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00:00it really was Ross County's home form that kept them in the Premiership last
00:06season. Don Cowie took interim charge after Derek Adams departed in February
00:16and completed the task of keeping the club in the top flight but desperate to
00:23avoid the stresses and anxiety of the playoffs this time around. It's been quite the
00:30overhaul of the club though hasn't it Michael with 12 new signings and it
00:35seems to be a summer in Dingwall that sees numerous new arrivals. Yeah I mean
00:40it's something that has happened over the last few seasons where there's been
00:45a lot of change in the summer. Obviously the last two seasons have ended up in
00:50the playoffs and Don Cowie will be desperate that they can avoid that but
00:53they need to just start picking up a little bit of momentum and they need to
00:58get a shot at a drift. The guys have already touched on the fact that when you lose the likes of Simon Murray and
01:04Jan Danda in particular. The season before when Hung Bo and Regan Charles-Cook
01:11had left as well. It's difficult to replace that quality but obviously they
01:16hope that the likes of Ronan Hale can come in and fill that void as is the
01:23hope for Josh Nisbell. They've got big shoes to fill.
01:30It's very true between Simon Murray and Jan Danda. They scored 23 and 6 goals between them
01:38last season so 29 in total. The rest of the squad managed 30 between them so
01:44big ask for those coming in and at the moment it's the defensive side of the
01:48game that has to improve after conceding six against Rangers last week.
01:55Nielsen wants to thread that one through but it will drift beyond Toby Keskinen.
02:02Yeah I think that's vital. You know you touched on the fact that they've
02:06conceded six last week. As much as we're talking the top end of the park
02:11and the quality that's been lost. Jack Baldwin, the old captain, has left as
02:15well. Now I know that there was the odd mistake in there but he was a
02:19leader of the team. They need to try and get a bit of stability at the back to
02:24build from. Otherwise we're constantly going to be chasing their tail.
02:31Towards Esther Sockler. They did well to hang on to it and feed Hapagate.
02:37Sliding in is Ryan Leake.
02:42Brings the noise from the academy end and the vast travelling support over 2000.
02:52He made the trip from the Granite City.
02:55Great to see a way in so full like that and no wonder they're in fine voice with
03:04what feels like a real promising start from Jimmie Talene's team and a bit of
03:12optimism for the future as well. Is the hype justified? Would you be keeping your
03:18feet on the ground? Well I think the manager has been very much feet on the
03:23ground. He's not one that you get the impression that gets carried away with
03:26things and it's been said that obviously the fixtures have been kind to Aberdeen
03:32but you need to go out and get the results and I think it's the manner in
03:35which they've done that as well which is why the supporters in particular are
03:38getting excited. You look at the squad, they've recruited well. They really have.
03:43Another thing I was going to say, when you look at the likes of Rubicic at the back
03:46who previously had real mistakes in them. There seems to be a calmness that's been
03:52brought to the Aberdeen side defensively and alongside Gavin Malloy who looks like a
03:56really good addition as well. Everybody seems to be doing their job and doing it
04:02well at the moment.
04:04Picked up by George Harman and now through to Nisbet who looks to thread that one through.
04:09It's Malloy who was tracking in of Eamon Brophy.
04:16Well that was very close Rory wasn't it? You were right behind that and you could
04:20sort of see what Josh Nisbet was trying to do and he was very close to executing it.
04:32That comes with plenty of intrigue. Josh Nisbet, player of the year in the A-League last season.
04:41Australian international and seen as a bit of a coup for Ross County to get them all
04:47the way up to Dingwall. Signing from Central Coast Mariners where he won the
04:52double last season. The recipient of the Johnny Warren medal is handed out to the
04:58best player in the league. Of course when you say getting them up to Dingwall you're not
05:03just talking about from the central belt. All the way from Australia. It's just even
05:07further north to go. But I have to say it's a wonderful evening in the Highlands and
05:14always a glorious trip up here isn't it Michael? Yeah very much so. I was just looking at a few
05:20of the Aberdeen fans there with their tops off. They're looking a bit rouge, almost as
05:24red as your neck Rory after the golf at Fort Rose earlier today. A wonderful part but you
05:31didn't put any sun cream on. Well thankfully I wasn't red through embarrassment. No very much, so you played well.
05:37Elizabeth went for the header against Shinnie but it was the Aberdeen captain who came out best that comes to
05:55Bataar meet-off. Signing well known after playing last season and superbly for St. Johnson
06:02where he was their player of the year.
06:08He's looking for the free kick but I think Iain Anderson calls that one right. I don't think it was enough in that for him to get a free kick.
06:16Here comes Sockler and Connor Randall will be yellow carded here I think.
