Neilson – Character Was Key

Head coach Robbie Neilson has said he felt the character of the players in our three two victory over Livingston at the weekend was key to our success, because as expected they proved to be a very robust side to break down.

The game ebbed and flowed at points, but late strikes for us – included a debut goal from Kenny Anderson, gave us all three points and gave us a relatively comfortable end to the game – although it did get nervy with their late penalty.

Speaking to the Official Site as the gaffer conducted his after game press obligations, he explained that there was a sense of relief come the full time whistle.

‘All the games we play now are going to be really tough. They’ll be tight and tense until the end of the season, as we try to get ourselves over the line. Teams are desperate for points and will change the way they play because they’re running out of time.’

Neilson goes on to say that he believes that vast majority of games now will turn into a battle in the second half – if not before – and the players are going to have to show an immense amount of ‘character and strength’ in every encounter from here on in, and having done that at the weekend to secure the victory, it could be a crucial three points in the end.

With the first half flashpoint being the tackle on Sam Nicholson, it wasn’t exactly a light hearted affair with six bookings being made, the gaffer confirmed that his displeasure with the ‘challenge’ from Talbot was more than aired to the referee, and although the youngster will be fine, he has got puncture marks from the studs all over his face.

‘Sam’s not in great condition. He’ll be fine in a few days but the boy has puncture marks all over his face. I didn’t think it was a great tackle. You get rough play at this level and sometimes players can go over the line. I have told the referee exactly how I feel about it.’

With two of three substitutions proving to be key changes in the second period, the gaffer also had to admit that with Brad McKay’s two minute dismissal, in games like that it happens so he wouldn’t hesitate to call on him again but it should be a learning curve.

‘I’m delighted for Kenny, we put him on to do a specific job and he was all over the pitch, and scored a really good goal, from Billy’s cross. It’s great to have the option with Billy on the bench.’

Onwards and upwards and hopefully another three points next time out.