Dundee United need to take their four-goal defeat to Ross County “on the chin”, according to manager Ray McKinnon.
McKinnon, whose side crashed out of the Scottish Cup after the 6-2 loss in the Highland fog, pinpointed the concession of a second goal so quickly after drawing level as the crucial moment in the game.
He said: “It was disappointing to lose the second goal when we’d got back to 1-1 so quickly.
“We gave away a cheap free-kick and didn’t deal with the second phase after Cammy Bell saved the free-kick. That was disappointing – as were the next two goals.”
McKinnon rued the fact his side did not score when they were on top early in the second half.
“I thought at 4-2 it was important we came out in the second half and upped the intensity and I thought we did that for 30 minutes,” he said. “We were very good in the second half, but just couldn’t get that third goal.
“Had we done that, it would have been a different game – and then we got caught with the sucker-punch. We just couldn’t get that clear-cut chance.
“Overall, it is always disappointing to lose that amount of goals. Ross County probably deserved it on the day and we need to take it on the chin.”
County boss Jim McIntyre said: “We played some great stuff, especially in the first half, and got into a commanding lead. The only blip was getting a bit sloppy.
“So that was disappointing and it gives them the hope there’s a chance of getting back into it.
“In the second half we had to weather pressure, as you have to against any team. You never have it all your own way, but I thought we defended quite well.”
And, despite the healthy margin of victory, McIntyre felt there were more goals in his side.
He said: “There were a lot of balls into the box we got headers on and a few corners, but I always felt there were more goals there to be had for us, especially with Alex Schalk’s pace against their two centre-backs with United pushing their full-backs on.”