06:25Certainly Iain Anderson calling him over for a talking to and the card will be
06:29coming out for the Ross County skipper. Well I'd like to see that again Rory. I
06:33think it's good play from Sockler. It's the sort of thing you teach youngsters to
06:37try and cut across the defender. That's not a yellow card for me. It's a free kick all day long but
06:42watch Randall. He's just trying to get back. Doesn't flick out. He doesn't pull
06:47anything. It's good attacking play. He takes the midfielder out the game. No
06:53question of the free kick but I think that's extremely harsh. Particularly at
06:56this early stage to be brandishing a yellow card for that.
07:02Jimmy McGrath will be over this free kick taken quickly. Keskinen looking to weave
07:09his way through. Well dealt with by Harmon though. Have to be aware of the
07:16Finns intentions. Here's Nielsen. Steady and composed in possession. Experienced
07:23Norwegian.
07:32Rubicic.
07:36It's the nod from Sockler. It's over the top of him and McGrath has the header on
07:40target. He's got a good record in this fixture and on this ground. He scored five times
07:45against Ross County last season.
07:48You see he just gets in the gap between the central defenders there and causes Ross
07:56Laidlaw a few problems. Wouldn't quite stick for Sockler and Leek had to come
08:03across.
08:07Ross County just struggling to get out from their own half at the moment.
08:13Thank you Devlin into Nielsen.
08:30Rubicic and Sockler to chase.
08:35Laidlaw to just drift outside his box to clear.
08:44Sticks for Sockler again.
08:48Filling the large boots of Bojan Mijovski since his departure.
08:56There's a big big ask after the Macedonian headed for Girona.
09:02An almighty fee coming in as well for Aberdeen. He's a big loss.
09:0926 goals last season. Sockler for now is the man that holds the position.
09:16Kevin Lisbeth on the bench on loan from Milwaukee.
09:24The line from Jack McKenzie and the flag does go up against Jamie McGrath.
09:31Well we're not right in line with that but it didn't look to me as if McGrath was off.
09:34I thought he think he's run pretty well and
09:37Ryan Leake was the one that was putting his arm up and Harman.
09:41I think they're playing him on side. I'm not sure that he is off.
09:46Regardless flag goes up.
09:51Are we starting to see an identity a character within
09:55Jimmy Delene's team? Well I don't think it's starting. I think you saw it right
09:59from the get-go. You know we were down at
10:02Palmerston Park for the first game against
10:04Queen of the South in the Premier Sports Cup and you saw it straight off the bat.
10:09It's there for all to see. They want to
10:12play attacking football. They've got pace and
10:16ambition in the wide areas. Good balanced team.
10:20You look at Nielsen coming out the middle of the park just anchors the team.
10:23Shinny's got a little bit more license to go and roam and get involved.
10:28And as I said before defensively they've been very sound. They've only conceded
10:31three goals this season Rory. So I think right from the get-go you've
10:35seen the identity of this Aberdeen side under Jimmy Delene.
10:40Shinny on to McKenzie. McGrath will manage to deliver that into the
10:46middle but Leilaw was aware and coming out from his line.
10:50And that's a perfect example of it you know quick play get into the byline
10:55penetrating the opposition. Hale loses out to
10:58Devlin. Sockler drops it back to Keskinen that
11:02took a touch off Harman and on its way out for a corner kick.
11:06Look I'm really excited about seeing Topi Keskinen here today.
11:11He just makes the timing perfectly on the edge of the box here.
11:15And I've got to be honest I was expecting perhaps just to dink it to
11:17the back post but he was trying to guide it around the defender into the
11:22near post area there. But it's the likes of these guys
11:25Keskinen that's been brought in and this bit at the top end of the
11:30park. Exciting players that I think is another reason why the Aberdeen
11:34support
11:37are looking forward to this season and coupled with the players they've
11:40already got of quality like McGrath there. McGrath's
11:44delivery was a good one to be seen off by the fence.
11:49Sent in again to the middle and Malloy was lurking now.
11:53Hale will look to try and ease that pressure on the
11:57Ross County defence.
12:24Nielsen into Shinny and they're already forming
12:28a strong partnership in the heart of the pitch for Aberdeen.
12:32It's good movement. It's good composure from Aberdeen here. You know they look
12:35quite relaxed and comfortable with what they're trying to do.
12:39There's no square pegs and round holes on this side and the movement's good.
12:43You know it's not rigid. It's not
12:464-2-3-1 and nobody moves from their position. They have a template that
12:50they're playing from. You see Papaguay there is
12:52dropping in and trying to get involved in the game. Jimmy McGrath being central
12:56when he plays off the left-hand side as is the same on the
12:59the near side in front of us with Tobi Ketskinen. There is license to go and
13:03roam and use that inventiveness in this team.
