Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has called on his players to start games as they have been finishing them.
In their opening two matches County conceded a penalty after just three minutes, while the Staggies lost two goals in the first 14 minutes in last Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Hearts.
Although the Dingwall side took an early lead in the 1-1 draw against St Johnstone, McIntyre reckons the Staggies have tended to improve as games have progressed so far this season.
McIntyre wants to get on the front foot in matches, starting with today’s Premiership trip to Kilmarnock. He said: “It’s so important we start well.
“We’ve spoken many times about the first goal. We got an early goal in the home game against Hamilton but even before that we conceded the penalty kick.
“If we give a team like Hearts, or any team in this league, two goals, then it’s going to be a hard day to get the three points.
“We’ve got to make sure we defend properly and keep things tight because we’ve got players that can hurt teams.
“That said, there were a few games last season where we came from behind to get a point.
“That side of our game is there and, notably, we’ve finished the last couple of games really strongly. Our fitness is good.
“We’ve got to learn from mistakes. We’ve got to back that up with points.”
Today’s opponents Kilmarnock have shown signs of a revival, drawing 2-2 against both Celtic and Partick Thistle after ineffective performances in their opening two defeats by Dundee and Aberdeen.
County have a doubt over defender Richard Foster, who has a hamstring injury.