Malky Mackay savours ‘terrific’ point

Malky Mackay refused to make a big issue of Ross County’s disallowed goal as he savoured a “terrific point” against Hearts at Tynecastle.

The Staggies fought out a 0-0 draw away to the on-form Jambos in the cinch Premiership.

The result took the visitors a point clear of sixth-placed Motherwell and ensured they remain within striking distance of fourth-placed Dundee United in the battle for Europe, with the teams who finish fourth and fifth both getting a crack at the Europa Conference League qualifiers next term.

“I’m delighted with the result because a point down at Tynecastle is a terrific point, playing against the third-best team in the country, clearly,” said manager Mackay.“Three draws against that team this year, and going toe-to-toe with them, I’ve got to be happy with that.“Performance-wise, we knew it was going to be a tough day but I thought in the first half we really came out well and gave as good as we got.“We got into that final third and it was just the last pass that was letting us down. In the second half, I thought we were really brave.“I asked them to go and press, and not allow Toby Sibbick to come out with the ball.“If you are going to do that you’ve got to go man-for-man, which we did all over the park.“In the last 10-15 minutes we were going to be tired, and we are. If you are trying to press to win the game as we were, we were going to give spaces to a very good team.”

Jordan White had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside call in the 34th minute and although the County striker protested that he was onside, Mackay had no problem with the officials’ decision.“I have seen it and I think he might just be a smidgeon offside, but there isn’t much in it,” said Mackay. “I don’t have any beef about