Yan Dhanda's late equaliser against Hibernian could be a massive moment in Ross County's bid to avoid relegation, says ex-Southampton winger Josh Sims
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Josh Sims insists Ross County's late equaliser against Hibernian could prove to be a pivotal moment in their fight to avoid relegation this season.
Yan Dhanda saved a point for the Staggies with the last kick of the game on Wednesday night, after Sims himself had opened the scoring.
With results elsewhere, the draw meant County moved a point closer to both Aberdeen and St Johnstone in their bid to escape the relegation play-off zone.
Doing so in such dramatic circumstances could well provide them with a timely boost ahead of this weekend's home match against Hearts, Sims believes.
"The other result went our way with Aberdeen losing, so we're a point closer to them," he reasoned.
"Every point counts, especially towards the end of the season. That point against Hibs could be absolutely massive.
"We couldn't have left it any later than the last kick of the game.
"It's a strange one, because we are delighted to get the result in the end, and gutted at the same time. We were so comfortable at half time, and we thought they were there for the taking.
"They scored fairly early on in the second half and we looked deflated, which has happened two or three times, so that's something we need to look at as a group.
"I guess it's a mentality thing. It's almost like we're waiting for something to happen for us to react to instead of the other way around and attacking them.
"It's another result, and we're unbeaten in three at home now. Getting the goal right at the end, it almost feels like a win."
On a personal note, getting the opening goal was Sims' second goal in four games – following on from his late winner against Livingston last month.
He believes momentum is building in terms of goal contributions, and he hopes to keep adding to the latest strike against Hibernian.
"I didn't actually see much of it, I just gambled at the back post and it fell my way," Sims said.
"They all count, and it was nice to score, it's just a shame it wasn't to win the game.
"I'm building in confidence in front of goal – once you get one, you tend to relax a bit more and it feels like chances keep coming your way.
"Hopefully I can keep scoring a few more."
Hearts are Sims and County's next challenge, with the Jambos coming up to Dingwall this weekend looking to continue a strong record over their hosts.
One thing that matches between the two always seem to provide are goals, with 18 strikes in the five games between Hearts and County since the start of last season.
However, they have not always gone the Staggies' way. In that time, they have picked up a solitary point against Hearts, and County have only beaten the Tynecastle outfit twice in their history – most recently in March 2017.
While Sims anticipates a similar game in terms of excitement level, then, he knows that County will need to be on top form to get the desired result on Saturday.
"We always seem to give Hearts a game, especially at home," he added.
"I don't know if it's the way we play, but it always seems to be a good game.
"They're in third place, so it will be a good test, but we're at home so hopefully we can build on our performances here and get another result.
"When there are two styles of teams coming together, it usually does create goals, and a lot of our previous games with Hearts have a lot of goals.
"Hopefully there will be more for us at the weekend, but they are a good team so we'll have to be really on it to do well."
