Managers Post Ross County

09/01/16: "We always know that we are going to be in the game but I am sure with Ross County's record they will be desperate to do well at home and get through to the next round.

Allan Johnston was pleased with his team's performance against Ross County:-

"I thought the boys were excellent, it must have been an exciting game to watch. We had a real go, we didn't sit back, we created loads of chances. We hit the bar, we hit the post and had a couple more or less cleared off the line.

"I don't think we could have done any more. The only criticism you can have is that we never won the game."

The Pars had equalised in 15 minutes after losing an early goal and the manager was aggrieved at the lead up to Ross County's 27th minute penalty:-

"It was a clear foul on Jason Talbot and you are hoping obviously with the fourth official there and the linesman and referee all within ten yards. They have got to see that to be fair. Sometimes that happens but I thought the players responded well to twice going behind in the game.

"They kept on going and that shows you the character that they have got. Brad (McKay) had only been in one day but he did excellent, we threw him right in at the deep end. He is only a young lad and still learning. I am sure that will boost his confidence."

Faissal El Bakhtaoui had an attempt near the end that might have won the tie had Ross County keeper Scott Fox not managed to turn it on to his crossbar:-

"He was excellent, he was everywhere causing all sorts of problems. I don't think they could handle Michael Moffat and Faiss' movement. The pace and energy caused them a lot of problems. We could maybe have defended better for the goals."

The manager was pleased with the performance but quick to point out that the game is about winning:-

"That is the frustration for us because that is what we have done this year. Sometimes the breaks don't go for you. I think we were a bit unfortunate with some of the chances. The boys gave everything."

Asked what he expected in Tuesday night's replay when the teams meet in Dingwall, Allan Johnston replied:-

"I am sure that it will be the same, we don't know how to play any different, we go and attack no matter whether home or away. We showed that already this season - we always create chances and always score goals. We always know that we are going to be in the game but I am sure with Ross County's record they will be desperate to do well at home and get through to the next round.

"We did well against Dundee and beat them here. We went to extra time against Dundee
United and turned out another good performance here again. It shows you what the players are capable of but we just have to make sure that we keep our consistency and get promoted."

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre felt lucky when he spoke to the media:-

"We definitely dodged a bullet today, I think Dunfermline were excellent, showed their quality and why they are scoring so many goals. We knew they have good players - I have worked with a couple of them obviously and we knew that they could bring a level of performance that is higher than the league that they play in. That is why they are doing so well in that league.

"From our point of view we weren't at the races. We started the game well enough and scored a good goal. Dunfermline came back, then we got another one but after that Dunfermline were definitely the better team."

Asked to explain why his team didn't win after being ahead twice Macca said:-

"Sometimes in cup ties these things can happen when the home side gets behind their team. From our point of view there were too many players out of position at key moments. Dunfermline were good at punishing that; they got the ball forward quickly and their front four were a handful. You have got to put your hands up and say that they played well.

"I was delighted with the going forward side, I think we can do a wee bit more in terms of the hold up play. I thought as a partnership the forwards did quite well together but they did not see a lot of the ball either. From that point of view it was a wee bit frustrating."

To get another chance at Dunfermline has to be to Ross County's advantage given few teams enjoy the trip north:-

"Our home form is strong but it is by no means a given. You just need to look at that performance that they have turned in today, we have got to turn in a similar performance to get through into the next round."

Related Stories

• Dunfermline 2 Ross County 2
• Pars sign a Saint
• Preview Ross County
• Pars Supporters’ Trust Review of 2015