Date	Saturday, 30 March 1991
Competition	Highland League
Fixture/Score	Rothes 1:1 Ross County
Venue	Mackessack Park
Referee	P. Barnett
Ross County
Manager	Stuart (Ketts) Kettlewell
Starting 11	1: Michael Ure, 2: Christopher (Chris) Somerville, 3: Gary Campbell, 4: Robert (Robbie) Williamson 1, 5: Johnston Bellshaw, 6: Robert Allan, 7: Barry Wilson, 8: Brian Grant, 9: Alan Duff, 10: Gordon Connelly, 11: Albert Allan
Bench	0: Keith (Billy) Ferries, 0: Cameron Robertson
Attendance
Match Report	Match Report Report by Bill McAllister for the Press & Journal. Rothes 1 Ross County 1 Highland League top scorer Alan Duff will miss Ross County's key league clash against Clach in Inverness tomorrow. The 26-year-old striker left yesterday for holiday in Wales. His absence is a blow to a Dingwall side anxious to make a quick return to league leadership after being overtaken by Caley on Saturday. Midfielder Gordon Connelly is set to be pushed forward to partner Brian Grant as County bid to get back on the winning trail after spilling five precious point in two games. Saturday's 1-1 draw at Rothes, coming on top of defeat at Brora, has dramatically hacked away at what was a comfortable "cushion" Now, if Caley win all their games Ross require to win seven of their last eight games to be sure of the title. Ross manager Bobby Wilson was aghast at the chances his side squandered at Mackessack Park. They had enough opportunities to win several games but gallant goalkeeping by Ivor Hughes and some shocking finishing made life difficult for the visitors. Indeed, Rothes scented a famous victory when Colin SMITH cracked in a fine low drive just before the interval and it was not until 14 minutes to go before Robbie WILLIAMSON deflected in Cammy Robertson's drive for the equaliser. "If we'd taken even one of our first half chances, we'd have settled and it would have been a very different story," said manager Wilson. "But I'm not going to slate my players. After all, they are the people who got us into such an excellent position. "They know what we've got to do on the run-in. We'll have to take our chances against Clach to ensure a prompt return to the top." Duff, Grant and Williamson all missed great opportunities as County made it hard for themselves, but all credit to Rothes for a spirited performance. County's biggest problem is the groin strain dogging livewire winger Billy Ferries. He sat out most of the game on the bench and County lacked the snap, width and crossing guality he can provide. Are the Ross nerves jangling a bit? It is difficult to say but that first title in 24 years will require considerable character and temperament if County are to stay the pace with Caley's hot breath on the back of their necks.