Match report as Jordan White gave Ross County an early lead after an error from St Mirren goalkeeper Alex Gogic; Toyosi Olusanya equalised in the 90th minute to deny the hosts a vital win; Ross County remain in 11th place
Thursday 29 February 2024 12:22, UK
Toyosi Olusanya's last-gasp strike saw St Mirren draw 1-1 at Ross County, denying the hosts the chance to move out of the relegation play-off place in the Scottish Premiership.
Jordan White had given the hosts a first-half lead in Dingwall, making the most of an Alex Gogic mistake to put the Staggies ahead in the 12th minute.
St Mirren fought valiantly for an equaliser but they had to be patient, with Olusanya's goal eventually coming in the 90th minute.
Saints boss Stephen Robinson claimed after the match his side had been denied a "blatant" penalty, and in a statement on Thursday afternoon St Mirren said the Scottish FA's refereeing department had admitted the error.
"Having been allowed to review the full VAR audio and footage it is clear there has been a mistake in the process," it read. "There was a quick VAR review that centred around a shirt pull on James Bolton in the box.
"We also believe this could have been a penalty but understand that is subjective. However, the handball was a factual event, and the referee department has agreed that this should have led to an on-field review.
"While we welcome continued independent reviews aimed at making the process as robust as possible, and appreciate the openness and transparency from the referee department in reviewing this incident, we remain frustrated and disappointed that the correct process wasn't followed on this occasion."
There was just one change between the two starting XIs - Eli King coming into Ross County's line-up in place of Teddy Jenks.
The visitors had not settled when a mistake at the back gifted Ross County the opening goal in the 12th minute.
Gogic attempted to pass the ball back to his goalkeeper, only for White to nip in ahead of Zach Hemming and round the Buddies goalkeeper before rolling the ball into an empty net for his sixth goal of the season in all competitions.
County had to be on their guard to prevent a quick St Mirren response, with keeper George Wickens diving to his right to keep out Caolan Boyd-Munce's deflected strike.
It was a similar story at the start of the second half, with Lewis Jamieson this time cutting inside from the right flank and forcing an acrobatic stop from Wickens.
St Mirren continued to put the pressure on their hosts and as the clock ticked down, Stephen Robinson threw on some fresh legs to give the visitors fresh impetus going forward.
It worked as Keanu Baccus' header sent Olusanya goal-side of Loick Ayina to finish into the bottom corner in the last minute.
Ross County remain 11th, while St Mirren move to within a point of fourth-placed Kilmarnock.
St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson:
"There was a blatant handball and I believe it wasn't checked. That happened before the foul, so I don't understand why that would be.
"I can't control that, but it seems quite obvious from what we've seen and what we've been told.
"We were not at the top of our game, there were three or four players who were below what they have been recently, but we showed great character to get back into it and get a point - and it could have been three with the chance at the end.
"We didn't start well. We made a mistake, which is so uncharacteristic of Alex, but he showed great mentality to play the way he did after.
"Ross County scored with their only shot on goal, which came from our mistake. But we didn't play as well as we can.
"The subs gave us a real impetus when they came on. A point away from home is a point gained. If we can take seven points from this week it would be fantastic for us."
Ross County interim boss Don Cowie:
"It was two points dropped, especially when you're leading with five minutes to go. It wasn't the greatest game or the best performance from us but when you're leading at that stage you have to get the points.
"I thought we defended very well until the goal. St Mirren are a very good team with a lot of players who can hurt you but I thought we kept them pretty quiet so it's frustrating.
"The message before the game was to build on Saturday and we've done that by adding a point. It's a step in the right direction, taking four from six, and we want to add to that against Hibs now."
Ross County's next Scottish Premiership game is away to Hibs on Saturday, while St Mirren are at home to Aberdeen.
Both games kick off at 3pm.
