Pundits got title call all wrong: Andy
Andy Halliday insists winning the title at disrespectful to their rivals.
And the experienced midfielder admits F r i d a y ’s 2-1 defeat at Dunfermline demonstrates that the pundits were wrong to think Robbie Neilson’s side would have it all their own way this season.
The Gorgie side’s eight-game winning run came to a shuddering halt in Fife as the Pars made a statement of intent.
But former Rangers playmaker Halliday is adamant it had nothing to do with Hearts being complacent because he paid no attention to all the hype surrounding the Tynecastle outfit.
Ha l l i d a y, w h o is targeting an immediate response in Tuesday’s visit of Alloa, said: “Some of the talk I thought was maybe a wee bit disrespectful to the other teams.
“I’ve heard a lot of talk about going unbeaten and stuff like that but even from the four league games we’ve played, you can see it’s a real big game and test for every team who plays Hearts.
“This result is by no means the end of the world but when you get that winning momentum and winning mentality from eight wins out of eight you want to build on that and keep it going as long as possible.
“We faced a good team and all credit to Dunfermline.”
Dunfermline winger Dom Thomas, meanwhile, insists putting the title favourites to the sword has given the Pars a huge confidence boost as they target promotion.
Stevie Crawford’s side are now unbeaten in nine matches – winning eight – in all competitions.
Thomas opened the scoring in the second half before setting up Euan Murray for his sixth of the season.
Thomas said: “Does this enhance our belief? Definitely.
“The record that we’ve got now speaks for itself. “Hopefully if there’s any guys doubting themselves they can stand up and be counted now because I think to a man we were brilliant and we have been all season.
“The belief is definitely in the dressing room but for us we just look to the next game which is Arbroath in the Betfred Cup.” talk of Hearts a canter was Championship