13:08Devlin and Sockler will chase but out comes
13:11Laidlaw again. I think that axis in the middle between Shinny and Nielsen is
13:15really interesting because I think many or some Aberdeen
13:19supporters thought maybe that bringing in Nielsen
13:23might be a little bit too similar to Shinny and it may then
13:27not quite be the end for Graeme Shinny at Aberdeen but may see less
13:31game time and certainly they seem to complement each other
13:34really well. It's maybe allowed Graeme Shinny to get further
13:37forward as Ketskinen rifles the shot that is
13:41dealt with by Ross Laidlaw. See this is a great run. That's a really
13:47good run from Ketskinen in behind the defence.
13:49He's got no other thought in his mind other than getting the strike off on
13:53target and he's making that run from out to in. He's running right across
13:58the face of the defenders. It's difficult to defend against
14:03and again just showing that license to go and roam for those front players.
14:08Short from McGrath to Ketskinen. It's in from the Irishman again.
14:16Once more Laidlaw claims. A couple of players in the wars.
14:27Initially it was Connor Randall that challenged Papa Gay which was a really
14:32important one.
14:36Not totally sure what happens to Ryan Leake but it's him that's at the back here.
14:40You get a closer look here.
14:44He's obviously not been, he didn't get a head knock or anything. I don't really know
14:48what it was that had happened. Whether he's just trying to get a
14:51breather in the blistering heat.
14:55Goes Brophy.
15:09Knocked back by McGrath to McKenzie.
15:16Papa Gay, joint top scorer in the Premiership so far this season.
15:24Three goals in three games.
15:42Malloy the signing from Shelbourne. Sockler.
15:49Nisbet does well. Harman asks Brophy to chase.
15:56He's got Hale in the middle and it will come to Nisbet. It hits Hale and it goes in.
16:05Ronan Hale taking on the goal scoring exploits
16:10that Simon Murray left on. I don't know if he knew too much about it
16:16but maybe you put that one down to Stryker's instincts
16:19and that is exactly what Ross County needed.
16:23It all begins with a wonderful ball in behind Rubicic
16:28for the run of Eamon Brophy. Just look at this here from Harman.
16:33Is he onside? It's going to be very tight.
16:36Perhaps Malloy plays him off but it's perfectly weighted and then this strike
16:40here from Nisbet. This is a great strike off Malloy. Deflects back to Ronan
16:45Hale and in the back of the net but look at that ball there from Harman.
16:48Perfectly weighted and this strike as I said from Nisbet. That's not easy.
16:52Gets great control on that. A little bit of good fortune.
16:55The ricochet back off of Ronan Hale but I think that strike
16:59actually deserves a little bit of good fortune there.
17:03They've now conceded four and they've got
17:08some questions to find some answers to now.
17:14The AR are having a look.
17:22You know I think he might be marginally off. I think he's just ahead of Malloy.
17:26The left-sided centre half which will be a sore one for
17:30Ross County. You can see there
17:35just trying to look at the lines on the grass and it looks very close obviously
17:38VAR will get the calibration done and put the
17:41lines up. You can understand why it's taking the
17:45time. I do go back to my thoughts on this.
17:51Offside is definitive but when it takes so long
17:54and it ends up being you know so marginal
17:58I'm not sure it's what I personally would look for in football.
18:04Even though we'll argue offside is offside.
18:12Well we'll take time to draw the lines up and
18:21looks like Eamon Brophy may just have gone
18:25too soon. I thought that Rory just when that picture he looked marginally
18:30ahead of Malloy.
18:34And there is the confirmation. A loud cheer from
18:38the away end. The offside is given and Ronan Hale's celebrations are cut short.
18:47Well, Aberdeen found their answer pretty quickly.
19:01Get the offside flag up. A little reprieve there for
19:07for the Dons. Ross County have got to try and take a little bit of confidence
19:12from that though.
19:17Josh Nisbet again is surrounded by Aberdeen
19:21jerseys. Found fellow new signing in Kasper Lopata.
19:27Nisbet shows again for possession.
19:33Heel right. Lopata and closed down by Sockler. No easy ball out from there and
19:42Sockler.
20:06Incredibly tight. It really is.
20:11Well, you know, given Matt Tuppenceworth on that type of incident, I don't know what the rest of the country certainly feels on it.
20:18Yeah, offside is
20:20definitive, but
20:23feels a little bit harsh.
20:31Chancing it forward by Le Gras, Lampata. Having said all that, Rory,
20:36we have seen in previous years, those decisions taken a lot longer.
20:41It wasn't quick, but it certainly wasn't as long as things have been done in the past.
20:47And I think there has definitely been an improvement with VAR this season.
20:53They've not got involved and re-refereed the game with a ludicrous number of decisions.
20:58As we pause the game and look at a challenge here, there's nothing in that. There's nothing in it.
21:07Please don't go spoiling it.
21:10Come on.
21:12Just as you were saying.
