Robbie Neilson demands reaction after derby loss

Robbie Neilson talks to the press ahead of his side's forthcoming clash with Raith Rovers. Picture: SNS

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HEARTS head coach Robbie Neilson insists his side will be desperate to make amends for last weekend’s derby defeat when they face Raith Rovers at Tynecastle this afternoon.

The newly-crowned Scottish Championship winners suffered an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to Edinburgh rivals Hibernian last Sunday.

It was the Gorgie club’s first defeat to the Easter Road men in 16 months but Neilson has promised an immediate response.

He said: “It was a disappointing performance for all of us. The players were angry as well. They felt they had let themselves down.

“We did not play the game the way we wanted to play it.

“Although we’ve had a great season the derbies are still important. Not to win it was really disappointing for us and the fans.

“So we know now on Saturday we have to turn up and put in a better performance.”

Meanwhile, Queen of the South can clinch a play-off place if they beat Alloa at the Indodrill Stadium today.

Manager James Fowler said: “I watched Alloa last weekend when they defeated Dumbarton and I was impressed.

“We are going there in good form after our wins over Hibs, Rangers and Falkirk, where we have not conceded a goal, but we cannot take anything for granted.

“We want the three points to extend our season. However, Alloa want them just as much as they are looking to avoid relegation issues.”