Kick up the Pars proves it is tough
Andy Hal l iday insists He a r t s ’ d e f e a t b y Dunfermline proves the Championship won’t be a stroll for them.
The Jambos’ eight-game winning run came to a shuddering halt in Fife on Friday as the Pars ran out 2-1 winners.
Halliday is adamant that had nothing to do with Hearts being complacent after their perfect start to the new campaign.
And he insists talk of the title favourites romping to the title was off the mark.
The midf ielder said: “Some of the talk was a wee bit disrespectful to the other teams. I’ve heard a lot of talk about us 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 for every team who plays Hearts. Of course we are a big club and we feel we have the quality in our squad that we can mount a serious challenge.
“This result is by no means the end of the world but we faced a good team and all credit to Dunfermline.”
Hearts are back in action at home to Alloa on Tuesday before playing the Wasps in the last-16 of the Betfred Cup on Saturday.
Halliday said: “We’re pretty lucky we have a quick turnaround.
“If you want to mount a serious title challenge, when you drop point s i t ’s important to pick up three in the game after so it’s a big game on Tuesday.”
Dunfermline winger Dom Thomas says putting the title favourites to the sword has given the Pars a huge confidence boost.
Thomas, who opened the scoring before setting up Euan Murray for the second, said: “Does this enhance our belief? Definitely.
“Hopefully, if there are any guys doubting themselves, they can stand up and be counted now because we were brilliant. The belief is definitely there.”