21:14Oh, seriously. Seriously. I mean...
21:17Yeah.
21:18Has been checked and cleared very quickly.
21:21Well, not as quickly maybe as it should have been, but...
21:24We are back under way.
21:27I just...
21:28I think I was just saying, keep your mouth quiet and don't jinx it.
21:33Well, as the Tannoy announcement came over that that one was being reviewed,
21:37I had a quick look down at Don Cowie, whose head just dropped, thinking
21:42how badly could this continue to go with the decisions, but...
21:48Thankfully, not that bad.
21:50Don Cowie, who made his professional debut with the club back in 2001.
21:58Talked of a stellar career at Scotland International.
22:03And he's got to be proud of that.
22:06He's got to be proud of that.
22:08He's got to be proud of that.
22:10He's got to be proud of that.
22:12He's got to be proud of that.
22:14He's got to be proud of that.
22:15He's got to be proud of that.
22:16He's got to be proud of that.
22:17He's got to be proud of that.
22:18He's got to be proud of that.
22:19He's got to be proud of that.
22:20He's got to be proud of that.
22:21He's got to be proud of that.
22:22He's got to be proud of that.
22:23He's got to be proud of that.
22:24He's got to be proud of that.
22:25He's got to be proud of that.
22:26He's got to be proud of that.
22:27He's got to be proud of that.
22:28He's got to be proud of that.
22:29He's got to be proud of that.
22:30He's got to be proud of that.
22:31He's got to be proud of that.
22:32He's got to be proud of that.
22:33He's got to be proud of that.
22:34He's got to be proud of that.
22:36Now Harmon.
22:39He's actually getting backtracking.
22:53Just having a look further forward with
22:55Ross County and Ronan Hills having a bit of a
22:58limp back towards
23:01the onside line.
23:03Frustrated at that goal.
23:05Didn't stand.
23:08He's had a good start
23:10since joining the Staggys from Cliftonville.
23:13Four goals in six games.
23:16A man from Belfast.
23:19Played with the
23:21Republic of Ireland youth teams but
23:25there's a suggestion that he is about to switch
23:27to play for Northern Ireland.
23:32There's Keskinen.
23:33He did brilliantly not just to beat his man
23:35but then to send that ball into such a
23:38dangerous area.
23:41That was fantastic play from Keskinen.
23:43It really was from a standing start.
23:46Just knocking it
23:48around the defender and on a flash and putting
23:50in a wonderful ball.
23:53He looks like a really good bit of business.
23:54It's got to be said.
23:58Well read by Brown and now up to Hale.
24:00Rubicic was very quickly on to him.
24:02Left by gate.
24:06Alloy finds Rubicic.
24:10Good pass out to McGrath as well.
24:24The Montenegro international.
24:26Rubicic.
24:27He's in the squad again for the
24:29coming Nations League games.
24:31It's not.
24:33It's not the best ball there from Rubicic.
24:34Very difficult.
24:36As you look back to Keskinen here.
24:38The ball on his feet.
24:39Just on a standing start.
24:41Right round the defender.
24:42Harman look at that.
24:44So dangerous.
24:46Quite a few of the players are just lingering
24:48around the penalty spot there and
24:50Soclar
24:52wasn't in between the posts.
24:53Had he been there?
24:54Looks like he probably would have been
24:55getting on the end of that great ball
24:57in from Keskinen.
25:00He'll put everything into keeping that
25:01ball in play.
25:04He's managed it.
25:11He'll write.
25:15Stockport County.
25:17Ryan leak out to George Harman.
25:20Progressed well through their Premier
25:22Sports Cup group winning all four
25:24games.
25:26A couple of draws to start their
25:28Premiership campaign and just in the
25:30last couple of matches things have
25:32run off the rails.
25:35Looking to recover from that.
25:36Now the defeats away to
25:38Spartans and then a heavy one.
25:41Again.
25:43It's not the best ball there from
25:44Rubicic.
25:45He's in the squad again for the
25:46coming Nations League games.
25:47Spartans and then a heavy one.
25:49It's Rangers.
26:01Right for.
26:02Brown.
26:08Randall.
26:18Leak.
26:20Direct approach.
26:22Hoping to find him in profit.
26:24Just the last few minutes from both
26:25sides.
26:26The quality into the front men's
26:28just not been.
26:30As good as it should be for.
26:32Them to really work with their you
26:33can see leak clipping a ball in it.
26:36You look at Brophy and he'll.
26:39Be very accurate.
26:41You're clipping those balls in any
26:43sort of height and then Rubicic and
26:44Malloy are just going to be last
26:46in that up.
26:49Really got to be quicker and
26:51they've got to be accurate and
26:53realistically they need to really
26:54be trying to play into their feet
26:56or playing it down the sides for
26:57the movement.
