Ross County secured a dramatic late equaliser against Hibernian in Scottish Premiership action on January 25, 2025, with Ronan Hale converting an 87th-minute penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw at Global Energy Stadium. The result preserved Hibernian’s eight-match unbeaten streak but denied them maximum points in Dingwall.
Dylan Levitt had given the visitors a first-half lead in the 42nd minute, striking before the interval to leave the hosts trailing at the break. An attendance of 4,003 witnessed referee David Dickinson officiate the Round 24 fixture, which saw County mount a resurgent second-half display to claim a share of the spoils.
Ross County vs Hibernian Prediction
January 25, 2025
Global Energy Stadium
Scottish Premiership
1-1 Draw
Pre-match expectations favoured Hibernian based on superior league positioning and recent form. The Edinburgh side sat four points clear of Ross County heading into the weekend, having avoided defeat across their previous eight outings. County, meanwhile, occupied tenth place after 23 games, with their home record offering the primary basis for optimism among supporters.
- Hibernian entered the fixture unbeaten in eight consecutive matches across all competitions
- Ross County had recorded two victories in their previous five league outings
- The visitors had been awarded seven penalties prior to kickoff, the most in the division
- Ronan Hale led County’s scoring charts with five goals from 23 appearances
- Hibernian’s Martin Boyle matched Hale’s seasonal output with seven strikes
- Ryan Leak remained absent for the hosts due to a long-term Achilles injury
- Historical data suggested closely contested encounters, with three draws in the previous five meetings
| Metric | Ross County | Hibernian |
|---|---|---|
| League Position (Pre-Match) | 10th (25 pts) | 9th (29 pts) |
| Record After 23 Games | 6-7-10 | 7-8-8 |
| Goal Difference | -19 | -2 |
| Top Scorer (Season) | R. Hale (5 goals) | M. Boyle (7 goals) |
| Recent Form (Last 5) | L-L-W-W-D | Unbeaten in 8 |
| Home/Away Status | Home | Away |
| H2H Wins (Overall) | 10 | 14 |
| Referee | David Dickinson | |
| Attendance | 4,003 | |
| Final Score | 1 | 1 |
How to Watch Ross County vs Hibernian Live
The fixture kicked off at 15:00 UTC (3:00 PM local time) from Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall. Live score updates and statistical tracking were available through SofaScore and FotMob throughout the 90 minutes.
Sky Sports provided video highlights of the encounter, including coverage of both Levitt’s opener and Hale’s decisive spot-kick. Full match replays and extended analysis remain available through the broadcaster’s on-demand platform.
For supporters seeking similar fixture information, the Rangers F.C. vs Aberdeen F.C. Lineups – Latest Team News provides comprehensive coverage of other Scottish Premiership matchday details.
Digital Coverage Options
ESPN’s international feed offered minute-by-minute commentary for global audiences, while the official Hibernian FC website published real-time updates from the press box. Club social media channels provided instant reaction from both dressing rooms following the final whistle.
Ross County vs Hibernian Stats and Head-to-Head
Historical records indicate a competitive rivalry spanning 33 previous meetings, with Hibernian holding a slender advantage at 14 victories to County’s ten, alongside nine draws. Recent encounters have produced tight contests, with three of the last five fixtures ending in stalemates or single-goal margins.
Seasonal Performance Data
According to ESPN, Ross County’s attacking output relied heavily on Ronan Hale and Jordan White, both registering five league goals prior to this fixture. Noah Chilvers contributed four big chances created to lead the creative statistics for the Dingwall outfit.
Hibernian’s offensive threat centred on Martin Boyle’s seven-goal haul, supplemented by Nicky Cadden’s four goals and three assists. Josh Obita provided three assists from defensive positions, highlighting the visitors’ wing-back system.
Recent Form Analysis
County entered the match following a mixed sequence that included defeats to Livingston and Celtic, but victories away at Kilmarnock and Aberdeen. Hibernian arrived with momentum, having scored eleven goals across their previous five outings while maintaining defensive solidity.
| Date | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| December 14, 2024 | Hibernian 3-1 Ross County | Easter Road |
| October 30, 2024 | Ross County 0-0 Hibernian | Global Energy Stadium |
| May 4, 2024 | Ross County 2-1 Hibernian | Global Energy Stadium |
| March 13, 2024 | Ross County 2-2 Hibernian | Global Energy Stadium |
| March 2, 2024 | Hibernian 2-0 Ross County | Easter Road |
Predicted Lineups for Ross County vs Hibernian
Manager Don Cowie deployed a side featuring Hale and White in attacking roles, with Chilvers supporting from midfield. The defensive unit coped without the injured Ryan Leak, who faces continued absence until mid-May 2025 following Achilles tendon surgery.
