Neil Critchley responds to abuse from Hearts fans as Jambos miss out on Premiership top six spot
HEARTS boss Neil Critchley watched his side slip out of the top six - and admitted: “We weren’t good enough.”
The Jambos’ goalless draw at Motherwell saw St Mirren’s win over Ross County pip them for a top-half spot.
Critchley - the subject of personal abuse at time-up at Fir Park - admitted: “It was a hugely disappointing day, but I don't think we played well enough in the game, particularly in the first half.
“We were a bit tentative in everything, both in and out of possession.
“We improved second-half, we had a lot of territory and we created some chances, but we failed with the ones we made.
“That was probably the story of last week as well as this week.
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“That’s the most frustrating thing - it’s not like we haven’t had the chances to win the game in both weeks.
“You need one of them to go in or at least make the goalkeeper work and we didn't do that.
“That's on us as a group, so it's a very disappointing day.”
Critchley was jeered by the Hearts support as he applauded them at the end.
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He said: “Of course I understand the supporters’ frustrations.
“We're all frustrated because we wanted to come here and win.
“I would always acknowledge the fans. They've come here and paid money to follow their team in great numbers.
“They're entitled to have their say - I have no issue with that whatsoever.
“I'll always acknowledge the supporters - they are the football club.
“It's not just on today. You've got to look at other performances and other games that we could’ve got something from.
“Under normal circumstances, you'd probably say a 0-0, a clean sheet, a point away from home is O.K. But not today.
“We weren't good enough. We’ve a really big game next week and five league games where we need to win as many games as possible.”
Critchley admitted his heart was in his mouth as Lawrence Shankland’s last-gasp effort slipped wide.
He said: “Yes I thought when he got in, off his left foot, it was there.
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“Even then, you're hoping if we hit the target, maybe the keeper saves it or it hits the post and we can score from the rebound because we've got players following in.
“Unfortunately, it went the other side of the post and that chance probably summed up our last two performances in front of goal.”
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