Ross County came to the Oriam with high spirits, but Hibs looked to get the job done early, a lot of missed chances for the hosts gave time for the visitors to settle.

It did not take long for the teams to start challenging the goalkeepers and defense, Russel Dingwall had the first attempt on target after five minutes that forced a good block by Innis Murray in the Hibs midfield. Hibs were getting the ball out wide a lot in the first half which caused problems in the Ross County penalty area, Hibs were pressing very high and piling the pressure on Ross County early on.

Ross County looked dangerous on the counter attack trying to catch Hibs out, this forced Hibs to make several fouls during the match. The first free kick was given mid-way into the hosts half. Ross County had a good chance to get the ball into the Hibs area. Dylan Dykes played an inviting cross into the penalty area but the referee blew for a free kick.

A lovely switch of play from Blair Malcolm allowed Ross County to get up the pitch, Christopher Mclaughlin picked up the ball mid-way into Hibs half, he had a shot at goal but it sailed over the bar. Hibs started getting the ball out wide again putting more pressure on County and won their first corner of the game after about 20 minutes. Murray played a good ball in but everyone missed, Jamie Gullan chased after the ball and won another corner. Murray played another good ball in but Ross County cleared their lines. 

Hibs trialist Enzo Reale adapted very quickly to the game and he had his first shot of the game that forced a brilliant block from Sam Morrison, the ball went back up in the air and Lewis Allan tried an overhead kick that came to nothing.

Ross County won a free kick in a very good position 25 minutes into the game, Dykes and McLaughlin were standing over it, a well hit free kick from Mclaughlin just missed the target. Nothing was to separate the sides after 25 minutes.

Hibs were trying to get Reale on the ball and it looked he was causing County lots of problems when he got his chances. He played a brilliant through ball into the path of Oli Shaw who went down appealing for a penalty but nothing was given. Gullan hit the first shot to make the keeper do some work, he didn't get much connection on it and it rolled into Mark Foden's hands. Dingwall had a good opportunity blocked which went on to deflect off Ryan Porteous for a corner, a tactical corner was floated in to an unmarked Ross MacIver who failed to get the volley on target. 

Hibs had a good opportunity 10 minutes before the interval, Gullan played a good ball in and Oli Shaw's side foot volley was deflected out for a corner. Sean Mackie was running down the left side a lot during the first half, getting the better of Blair Malcolm often and he played a brilliant ball into the box that found Shaw who's shot was cleared off the line. Shaw had another good chance just before half time where he got the better of the center backs using his pace and strength and he was let down by his shot that went wide.