Kelty Hearts 1 Falkirk 5
IT was a show that started with optimism and ended in horror but Michael Tidser insists Kelty Hearts can't let their defeat to Falkirk define their campaign.
The BBC Alba television cameras rolled into New Central Park looking for an early evening football feast on Saturday, but there were slim pickings for the hosts in front of a watching nationwide audience.
John McGlynn's Bairns, who had lost two and drawn one of four meetings with Kelty last season, were too good for Tidser's outfit as they surged back to the League One summit.
Liam Henderson's second minute header set them on their way before a controversial penalty award just 20 minutes in allowed them to double their lead.
Tidser, who was adamant he made no contact with the player, was deemed by referee, Iain Snedden, to have fouled Callumn Morrison when it appeared he had missed the ball and fell when trying to swing his boot at a low ball into the box.
Morrison stepped up to score the spot-kick and then, 13 minutes later, bundled in a third from close range after Kyle Gourlay spilled Coll Donaldson's shot.
Lewis O'Donnell - with the goal of the game - gave the hosts hope with a fine volley in first half stoppage time, but second half efforts from Ross MacIver and Aiden Nesbitt completed the rout.
"I was disappointed in terms of the scoreline," Tidser told Press Sport.
"I don't think in the game we were actually terrible. I don't think we were miles off it. Second half, the game opens up, gets a bit stretched and it obviously suits the team that's got the goals in front.
"I said to the lads after the game that we can't let a result like that define our season. We've got to dust ourselves down and go again because it's a long season. Falkirk will do that to other teams as well.
"We're disappointed but we can't go crying about it for the rest of the week. We just need to get ourselves working hard this week and go again against Queen of the South on Saturday."
Tidser handed debuts to Fergus Owens and Alfie Bavidge, who have signed on loan from Hamilton Academical and Aberdeen respectively, with the latter's deal being completed hours before kick off.
READ MORE: From Frankfurt to Kelty: Aberdeen's Alfie relishes loan move
The player / boss, who said Adam Corbett is likely to be his only absentee this weekend, was happy with their contribution but wants a reaction from his squad when Queen of the South come calling this Saturday.
"I'm still kind of angry but, as a manager now, it's hard for me to think like a player," Tidser continued.
"I still get the same emotions of a player, but, for me, I know what I'll do this week in training, regardless of whether I was a manager or a player. I'll go in, really graft away, work hard, try and set demands for my team-mates and drag them with me.
"Hopefully the boys respond, which I think they will."
Kelty Hearts: Gourlay, B. Owens, O'Ware, F. Owens, Walker, Lyon, O'Donnell, Tidser (Johnston 70), Cunningham (Daramola 55), Bavidge (L. Owens 81), McCluskey.
Subs not used: Cameron, Moore, Campbell.
Goal: O'Donnell (45).
Booked: O'Ware (19), Johnston (83).
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