First team
Banks o' Dee vs Ross County: Scottish Cup Third Round Preview
28/11/2025
By Ramsay Banks
Ross County turn to Scottish Cup action tomorrow as they travel to Aberdeenshire to face Highland League side Banks o’ Dee.
The Staggies have had an extra week without a game after their league fixture away at Queen’s Park was called off at the last minute due to a frozen pitch.
The Dee are on a hot streak of form, having won four out of their last five league matches, topped off with a win against Nairn County last time out.
Kick-off is at 3pm at Spain Park.
Ross County
County will look to ensure they haven’t been knocked off balance by the turbulence of last week in Glasgow.
With less than 20 minutes to kick-off at Lesser Hampden the referee decided to call the game off following concerns from players and coaching staff about the safety of the pitch.
To try and maintain match sharpness through this unexpected gap between matches the Staggies played a bounce game against Premiership side Dundee United on Tuesday in a 2-0 win.
Tony Docherty will hope his side has been kept ticking over enough to register a convincing result and a place in the next round of the cup.
Player to watch: Dylan Smith
Smith is a man who has had to bide his time for opportunities this season, but has been more involved in recent weeks as the season enters the winter months.
Akil Wright, a Staggies stalwart, who remarkably played every minute in the league last season, and has been ever present in this one, has picked up an injury that means he is unavailable against Banks o’ Dee.
It could be just the opportunity that Smith, one of County’s own, needs to prove he deserves a permanent starting berth.
Banks o’ Dee
Banks o’ Dee are flying in the Highland League. They have won four out of five and are sitting in sixth. However, they have two games in hand on top-placed Brechin City. If they win those two they will be only four points behind the top spot.
Last season, the Dee finished third, highlighting the good work being done at the club, so will hope to keep the momentum going with a cup upset against County three leagues above them.
The Staggies will have to be alert and prepared, without a hint of complacency, to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Player to watch: Sam Pugh
After making the move south from Buckie Thistle to Banks o’ Dee in the summer, Pugh has been ever present in the Spain Park side.
In their last match the midfielder bagged himself a brace as the Dee secured a come from behind 2-1 win against Nairn County.
Regular goals aren’t necessarily expected of Pugh - his two against Nairn were his first of the season - but if he can continue to periodically chip in, Banks o’ Dee will remain a threat.
Familiar Faces
Ross County hero Paul Lawson is now co-manager of Banks o’ Dee alongside Josh Winton.
Team News
Jay Henderson returns to the fold for contention.
Refereeing Team
Referee: Grant Irvine
AR1: Calum Spence
AR2: Kai Newell
Stadium Location
Ticket Information
https://www.rosscountyfootballclub.co.uk/tickets/ross-county-supporters
Uncollected tickets will be taken to Spain Park by RCFC staff