26:59You need to cash in and there's a
27:00collision off the ball.
27:02Cash in and looks to take
27:03advantage.
27:04They look to the back where
27:05Sockler and a vital intervention
27:07from a kill right.
27:09Well obviously Ross County have
27:10complained don't carry in front of
27:11us as well he thinks that this
27:13should have been a free kick.
27:14Papa gate collides in.
27:16I saw.
27:17It's another really intelligent
27:18bit of play from Keskinen.
27:21Deliberately playing it through
27:22the defenders legs trying to find
27:24it.
27:26Ball to the back post.
27:31It's very comfortable out on that
27:32right hand side Kessler and he is
27:34more naturally.
27:36A left winger.
27:45So.
27:47Set plays.
27:49Now.
27:51Keskinen.
27:54Nielsen.
27:58To the middle.
28:00I just felt as if McKenzie should
28:01have tried to drop his shoulder
28:03and get past it.
28:05I think it was James Brown that
28:06was facing him up there.
28:08It wasn't.
28:09I think it was Maloy in the end
28:10that clips it.
28:12Maybe not.
28:13Maybe not as just as.
28:15McKenzie.
28:17To drive him down the line.
28:22Approaching the half hour mark
28:23this.
28:24In denim.
28:25Is on loan from.
28:26Hartman Lothian.
28:38Starks in the room for denim.
28:40Brown.
28:41Looks up the line.
28:43Randall.
28:44With two in the middle.
28:45Brophy was one of them and he did
28:46have.
28:47A brief sighting of gold.
28:51That was a good opportunity.
28:55To.
28:56Was a very good.
28:59Open in there for.
29:00Brophy.
29:01Just a little bit too quick he
29:02wasn't able to get his feet set.
29:05She's this ball's whipped into.
29:08Nice bit of play Randall down the
29:09line he whips it in.
29:12Just doesn't get himself set.
29:13Mind you.
29:14Having said that.
29:15You see.
29:16Rubic's.
29:17It's right on top of him.
29:18Probably going to be making a
29:19block.
29:20Had he.
29:21Got the shot towards gold.
29:26Up a gate.
29:27To.
29:28Mr.
29:29Sockler.
29:31And.
29:33Devlin.
29:38Shinni takes over from Maloy.
29:48McKenzie you can see cascades.
29:51Drifted over to that left hand
29:52side again.
29:53Oh.
29:54Sockler is.
29:56McGrath goes down there was a
29:57nasty clash of hands.
29:58There and instantly.
30:00Both.
30:01Medical.
30:03Teams called on to the pitch to
30:04deal with this we may have a.
30:07Lengthy delay here.
30:22Jimmy McGrath went.
30:23Up to.
30:25The.
30:26Win the header.
30:29Positionally I'm wondering if it's
30:30Lopata that is the.
30:32County player that's down.
30:37Concern for.
30:38Both.
30:39Don carry on.
30:40Jimmy to lean.
30:44There's no delay in the.
30:47Medical staff rushing on to.
30:49Deal with both players.
30:50It is indeed.
30:52McGrath and.
30:54Lopata.
30:55Ross County debutant on loan from.
30:57Barnsley only signed on Thursday
30:58and straight into the.
31:00Starting.
31:01Eleven.
31:02It's now up.
31:04Luckily the partners up on his
31:05feet.
31:07And.
31:08Jimmy McGrath is obviously looking
31:09in a bit of pain but.
31:11At least he's he's moving about.
31:14It's clearly not.
31:17In a great shape though.
31:21That's a.
31:23As a concern for the Aberdeen
31:25manager he obviously deep in
31:27conversation.
31:29With his coaching staff.
31:32Thinking substitution perhaps
31:34needed to be made here.
31:42But warming up we obviously
31:43wouldn't be a direct replacement
31:45so I was just going to say that
31:46the physios just.
31:48Looked over to the bench.
31:49Substitution needs to be made.
31:51You can see Kevin is running back
31:52now.
31:55So I think perhaps.
31:57Papa Gayle.
31:59Slide to.
32:00To the side.
32:03As well he spoke about there's a
32:04lot of good movement.
32:06Amongst those front players so
32:07it's not.
32:08Something that they're going to
32:09be.
32:12Looking from it just hold this
32:13position out there.
32:15Well he's a big guy.
32:17He's a big guy.
32:18Well he's a big loss.
32:20Jamie McGrath.
32:22And that is.
32:23Well it's not good to see at
32:25least he is.
32:26Beginning to set up now and we do
32:28hope that he can make a full
32:30recovery.
32:32In the weeks to come.
32:42Kevin Nisbet will be.
32:44Coming on.
32:46We've got 11 minutes.
32:49Against.
32:50Kilmarnock.
32:51Last Sunday.
32:56You can see is.
32:58Good to see him walking off but.
