Robbie Neilson was delighted with the response he got from his Hearts players in their 3-0 win against Alloa following a first defeat of the season.
But he’s warned his players Saturday’s Betfred Cup tie against the Wasps will be a much different affair at the Indodrill Stadium.
Goals from Michael Smith, Andy Halliday and Peter Haring had the points wrapped up in 36 first half minutes - but they can’t expect as easy a time of it this weekend.
“I have told the players tonight that it will be a different game on Saturday on the astro at their place,” said Neilson.
“It will be night and day compared to here.
“Going to Alloa on Saturday will be a completely different test and we will have to find a way to win it.
“Alloa will be up for it after losing here tonight and at the Indrodril will present us a different challenge.
“I was pleased with the first 45 minutes, we pressed the game really well.
“We passed it better at Dunfermline but pressed it better tonight and that pleased me a lot.
“There were loads of positives to take, Peter Haring was very good and I’m happy for him because he’s still getting up to speed."
The winning margin should have been greater for the hosts after they awarded a second half spot kick.
Liam Boyce saw his first effort saved by Neil Parry before blazing the retake over the bar.
But Neilson won’t be taking him off spot kicks.
He explained: “Liam willl be staying on penalties. You can miss them when you’re 3-0 up, it’s when it’s 1-1 in a derby, a Scottish Cup semi-final that the big dogs turn up.
“That’s what he did, so he’ll be staying on them for next time.”
Peter Grant admitted his side didn’t give themselves a chance with the goals they conceded.
“You can’t concede goals the way we do, that’s a fact,” he said.
“Yet again, we have a lot of good stuff but you can’t defend the indefensible and the goals we lost were criminal.”
