Ross County came from behind to beat East Kilbride 2-1 in Scottish League One, with a late goal securing all three points at K-Park. The Staggies showed patience and experience after conceding early, gradually taking control of a fiercely contested match.

East Kilbride made a bright start and deservedly took the lead midway through the first half. But Ross County responded with a more composed second-half display, equalising after the break before finding a winner in the closing minutes. The result keeps the visitors in the thick of the promotion race while leaving East Kilbride with a narrow defeat despite a committed performance.

Match overview

East Kilbride opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Liam McGuigan, who capitalised on a loose ball in the box and finished confidently. The home side’s energy and pressing caused early problems for Ross County, who struggled to settle into their passing rhythm.

Ross County improved as the first half wore on and began to find space in wide areas. Their equaliser arrived in the 57th minute when Jordan White met a delivery from the right and guided a header beyond the goalkeeper. That goal shifted the momentum and forced East Kilbride deeper.

The winner came in the 88th minute. Ross County won the ball in midfield and broke quickly, with substitute Dylan Smith finishing a low cross at the back post. East Kilbride pushed for a late response, but Ross County managed the closing moments professionally to see out the win.

Key moments

• 22′ – East Kilbride take the lead: Liam McGuigan reacts quickest in the box.
• 57′ – Ross County equalise: Jordan White heads in from a right-sided delivery.
• 88′ – Ross County win it: Substitute Dylan Smith converts a late counter-attack.
• 90+4′ – Final clearance: Ross County deal with a late ball into the box.

Tactical story

East Kilbride’s aggressive start was built on quick transitions and a willingness to press Ross County’s defenders. It worked well in the opening half-hour, but the home side gradually dropped deeper as the game progressed.

Ross County used their experience to slow the tempo and stretch the pitch. Their substitutes made a difference in the final quarter, adding fresh legs and allowing the visitors to exploit space left by East Kilbride’s forward runs. The winning goal was a perfect example of that growing control.

Standout players

White’s equaliser was the turning point, and his hold-up play gave Ross County a platform to build from. Smith made an impact from the bench with the decisive goal. For East Kilbride, McGuigan’s finishing and all-round work rate stood out, while their goalkeeper made several important saves to keep the game level for long periods.

Table impact

The away win strengthens Ross County’s grip on a promotion play-off place and keeps them within touching distance of the teams above them. East Kilbride remain in a difficult battle near the lower end of Scottish League One, though their performance showed enough spirit to suggest they can pick up points in the weeks ahead.