33:00Moving very gingerly.
33:03Oh geez that's a real.
33:06Sore one.
33:09Both got their eyes firmly on the
33:10ball and clattered into each
33:12other.
33:13It's good to see him walking off
33:14there because when you see the
33:15incident.
33:16I think that could be.
33:18A lot worse.
33:20A lot worse.
33:22So as much as you don't want to
33:23be seen players having to go off
33:25but.
33:26Say the fact that he's walking
33:27off there.
33:28After seeing that incident.
33:32Take any chances.
33:33No chance.
33:34To see the knock on his forehead
33:36there.
33:37Right in the temple.
33:38Swollen up already.
33:41So on comes.
33:42Kevin Nisbet.
33:43Like I said only 11 minutes
33:45against Kilmarnock he'd previously
33:46played.
33:47Six minutes for.
33:48Millwall against.
33:50Watford.
33:54Hasn't started again since
33:55January but he's going to get a
33:57fair chunk of this one.
34:00Losing.
34:01Jimmy McGrath is.
34:03Three goals and three assists
34:04has been a.
34:06Key component of Aberdeen success
34:07in the.
34:09Opening eight games of this
34:10season.
34:11See there.
34:14This bit shows his physical
34:15presence.
34:16Ross County.
34:18Ryan leak down and it's just
34:20getting a bit heated.
34:22On the touchline.
34:23The referee.
34:24I mean Ryan Leake's the one that
34:25has.
34:27Been lying on the ground here.
34:28And.
34:29Nobody's.
34:31Thankfully he's up but.
34:33You know.
34:34It's a ball up near the.
34:36Cluttered into each other you're
34:37thinking.
34:39You'd be expecting.
34:40The physios to be getting on
34:41quicker there as well I mean he
34:42gets.
34:43He gets cluttered.
34:45It's not a full.
34:46From Kevin this but he goes up
34:47and he wins it but.
34:50Clearly you're thinking to
34:51yourself.
34:54Get on and make sure he's he's
34:55OK you don't want to be taking
34:56chances.
34:58And.
34:59You need to lean was right in
35:00front of us he was trying to get
35:02the.
35:03Officials attention as well.
35:05Aberdeen will have a free kick
35:06chance for.
35:08Graham Cheney to.
35:10Swing one into the box.
35:14Casper Lopata was booked.
35:16What led up to this free kick
35:18well dealt with by.
35:20A keel right.
35:26And.
35:27It's.
35:28It's.
35:29It's.
35:30It's.
35:32It's.
35:34What a defensive header that is.
35:36Running back towards his goal
35:37the bulge.
35:39Swinging in on top of him and
35:40he's able to.
35:41Get away from goal.
35:43Very very impressive defending
35:44there from right.
36:04For.
36:06Slobodan Rubic's itch.
36:16Jack McKenzie.
36:19Papagate.
36:22Finds George Harmon.
36:24Look over his shoulder to make
36:25sure that.
36:27Pressurize him.
36:34Nielsen asks for.
36:35Some drive forward.
36:37Cheney.
36:40Devlin.
36:41Quickly on to.
36:42Keskinen.
36:43This time.
36:44Knocks it off leak another
36:45Aberdeen corner.
36:46Well I really like about
36:47Keskinen is he's always
36:48wanting to take the opponent
36:49on.
36:50First thing in his mind is.
36:52How is he going to get past
36:53these.
36:54His opponent 1v1.
36:56You're trying to not make the
36:57defender there it gets a
36:58corner kick for it.
36:59But.
37:00Very positive play.
37:01Every time he's got that
37:02he's wanting to go and commit
37:03the opposition.
37:11She needs to take the corner
37:12and.
37:14Jimmy McGrath's absence.
37:33Will be the target but
37:34reposition charge denim helps
37:36it on towards Hale who.
37:38Looks to make life difficult
37:39for Devlin.
38:03Short.
38:06Again to receive the ball from
38:07leak.
38:09Over by suckler.
38:12That was.
38:13That was very very close.
38:21To see that again I thought
38:22this book was a little bit
38:23fortunate there.
38:33Think.
38:34Don't kill just be a little
38:35bit disappointed that ever
38:36since the goal was disallowed
38:37they've not really troubled
38:38meet over again.
38:47Leak forward.
38:49Again that's that ball that
38:50type of ball it's just.
38:53Quality up to the two
38:54strikers is not.
38:57Not of a standard that you
38:58know leaks complaining and
38:59saying you know to the two
39:00guys they're not the most
39:01physical.
39:03They're not tall and I know
39:04the ball it wasn't as if it
39:06was up above head height
39:07there but.
39:09You've really got to be
39:10getting the ball better
39:11quality into the front
39:12players.
39:13If you're going to play
39:14longer like that then try
39:15and turn the defenders.
