Ross County midfielder Darren Maatsen is certain the Staggies will soon end their away-day drought after a late Hearts equaliser denied them in a 2-2 draw at Tynecastle.
County were ahead through Graham Carey and Melvin de Leeuw but Callum Paterson and Danny Wilson hit back in a fantastic match in Edinburgh on Saturday.
County had a third player in two matches sent off, with captain Richard Brittain dismissed. Ivan Sproule and Steven Saunders were red-carded in the previous 2-1 defeat at St Mirren.
The Staggies led 2-1 and played the last quarter of the match without Brittain but could not hold out to register what would have been a long-awaited first away victory of the season.
Dutchman Maatsen, who came on as a second-half substitute for compatriot de Leeuw, said: “We showed great character.
“An away victory will come soon. We were so close, so why not the next time?
“It has been a bit frustrating but you also have to look at the positive side. We were we able to go so close to getting the three points away from home.
“It is a bit disappointing, but we can achieve away victories by working hard for each other.”
Despite the red cards, Maatsen does not believe lack of discipline is an issue at County.
He said: “We have a great squad and I don’t think the red cards are a problem with discipline. Maybe it is the enthusiasm and effort the players are putting in.
“The red cards have been unfortunate. I did not see the second booking for Richard Brittain. Maybe we were unlucky. At St Mirren it was obvious and the referee had to send off both players.
“We are trying so hard for points and working so hard during the week. It is frustrating when we don’t get the points.”
Maatsen, who scored a stunning goal in County’s opening-day defeat at Celtic, aims to force his way into the starting side. He added: “It is disappointing but I have to be patient and give the best I have got in training and hope my chance will come soon.”
Road jinx, Pages 54, 55