Test of nerve as Ross County & Livi fight for top flight

Before the Scottish Premiership play-off first leg, Ross County fans’ music was decidedly depressing.

On BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound program, various doom-filled voices flooded the airwaves. The general consensus was that there were sombre predictions of various footballing disasters.

A 1-1 draw was ultimately a promising outcome to bring back to Dingwall. Now, it would be interesting to know what the mood music is in.

In West Lothian, Livingston appeared to have significantly outsmarted it. The Lions were putting their bodies in front of all the Staggies could muster, and they had more possession and more shots on goal.

The 33-year-old central defender has traveled extensively in the sport. Starlet of Rangers, big money move to Liverpool, Hearts Cup captain, and championship winner. The boy did well when he added a transatlantic adventure in Major League Soccer caps along the way.

Wilson has been a rock at the back for his hometown team, which is proud of their defensive record this year.

He has also contributed at the other end in recent weeks. He would score once more in the semi-final against County at Firhill after scoring against Partick Thistle at Firhill. On the cue of half-time, Livi was in control thanks to his deflected effort.

But how significant could Jordan White’s late strike be in the hands of County? VAR has been absent from the Championship team for the entire season, but suddenly it was in the spotlight as it, to put it simply, gave the Premiership team a lifeline.

Ronan Hale’s punishment was swift and effective. The striker’s 17th goal of the season comes in all competitions, making for what appears to be the most clever thing to have done in Dingwall last summer. Unexpectedly, the tie was level.

On Monday night, County will have a big hope thanks to Hale’s resolve, invention, and goal-seeking prowess. In West Lothian, they occasionally made direct plays in the hope that second balls would land in the player’s preferred area, about 20 yards from goal.

The former Cliftonville resident is a player who creates uncertainty and seems unnerved by significant events.

As we chatted through the Sportscene highlights on Thursday night, BBC Scotland pundit Michael Stewart said, “He has ice in his veins.”

Livingston’s claim to be their favorite has become more overstated. What will happen next suddenly makes people anxious.

At the conclusion of Thursday’s game, Livi boss David Martindale was glaringly let down. After giving away the lead, his players would have felt the same way.

Important decisions, in Martindale’s opinion, contravened. He made sure to keep the upbeat tone, though. Before the Highlands trip, the drum must continue to beat.

Livingston believes in themselves for their own reasons. They looked more likely for spells in the first leg. This well-trained, knowledgeable, and streetwise team in yellow is undoubtedly capable of winning football games.

The Staggies now reunite on a familiar ground because they have prevailed in the past two seasons and have viewed this landscape twice.

Indeed, this challenge resembles a mere Munro to the Everest that Partick Thistle faced two years ago when they drew level with 20 minutes left to score the second leg with three goals on average.