39:17Or get the ball on the
39:18ground and get it into the
39:19feet.
39:22Is that the sort of position
39:23that the likes of Rubin's
39:24itching my lawyer are hoping
39:26comes their way.
39:27Yeah absolutely.
39:28They want they want a
39:29physical battle they don't
39:30want.
39:31Little speedsters.
39:32Twisting and turning and
39:33going past them.
39:34You look at the ball with
39:35the goal comes from and I
39:36know it's further up the
39:37park.
39:38But Harmon's playing that
39:39ball in behind Rubin's itch
39:41a lovely run from Brophy.
39:43And it's very difficult to
39:44defend against.
39:48Loose ball for.
39:49Keskinen to pick up he's
39:51got.
39:52The left hand side.
39:54Right.
39:55Times is challenged perfectly.
40:00Some impressive moments in
40:01the defensive positions
40:03Akil right.
40:06Ever present in the.
40:08Premiership.
40:16Right.
40:17Forward.
40:19Position.
40:20Communication right.
40:22Denim.
40:23Goes down it's a free kick
40:24would be given against Jack
40:26McKenzie and.
40:28The yellow card comes out
40:29for the Aberdeen left back.
40:32Well it was a dangerous
40:33opening there.
40:34Aiden Denham getting on to
40:35the loose ball first and
40:36driving forward.
40:38A little bit of
40:39miscommunication there between
40:40the two center halves.
40:41Denham picks it up.
40:45I don't think there's too
40:46many complaints there.
40:48Jack McKenzie getting the
40:49yellow card.
40:54And this is a good
40:55opportunity here for Ross
40:56Kennedy just as half times
40:57approaching.
40:59Just said a minute or so
41:00ago that.
41:01Don't carry be a wee bit
41:02disappointed they've not been
41:03able to trouble meet of.
41:05Since the offside goal.
41:08This is a great chance.
41:10Where Ronan Hale was.
41:12Straight over to place this
41:13but.
41:14Since then.
41:16George Harmon has come over
41:17and.
41:19It suits the left footer.
41:27Options for Ross Kennedy
41:28here is.
41:29The wall gets set.
41:31To meet off.
41:33To get his angles set.
41:42Conversation continues between
41:43Hale and Harmon.
41:54It's Hale.
41:55Just over the top from.
41:58Ronan Hale.
41:59It got the dip but just too
42:00late.
42:02I'll tell you it's an
42:03absolute rocket.
42:04I don't know how close it is
42:05I'll be a good view here.
42:07It's comfortably white
42:08certainly from our position.
42:10It looked like for a split
42:11second that was flying in the
42:12top corner.
42:14Comfortably white.
42:18Headers picked up by gate.
42:20Chance to drive at the heart
42:21of the defense.
42:24Papagea and again right
42:25comes in.
42:26That's another fantastic tackle
42:27from right.
42:29It really is.
42:35Eskimo cries of handball from
42:36the home crowd.
42:43Papagea.
42:44Couple of little shimmies and
42:45step over.
42:47Perfectly timed tackle.
42:48That ball.
42:49Once it drops.
42:50Eden Denham's playing the ball
42:51forward.
42:52Trying to get.
42:53Ronan Hale released.
42:54Again.
42:55Not accurate enough.
42:56Quality not.
42:57There.
42:58And.
42:59Ruzic is able to step on it
43:00and physically muscle the
43:01striker and win the ball back.
43:03They've got to do better once
43:04they get the turnover.
43:05Ross County.
43:07Good knockdown by Brophy that
43:08time.
43:10Picked up by.
43:12A teammate.
43:13And now Lopata.
43:14Wins it back.
43:16Denham.
43:18Chance to drive at Aberdeen
43:19but.
43:20McKenzie they've got the
43:21touchdown.
43:22To Nielsen.
43:23And now Keskinen.
43:24Helps it out wide.
43:25To Sockler.
43:27Sockler trying to.
43:29Win the race with.
43:30Wright.
43:31But.
43:32The defender.
43:33Has not turned well.
43:35Well.
43:36I didn't fancy his chances
43:37against Wright.
43:38The last few minutes.
43:39That.
43:40The Ross County defender has
43:41been having.
43:42His tails up.
43:46Nisbet Hall.
43:47Down by.
43:48Siebert Nielsen.
43:49He's.
43:50Certainly not happy about
43:51something.
43:55Well I mean he.
43:57Clearly commits the foul and
43:58then.
44:00You said.
44:01Not particularly happy with
44:02someone I think it's one of
44:03his teammates he's going mental
44:04up.
44:11They don't dare.
44:13You mean to lean that.
44:14Else.
44:15Borg.
44:16They'll spend some.
44:17Sweden.
44:25Six minutes at the end of.
44:27This half starting now is James
44:29Brown delivers that right.
