Scottish Championship: Will Ross County find a way to climb the table?

Gravity is an appropriate word for the boycott at the moment. For some reason, takeoff was impossible. They should be traded in the atmosphere of title contention rather than messing around in the dirt.

Docherty, who replaced Don Cowie in August, needs a response from the under-performing players he inherited if County are to somehow work their way into the promotion play-off mix.

This may seem fancy given its appearance. However, no matter how bad a start in this crazy division is, a surprising string of wins can quickly change the narrative.

Additionally, you would expect them to make moves in the January transfer window given the generosity shown by club chairman Roy McGregor in the past.

The narrative surrounding Friday’s host, Queen’s Park, was expected to revolve around decline.

Their benefactor, Lord Haughey, will cut off cash supplies in the summer.

The question is: Can they adapt to this new reality and remain in Scotland’s second tier?

They sit third from bottom, one point behind County.

Last weekend was no disgrace as they narrowly lost 4-3 to leaders St Johnstone. The previous week, they had beaten Raith Rovers 2-1, spelling the end for Kirkcaldy boss Barry Robson.

However, the Glasgow side have only managed one win in their past nine matches. Having said that, they did beat County 2-1 in Dingwall in September.

After the extraordinary turmoil at Hampden on Tuesday, the atmosphere will be calmer at Lesser Hampden, also known as the City Stadium.

But the importance of winning remains the same for two teams that cannot escape the reality of the situation that needs to change if they want to escape the specter of relegation.