when we were chasing the game.  It's been a while since we had such a big lad as a left winger and there were a couple of bursts of speed to suggest he'll be useful.

Courtesy of MFC TV

The main disappointment came from the lack of cohesion and an inability to probe through the centre of the park with anything other than a long range pass to Suttton.  If he got to the ball there was no other white shirt nearby to collect and the close attentions of the County defence ensure that possession was lost.

The least said about our defending the better.  We have a fairly sizeable back line with McManus, Kerr and Reid aided by Erwin and Sutton for set pieces but we continue to concede to high crosses.  Must do better.

Baraclough's immediate problem is that he has little time to foster a team understanding.  Two thirds of the season are now gone and the pressure will continue to build until we manage to put a few wins on the board.  

Bring on Dundee.