Ross County midfielder Martin Woods has urged his side to start being ruthless when chances come their way.
The Staggies have lost their last three matches by the odd goal, with Friday’s 3-2 defeat against Dundee United particularly frustrating for former Scotland under-21 international Woods who felt his side did enough to take something from the game.
Woods realises County cannot expect to win games unless they prove to be more clinical in front of goal, as they were when they defeated Kilmarnock 3-0 at Rugby Park last month.
The 28-year-old is driven to help the Dingwall side off the bottom of the table by showing consistent form.
Woods said: “Of late we’ve failed to take our chances and conceded the odd sloppy goal, which we could do better with.
“I’d like to see what we did against Killie happen more often, if we start taking our chances and get ahead in games.
“We had enough chances against Dundee United and stuck in long enough to get something out of the game.
“But I’d like us to get that first goal because we’re creating the chances.
“Throughout the Dundee United game – and I know it sounds daft saying it – but we were the ones in control. They broke up the pattern, scored three times and they were ruthless. That’s what they bring, they have a lot of energy.
“We did well to contain them and I felt our football was pretty decent. It’s just getting the ball in the back of the net and keeping it out at the other end. They managed to get in behind the defence and get the goals, which we need to start doing on a more consistent basis. It is frustrating. We’re creating chances. It’s just taking them. We did that against Killie, and we stayed ahead.
“We’ve got to have a bit more about us and take chances when they come to us.”
Woods partnered 21-year-old Steven Ross in midfield against the Tangerines, with the former Leeds United and Sunderland player was impressed by the youngster’s impact.
Woods believes Ross can follow Tony Dingwall’s example and earn a regular starting place.
Woods added: “Steven has done well. He’s got a lot of energy and I felt he did well. He dealt with the pressure well. With Filip Kiss coming back from injury now there’s more competition in midfield so we all need to play well.”