Ryan Leak remains sidelined with a long-term Achilles injury and is not expected to return before mid-May 2025. His absence forced defensive reorganisation for the hosts.
Hibernian manager David Gray selected a lineup that included Nectarios Triantis, who emerged as the standout performer according to post-match ratings. The Australian defender played a pivotal role in maintaining the visitors’ defensive structure until the late penalty concession.
Substitutions proved significant, with Andrew MacLeod entering the fray in the 63rd minute alongside George Nisbet and Eli King, as County sought fresh impetus. Football Critic data confirms the tactical shifts failed to prevent Hibernian’s opener but contributed to the hosts’ late dominance.
Ross County vs Hibernian Match Timeline
- 42nd minute: Dylan Levitt fires Hibernian into the lead, making it 0-1 at half-time (Source: SofaScore)
- 63rd minute: Triple substitution for Ross County: MacLeod, Nisbet and Phillips enter the pitch (Source: ESPN)
- 87th minute: Ronan Hale converts from the penalty spot to level the score at 1-1 (Source: Hibernian FC)
- 90+4 minutes: Referee David Dickinson blows the final whistle (Source: FotMob)
Historical Context
The fixture represented the fourth meeting between the sides in the 2024-25 campaign, following previous league and cup encounters. Matches between these clubs have averaged 2.4 goals per game across the last five years, with Saturday’s draw maintaining the trend of closely contested affairs in the Highlands.
What We Know About Ross County vs Hibernian
Established Facts
- The match concluded 1-1 after 90 minutes plus additional time
- Kickoff occurred at 15:00 UTC on January 25, 2025
- Venue confirmed as Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall
- Goalscorers: Dylan Levitt (42′) and Ronan Hale (87′ pen)
- Attendance officially recorded at 4,003 spectators
- Referee primarily identified as David Dickinson
Uncertain Details
- Referee assignment shows discrepancy, with M. MacDermid listed in alternate reports
- Status of a 27th-minute penalty award to Ross County remains unclear from available data
- Specific tactical instructions during the 63rd-minute triple substitution are not fully documented
League Context and Venue Analysis
Global Energy Stadium’s compact dimensions traditionally favour Ross County’s direct approach, yet Hibernian’s technical superiority in midfield allowed them to control possession during the opening period. The draw left County with 25 points from 24 games, precariously positioned above the relegation zone, while Hibernian’s 29 points maintained their mid-table security.
The result carried particular significance for the hosts, who had suffered heavy defeats to Celtic and Livingston in recent weeks. The single point arrested a slide in form, though defensive vulnerabilities remained evident in Levitt’s unmarked finish before half-time.
For broader Scottish football coverage, readers may consult the BBC Scottish Football Gossip – Latest Celtic Rangers Transfer Rumours for updates on other Premiership clubs.
Match Reports and Official Sources
Multiple outlets confirmed the identical 1-1 outcome, with Sky Sports providing visual verification of both goals through their highlights package. The official match statistics recorded Hibernian’s dominance in the first half, with County registering improved attacking metrics after the interval.
The match concluded with honours even at Global Energy Stadium, as Ronan Hale’s late penalty ensured the points were shared in the Scottish Premiership encounter.
Hibernian FC Official Match Summary
Match Summary
Ross County and Hibernian served up a compelling Scottish Premiership encounter that ultimately disappointed neither side entirely, with a 1-1 draw reflecting the balance of play across ninety minutes. Levitt’s composed finish looked set to secure victory for the visitors until Hale’s nerveless penalty three minutes from time ensured County avoided a third consecutive defeat. The result leaves both teams with work to do in the remaining fixtures to achieve their respective seasonal objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Ross County and Hibernian?
The match finished 1-1. Dylan Levitt scored for Hibernian in the 42nd minute, while Ronan Hale equalised for Ross County from the penalty spot in the 87th minute.
When and where did the Ross County vs Hibernian match take place?
The fixture occurred on January 25, 2025, at 15:00 UTC at Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall, Scotland, with an attendance of 4,003 spectators.
Who was the referee for this Scottish Premiership fixture?
David Dickinson officiated the match, though some alternative listings referenced M. MacDermid as an official.
What is the overall head-to-head record between these clubs?
Across 33 previous meetings, Hibernian hold 14 victories to Ross County’s 10, with nine matches ending in draws.
Which players scored in the January 2025 encounter?
Dylan Levitt netted for Hibernian in the first half, while Ronan Hale converted an 87th-minute penalty for Ross County.
Were there any significant injuries affecting the match?
Ross County defender Ryan Leak missed the game with a long-term Achilles tendon injury and is expected to remain out until mid-May 2025.
Oliver covers sport for DailyBrief, from Premier League and EFL tables to fixtures, line-ups and match reports. A lifelong follower of the English and Scottish leagues, he maintains our live standings through the season and explains the numbers behind the results.