KEVIN THOMSON has told his players that there “needs to be a reaction” on derby day after 10-man Kelty Hearts’ unbeaten league start came crashing to a halt.

The League Two leaders, who went to Galabank as the only side in men’s senior league football across Britain yet to taste defeat, were floored by a Boxing Day drubbing by five-star Annan Athletic.

Nathan Austin’s opener, which came from the gift of a Steven Swinglehurst error, appeared to have set the visitors on their way to a late Christmas present with 36 minutes on the clock.

Although that had arrived after a decent spell for Annan, in which Lewis Hunter tested the reflexes of keeper Josh Donaldson, it was reward for an opening 25 minutes of Kelty dominance.

Jamie Barjonas was unfortunate to see Greg Fleming push an effort onto the bar after a fine move in what was the best of the opportunities they fashioned, but two goals either side of the interval, and a red card, put paid to their hopes.

Owen Moxon’s excellent strike a minute before the break – having played a one-two with Chris Johnston – pulled Peter Murphy’s team level.

Then, as the teams were making their way off at half-time, referee Craig Napier flashed a red card in the direction of centre back Jordon Forster, and the hosts took advantage within 60 seconds of the restart when Michael Garrity scored.

Thomson, who continued to try to play on the offensive, saw his charges still in the contest until the 76th minute when substitute Tony Wallace – brought on three minutes earlier – scored at the second attempt after Donaldson saved his initial shot.

He grabbed two more goals – one from the penalty spot – late on to condemn Kelty to defeat but their lead at the top remains seven points.

Thomson is looking for a response when Cowdenbeath visit New Central Park on Sunday, and told Kelty Hearts TV afterwards: “The boys have been fantastic.

“The group of players we’ve got, we couldn’t be any happier with them, but today was a sore one.

“I’ve just said that to them in there; it’s got to hurt. Did the sending-off change the game? It possibly did, but me and Geordie (Kevin McDonald, assistant manager) believe in attacking footy, we believe in trying to win every game, so we finished 3-3-3, with four strikers on the pitch at the end.

“I’m not so sure 5-1 was a fair reflection on the game but, at the same time, we need to take our medicine. We’ve got to dust ourselves down; we’ve got a big derby obviously on the second (of January).

“One thing I do believe in is winning with class and losing with class, so all credit to Annan. I thought they were well-organised, a threat when we gave the ball away, and they went direct quite quickly.

“I didn’t think we defended anywhere near well enough as a team.

“Big Jordon has to take his medicine, whatever he’s said at half-time for the referee to give a straight red.

“It’s frustrating.

“Obviously, second half, we’re thinking about how we can go on and win the game but, listen, that’s footy. We need to take it on the chin.

“There needs to be a reaction.”