Notley: We Failed To Execute Our Game Plan

Ellis Notley refused to hide behind excuses following Hibernian's 4-0 defeat to Hearts at Easter Road.

The visitors raced into a three-goal lead before half-time, stunning the lively Hibees support in attendance. Despite an improved second half performance, Hibs still let a fourth goal slip in to compound a derby night to forget.

A key part of Hibs' undefeated league start, Notley was incredibly frustrated by the side's sudden collapse which allowed Hearts to build an overwhelming lead so early on in the match.

"It just wasn’t good enough from us as a collective," she told HibsTV. "In the first half we completely let them dominate.

"We’ve not got our shape or press right and we’ve not executed our game plan. We’ve let them go three goals ahead. In any derby, or any game, it’s always going to be tough to come back from.

"The second half was a slight improvement. We created chances but we have to put them away if we want any chance of getting back into the game. But we didn’t and they’ve scored another goal. It was not a great night for us.

"We can’t use nerves as an excuse. It’s our job to go and perform. And we have not done that."

While still reeling from the heavy loss and falling short of expectations, Notley insists Hibs will review the performance and prepare for next weekend's visit of newly-promoted Queen's Park to Meadowbank.

"We started the season well. We came into this game with a good bit of form, and unbeaten, but we let ourselves down tonight.

"We need to go away both individually and as a team to reflect on that.

"We'll see what went wrong and what we can improve on, so we respond in the next game versus Queen’s Park."