Ross County manager Don Cowie was left reeling after a punishing 5-0 loss to Celtic in the Premiership. The champions were ruthless in the first half, scoring all five goals and leaving County struggling to keep up. Cowie acknowledged the quality of Celtic’s performance, noting that they didn’t let his team breathe and were relentless in their attack.
The first goal, scored by Celtic’s Liam Scales from a corner, was a tough blow for County to concede. Cowie emphasized the importance of defending set-pieces against a top-quality team like Celtic. Despite the challenges, he commended his players for their efforts against such a formidable opponent.
At half-time, Cowie emphasized the need to play for pride and prevent the scoreline from worsening. Although County improved in the second half, they were unable to break through Celtic’s defense. Goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw endured a tough afternoon, making way for Jack Hamilton after a collision with Adam Idah.
Celtic’s dominance was evident throughout the match, with quickfire goals from Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor, and Adam Idah adding to their lead. County struggled to contain Celtic’s attacking prowess, with moments of wastefulness hindering their own chances.
Looking ahead, County will face Rangers in their next match, aiming to bounce back from the heavy defeat. Cowie and his staff will focus on regrouping and preparing for the upcoming challenge. Despite the disappointment of the loss to Celtic, the team remains determined to put up a strong fight against Rangers.
Overall, Celtic’s performance showcased their strength and depth, with manager Brendan Rodgers making six changes to his lineup. County made two changes, with Charlie Telfer replacing suspended captain Connor Randall and Eli Campbell stepping in for the injured Kacper Lopata.
The match highlighted the difference in quality between the two teams, with Celtic’s attacking flair proving too much for County to handle. Cowie will use this experience to motivate his players and work on areas of improvement as they prepare to face Rangers in their next fixture.