44:32What up to try and flick it on
44:33now.
44:34Papagate.
44:37Tracking back in the.
44:39Does go against the.
44:41Midfielder.
44:43You can see where the free kick
44:44was given there.
44:58Like we've seen even up until
44:59this stage that this is not
45:00going to be.
45:01An easy.
45:02Fixture for.
45:03Aberdeen.
45:04To.
45:05Be.
45:06Able.
45:07To.
45:08Be.
45:09Able.
45:10To.
45:11Folks,
45:12I don't know if there's going
45:13to be an easy fixture for
45:14Aberdeen if they're gonna win
45:15they're gonna have to.
45:17Really work it out.
45:19Keskin deflected.
45:21Leyla was.
45:22Scandalous.
45:23Scrambling to try and save the
45:24corner but.
45:25In vain.
45:26Not totally sure.
45:27What.
45:28Rossley.
45:29Was trying to do that because
45:30even if he saves the corner
45:31he's punching in.
45:32You watch.
45:33Your right hand side.
45:35Devlin is out there.
45:37Even if.
45:39He does keep it from good
45:40the ball up in acres of space.
45:45Shanique targets the front post where Brophy was protecting that area and Hale
45:52held off Devlin really well. County were looking to break but the whistle had
45:58been blown. I think the referee's got to see how the plays unfold and if he's
46:03going to give a free kick there and say that Nicky Devlin's committed to foul, by
46:08the way it was a one stage I mean you could have gone either way but it's got
46:12to let the game play. You can see that the Ross County players are getting on to the
46:17loose ball. There's Brophy straight on to it. Just wait a second or so and that would
46:23have played out a lot better for Ross County.
46:28Lopata with the lofted ball forward. Rupicic mouthwatering ball for him to go
46:40and attack but now Harmon as Ross County pick up the second ball. Molloy got
46:46himself in front of Brophy and the sliding challenge was Hale and Nielsen
46:51not happy at all about it.
46:55The referee Ewan Anderson with the situation to sort out here. He has a card in his hand
47:02that looks yellow. Well he's got his book in his hand and it could be a red or a
47:06yellow.
47:11Roman Hale diving into the challenge on Gav Molloy. He's certainly given himself
47:18plenty of time to think about it.
47:24I think the only saving grace you could see is that it's low. It goes in with a fair bit of pace but I think yellow card is the right call.
47:42You think back to the game at Daines Park that we did with Harts and
47:51Gerard Taylor carrying a lot of pace a lot worse than that and he got away with
47:55a yellow card. I think Ewan Anderson is probably just about right there and
48:03Don Kelly agrees.
48:06Roman Hale's had an eventful first half. Thought he had the game's opening goal but for VAR to rule it out
48:17Offside by a whisker.
48:28Molloy is back up and running freely.
48:41There's been moments for Aberdeen that are good but certainly as I was just
48:46mentioning before this is a difficult game. It's a difficult fixture that it's
48:51not going to play out easily for them and if they're going to get the victory
48:55they're gonna have to really I think speed things up a little bit in the
48:59final third. Barring Keskinen I think the rest of it's just been a little bit
49:04too ponderous. They've not been able to get as free-flowing as we've seen so far this
49:11season. Ross County did have the seventh best home record in the Scottish top
49:17flight last season but much of that was down to that fabulous run that they had
49:22under Don Cowie towards the end of the regular season before the split when
49:28they beat Rangers for the first time ever here.
49:32Denham up to Randle.
49:43Shinney, well he's given it away in the box to Connor Randle. The two captains
49:48exchanging possession this but look to get away but now it's Aberdeen who can
49:53scamper forward on the counter-attack and the free-kick goes against Papa Gay there.
49:59Just when Aberdeen were motoring forward it's an off-the-ball collision with
50:04Aidan Denham. I've got to say my initial reaction is no chance now the replay
50:09might show something different but I've got to be honest I still I'm still not
50:18sure about that. That's a shoulder-to-shoulder it's a coming together
50:24I personally don't think that's a free-kick Rory.
50:39This should be the final play of the half.
50:44Brown, Lopato the target it might yet come to him and struck by Denham.
50:55That one will trickle out for an Aberdeen throw-in as he lashed at that one.
51:02Yellow just ricocheting around wondering if it was going to drop for somebody it doesn't
51:06the end. Denham with a strike and Brophy with the flying acrobats trying to get
51:12his head on it but he couldn't.
51:15Lopato's header that continues to go on now the whistle is blown an intriguing half
51:29but no goals although Ross County and Ronan Hale thought that they had the
51:34opener but the man from Belfast was denied the opening goal by a very very
51:42tight offside call by VAR that cancelled it out so at the break at the Global
51:48Energy Stadium in Dingwall it is Ross County nil Aberdeen nil.