Ross County kicked off their League Cup group-stage campaign with a dramatic penalty-shootout win over Premiership visitors Dundee at Global Energy Stadium on Tuesday night.
What happened in Dingwall?
County and Dundee played out a cagey 1-1 draw inside 90 minutes, with Finlay Robertson’s 25th-minute free-kick cancelling out Akil Wright’s 68th-minute strike. The Staggies looked second-best for stretches, but Brad Foster pulled off two saves in the shootout before Wright buried the winner. League standing: 10th in Championship, 34 pts, 8W-10D-18L from 36 games, recent form LWWLL.
Kettlewell said his side were “top drawer” despite the nervy start. “We understand Dundee were favourited tonight and they are a really good side, so our performance was top drawer from our point of view,” he told press. The first 20 minutes saw County passive and apprehensive, but they grew into the game and Foster’s double save in the shootout sealed the points.
Why it matters for Ross County
The win is County’s first competitive fixture of the season and a morale boost after a difficult run that left them 43 points behind league leaders ST Johnstone. Goals this season: 36 scored, 57 conceded (-21 goal difference). The Staggies’ challenge now is to carry this level into League One, where they face Raith Rovers next on 2026-05-01 - a match they lost 3-2.
Kettlewell pointed to fitness and structure as key upgrades. “Our fitness levels are top drawer and some of our football was fantastic,” he said. “We’ve got a couple of opportunities to win it, but there were so many good performances.” He also singled out Robertson’s strike as a freak moment the defence couldn’t prevent.
What comes next for the Staggies?
County now turn their focus to League One, where consistency remains the target. Recent form (last 5): 3W-0D-2L (LLWWW, most recent first); lost the last 2. Kettlewell admitted last season’s Achilles heel was execution on matchdays, but he believes the group is building trust. “Guys are improving day by day,” he said. “We need to work towards that every single day in training.”
The League Cup win gives County a platform, but the real test arrives against regular league foes. With just three competitive games under their belts, the Staggies are aiming to tighten their defensive shape and sharpen their finishing ahead of the run-in.
