Joe Newell hopes Hibs' Premier Sports Cup defeat to Falkirk was just a 'little blip' as he delivered a 'not good enough' verdict after the defeat.
Lee Johnson kicked off his competitive reign in style as his men put on a five-star show against Clyde at Easter Road with Christian Doidge grabbing a hat-trick. But fast forward a couple of days and it was a completely different story as the Bairns ran out 1-0 winners over the capital outfit thanks to Aidan Nesbitt's looping header.
Newell is in no doubt that Hibs should be going to Falkirk and winning and says they just weren't at the races against the Scottish League One side. John McGlynn's men now hold top spot in the group and can control their own destiny in a bid to reach the last 16 of the competition. For Hibs, they know they must beat Bonnyrigg Rose and Greenock Morton in their final two games to stand a chance, with Newell claiming he will take 'the kick up the backside' if it means victories in both.
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
READ MORE: Hibs receive 'one of highest sales figures ever' for Josh Doig as Hellas Verona deal details emerge
Speaking to Edinburgh Evening News, he said: "In the second half the quality, attitude, enthusiasm was miles better but it just wasn't our day.
"There will be a few blips throughout the course of the season but we would have hoped there wouldn't be one this early on.
"With a new manager we’re still adapting but I wouldn’t say that was the reason we played like we did in the first half.
"We should be coming here and winning – no disrespect to Falkirk. Our starting line-up was more than good enough to win the game, we just weren't at the races.
"It just wasn't good enough from all 11 players."
He added: “If it is a kick up the backside we needed and we win the next two games and go through, then so be it.
"Everyone will forget about this as a little blip if we do. It's still early on with new players adjusting, fitness levels, and all the rest of it.
"Since I've been here, and the recent history of the club, without winning it we've done very well in terms of getting to the latter stages of both cups.
"That's the aim for us as a team and a club.”
READ NEXT:
- Three things we learned as Hibs run riot in Premier Sports Cup opener vs Clyde
- Hibs 'set to beat' likes of Celtic, Rangers and Newcastle in Reuben McAllister transfer chase
- Jack Ross reveals Steven Fletcher Hibs transfer 'nibble' after landing him for Dundee United
- Darren McGregor opens up on his new Hibs Development squad player/coach role
- Hibs star Lewis Stevenson targets Europe, cup finals and wins over Hearts, Rangers and Celtic
