Sportscene analysis: 'One defensive lapse so costly for County'
Sportscene pundits Neil McCann and Charlie Mulgrew dissect Ross County's "well-structured" defensive performance against St Johnstone that had them on course for survival until Adama Sidibeh's last-gasp equaliser. (Available to UK users only)
St Johnstone have failed to win in their last five games in the Scottish Premiership, their last joint longest winless streak was from 20 December 2023 to 27 January 2024.
Graham Carey has assisted eight goals this season (one in this game), more than any other St Johnstone player in the Scottish Premiership.
Ross County have scored in their last 3 games in the Scottish Premiership, their joint longest scoring streak this season.
St Johnstone boss Craig Levein is confident the Perth side can get the win they need at Motherwell to climb out of the Premiership relegation play-off spot, though Saints also need Ross County to drop points. (Courier - subscription), external
Watch highlights of the 1-1 draw between St Johnstone and Ross County that takes the battle to avoid the relegation play-off place to the final day. (Available to UK users only)
Craig Levein reacts to St Johnstone's draw with Ross County.
Image source, SNSSt Johnstone manager Craig Levein tells Sportsound: "We were a bit inconsistent, but again the team very rarely let me down in regards to effort and willingness to keep going until the last whistle and they've done that again.
"The only things that is slightly disappointing about this evening is that it's slightly out of our hands. I'd rather have the opportunity to beat Motherwell and that guarantee us something.
"We've no control over how the Ross County v Aberdeen game will pan out. We can only think about putting in a good performance against Motherwell and we'll take what we get.
"If we're in a situation where Ross County beat Aberdeen, we're in the play-offs and I'd rather be in the play-offs in a positive frame of mind. If we can win and do well on Sunday, we will be."
Adama Sidibeh’s late header was enough to send the relegation play-off place battle to the final day as St Johnstone claimed a dramatic draw with Ross County at McDiarmid Park.
Yan Dhanda’s first-half solo strike looked set to secure County’s place in the Scottish Premiership and condemn the hosts to second bottom until Sidibeh planted an inch-perfect header past Ross Laidlaw in the 91st minute.
St Johnstone remain two points behind County, who welcome Aberdeen on Sunday while the Perth side visit Motherwell.
What did you think of that St Johnstone fans? Was that a fair result? Do you believe you have what it takes to stay up?
Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland
There was a decent crowd to cheer St Johnstone on this evening, but their faces grew more worried as the night went on.
There was not going to be a better chance than May’s in the first half and when he dribbled his effort at Laidlaw, it seemed apparent that the Saints wouldn’t trouble the County goal.
But Sidibeh has been one of the league's feel-good stories. Plucked from the seventh tier of English football, from a team that even Football Manager completists wouldn't have heard of, he might have just pulled off the ultimate rescue.
Only time will tell.
Image source, SNSDimitar Mitov. Four saves, plenty of them important. St Johnstone would be down scrapping with Livingston if it wasn't for the Bulgarian between the sticks.
He will be vital on Sunday, and potentially in the play-offs.
'Home crowd could make St Johnstone nervous' - David Wotherspoon
Former St Johnstone midfielder calls the Perth side's relegation battle with Ross County an "all or nothing" encounter.
Listen to full episodes of BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSLiam Gordon insists St Johnstone have the qualities required to fight off relegation, as they prepare for Wednesday's crucial clash with Ross County.
St Johnstone sit 11th in the Premiership, two points behind County with two games of the regular league season remaining, and Gordon believes they can leapfrog the Dingwall side.
"Absolutely no questions about that," he said. "A lot of us have been in similar situations, whether that is at this club or other clubs; we have got enough experience in the room to get us over the line.
"It is all the basic fundamentals that is what it will probably come down to. We need a little bit of quality in the final third. That is when the ability comes into it, but certainly it will be a lot to do with the mind .
"Doing all the basics, the fight, the grit, the determination, I am sure that is what is going to help us and hopefully get the job done for us."
Image source, SNSSt Johnstone have won both of their last two league games against Ross County; they’ve never won three in a row against the Staggies in the top-flight before.
After their 1-0 defeat in November, Ross County could lose back-to-back top-flight away games at St Johnstone for the very first time.
St Johnstone are winless in eight home league games (D3 L5), losing each of their last three in a row. The Saints haven’t scored more than once in any of their last 12 home league matches (nine goals overall).
Ross County are winless in 16 away league games (D5 L11), losing each of their last seven in a row. This is both the longest winless and losing run they have ever suffered in the Scottish top-flight.
St Johnstone’s Craig Levein has never lost to Ross County as a manager in the Scottish Premiership, winning three and drawing three of six previous meetings.
Liam Gordon says St Johnstone were not trying to replicate Celtic's huddle at Livingston but has pledged that the same unity from pitch to stands will be on evidence at McDiarmid Park for the must-win game with Ross County. (The Courier)
Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.
Image source, BBC Sport
Image source, SNSSt Johnstone manager Craig Levein is not anticipating any notable changes to the squad he had at his disposal for Saturday’s defeat at Livingston. Luke Robinson (knee), Tony Gallacher (calf) and Sven Sprangler (knee) all missed that match although the Austrian midfielder is pushing for a return.
Ross County are still missing Max Sheaf (muscle), Dylan Smith (ankle) and Scott Allardice (knee). Ross Callachan is back training after 13 months out with a knee injury but is not ready to play.
