Ross Laidlaw admits Ross County showed Rangers ‘too much respect’ as they suffered a 2-0 Premiership defeat in Dingwall.
First half goals from Kemar Roofe and James Tavernier were enough to earn a comfortable win for Michael Beale’s side as they maintained their momentum heading into the Champions League showdown with PSV Eindhoven this week.
Roofe outmuscled James Brown before converting from close range as he connected with a Borna Barisic corner, while Tavernier burst forward through the County half and beat Laidlaw with a wonderful effort that found the top corner of the net.
▶️ Tavernier’s incredible long range goal helped Rangers defeat Ross County 2-0 in Dingwall this afternoon ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SoP3J9zuTc
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) August 26, 2023
And the keeper reckons those moments summed up a frustrating afternoon for Malky Mackay’s side as they were once again left with nothing to show for their efforts from a fixture against one of the Old Firm.
Laidlaw said: “I think we probably showed Rangers too much respect.
“I know they had a tough game through the week, but we probably sat off them a bit.
“In the second half the manager told us to go man for man, and high press them. It did work a bit more, we had a few chances, but Rangers deserved to win.
“There are positives for us to take from the second half performance.
“We were disappointed it was a set-piece for the first goal. Jimmy Brown was saying he was pulled back a wee bit for the first one.
“For the second one we were in possession and gave the ball away. I actually thought it was going over the bar but I looked round and it was in the net.
“When you come up against quality players, they can punish you in these moments.
“I thought we did well to stay in the game. When you go 2-0 down you can easily concede three or four.
“It has not hit the goal difference too badly. We just need to move on – as the manager says we need to get results against the teams around us. It’s a huge one away to Kilmarnock next week.”
