David Martindale emerged from the dressing-room into the media room at the Home of the Set Fare Arena and immediately expressed his disappointment at not earning something from the William Hill Premiership fixture against Hearts.
Lewis Smith left Hearts’ defender Harry Milne in his wake and then slotted low from around 25 yards to fire the newly-promoted side ahead.
Two second-half goals, the first after two minutes and then the game-winner in injury time, made the difference and straight-talking Martindale admitted: “We did not do enough to win the game.”
The West Lothian club slipped to sixth place in the league while Hearts climbed back to the summit and The Lions playcaller said: “The manner of the second goal was a wee bit harsh to lose the game. Did we do enough to win the game? Probably not, if I am being really honest.
“I thought we could have been a wee bit braver in the second-half in terms of possession, building the game. One of the goals was really fortunate, and it was a good finish within that, but I think we shot ourselves in the foot early doors with the set play (Claudio Braga scoring with a header following a corner on the right).
“We did a lot of work on that (in training), we spoke a lot with the boys, we showed them footage, and I think Hearts have got have to the best set play record for in the league, we spoke about that.
“Switching off, not doing their job. I think we get through that wee period and the game takes a different turn, but that goal, 6,500 fans in our stadium, which I am all right with, that creates an energy.
“We become a wee bit risk averse at that point, a point to hold onto, and I thought our defensive line could have squeezed a wee bit more, but I think that first goal changes the dynamics of the game, gave Hearts a wee lift, the fans got a wee lift.”
He added: “I did not think there was a lot in the game. We had a great opportunity ourselves, a great corner, great movement, great delivery and you have to hit the target at that point.
“Another one dropped to Robbie Muirhead before, that is the Premiership for you. Last year we would have walked away with a victory, comfortable, but we are now coming up against top end, Premiership players, and I think that is where Hearts will be.
“They will be there or there abouts, so we are feeling a wee bit sorry for ourselves in the manner we lost the game.”
