Ross County unrecognisable from Rangers conquerors as Don Cowie tells 'shadow' Staggies it's an opportunity missed

Don Cowie admits Ross County were unrecognisable to the side that rolled Rangers as they slumped back into relegation trouble.

The Staggies took a major step towards safety when they stunned Gers a fortnight ago. But they failed to turn up at Almondvale as Livi prolonged their Premiership status for another week at least. Cowie said: “It was really disappointing. We rightly got a lot of plaudits after the Rangers performance and result two weeks ago.

“Today we were a shadow of ourselves from that game. We’re an honest group and it wasn’t good enough. The manner and performance against Rangers was really positive. We got a great result. I wanted us to build on that but we started poorly and gifted Livingston their first goal which gives them a boost. They kicked on and we didn’t respond.” Cowie denied his men felt it was job done after the Gers win. He said: “From where we’ve come from I don’t think you have that mindset.

"On the back of the Rangers game we analysed things and recognised what we did well but the message was clear – we’d achieved nothing other than winning three points.

“They’ve shown the last two months they’re really up for it and that’s why it’s so tight and why St Johnstone are a point ahead. When I came in they were four or five ahead. It’s been a bit inconsistent but I’ve enjoyed the collective performance but this was one where we let ourselves down as a group.”

County were let off the hook by St Johnstone’s defeat to Hibs – but it was a chance blown to leapfrog the Perth men. Cowie said: “I don’t focus on the other teams. It’s about us and we knew with five games to go the destiny was in our hands so I’m disappointed we didn’t beat Livingston.

“When we’re playing you don’t know the St Johnstone