Kelty Hearts: Michael Tidser reflects on Montrose defeat

MICHAEL TIDSER said he was "bitterly disappointed" by his Kelty Hearts side's performance against Montrose and is demanding a reaction this weekend.

The New Central Park player / manager described the 90 minutes against Stewart Petrie's outfit as "rubbish", but did cite the blustery conditions as a contributing factor.

Ali Shrive's first goal of the season, with the visitors' first shot on goal, in the seventh minute proved decisive in favour of the Angus side, who jumped above Kelty in the table to fourth.

Ali Shrive celebrates what proved to be the winner for Montrose. (Image: David Wardle.)

It was a second successive defeat for Tidser's men, following their reverse to league leaders Falkirk last weekend, after which the 33-year-old praised their second half performance.

On Saturday, however, he failed to find many positives, and told Kelty Hearts TV post-match: "I thought the game was rubbish to be honest with you.

"Conditions probably played a part. They managed to get their noses in front and it was flat, flat all-round.

"As I say, the wind didn't really help, but bitterly disappointed, and I've told the lads that. They know my thoughts and feelings on this. It's not been a good day for us."

On-loan duo Alfie Bavidge and Lewis O'Donnell both had efforts saved Shrive's goal for Montrose, who hit the bar through Sean Dillon's header shortly afterwards.

Tiwi Daramola and Lewis Moore both had opportunities before the break, but couldn't find the net, but they found chances difficult to come by in the second half.

Botti Biabi and his team-mates couldn't find a way through as Kelty fell to a second successive loss. (Image: David Wardle.)

Tidser sent on Botti Biabi, Billy Owens, Ross Cunningham and Stefan McCluskey in a bid to find a leveller, but Montrose saw the contest out.

"I was just trying to bring a bit of energy and a bit of freshness to the group," Tidser said of the changes made during the game.

"I thought we got a wee spark. Obviously, they sat deep towards the end, soaked up the pressure and tried to hit us on the break, but there was just a lack of quality in the final third. We couldn't really create anything clear-cut; we put balls in the box, and they've got a back three that want to defend stuff like that.

"As I say, I'm really disappointed, but this is probably the first time I've stood here and said this to you to be honest with you.

"It's one of those ones; I just want to park it and move on."

Up next is a trip to Hamilton Academical, who fell three points behind title rivals Falkirk, having played a game more, following a 3-1 home loss to the Bairns on Saturday.

Kelty were victorious when the teams just last month in the Scottish Cup, and Tidser added: "We know how Hamilton play; we obviously played there a fortnight ago, or three weeks ago. They're a good side. They're up at the top of the table for a reason.

"I'll be looking for a reaction from the lads. It's as simple as that. We'll train hard Tuesday and Thursday again, and we'll get to see the real characters come out now when we're going through a wee sticky patch.

"It might sound that I'm being over critical, but lads set their own standards. I demand from them, and it'll be no different this week going into Hamilton on Saturday."