STUART KETTLEWELL admits Ross County and Rangers were ‘worlds apart’ as his side went down 4-0 at the Global Energy Stadium.
County went into the Premiership clash aiming to cause Steven Gerrard’s side more problem than they had their Old Firm rivals Celtic after crashing to a 6-0 reverse at Parkhead earlier in the campaign.
But there were few positives to take from a disappointing evening for Kettlewell and co-boss Steven Ferguson as the Light Blues ran out comfortable winners in Dingwall.
READ MORE: Steven Gerrard delighted with 'proper leader' Ryan Jack after Rangers ease to win over Ross County
Alfredo Morelos opened the scoring after a neat move involving Joe Aribo and Sheyi Ojo before Ryan Jack clinched the points before the break for the Gers.
The midfielder was the star man in the Highlands and two superb finishes from the edge of the area left keeper Ross Laidlaw helpless.
Rangers only scored once after the break as Morelos netted his second of the night just before he was replaced as Gerrard looked ahead to the Light Blues’ Betfred Cup clash with Hearts this weekend.
The Gers took their foot off the gas as the match went on but could still have won the match far more comfortably as the gulf in class showed.
County must now regroup and turn their attentions to the trip to Hamilton this weekend as they look to move clear of the top flight relegation zone.
And boss Kettlewell admits it was a difficult night for his side as they were outclassed on home soil and fortunate not to lose by a bigger margin.
He said: “It was a game where we were worlds apart. We weren’t able to compete other than the first 15 minutes.
“We set out with a different gameplan which we felt was working well.
“Then we got a moment of adversity and conceded a tap in at the back post and didn’t react in the correct manner.
READ MORE: Ross County 0-4 Rangers: Five things we learned as Steven Gerrard's side dominate in Dingwall
“We were passive and poor in possession. Rangers got up a great head of steam but we were the architects of our own downfall.
“We always say we won’t be judged against Rangers and Celtic but we didn’t give a good account of ourselves for how we can compete in these games.
“We need to find a foothold in the game against a team firing on all cylinders.
“You could see in the last five minutes of the first half things could have spiralled out of control.
“We were trying to get a foothold but that continuation was relentless.
“I’m not going to sit and lie - it could have been more than four.”
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