Ash Taylor admits a first-half horror show proved costly for Kilmarnock at Tynecastle.
But the big defender believes pride was restored at the weekend with a sweat-soaked second-half show.
The Rugby Park men went down 3-1 to Hearts as the Premiership returned following a winter break for the World Cup in Qatar.
Derek McInnes’ side were actually pushing for an unlikely equaliser until Lawrence Shankland’s spot-kick sealed the deal for the hosts with a couple of minutes remaining.
Killie remain second-bottom of the table on their first season back in the top flight.
Taylor, who netted in Edinburgh, knows the team didn’t cover themselves in glory in the opening 45 minutes against the Jambos – but feels wrongs were righted after the break.
The 32-year-old said: “The damage was done in the first half which was very disappointing. We just couldn’t get to grips with the game.
“We were caught in-between but the second half performance was a lot better. It’s just disappointing the penalty was given as I thought we had a bit of momentum going forward.
“We know Hearts are a good side and have good players. When they play like that, with the combinations and stuff, they can be a handful for anyone.
“We had a bit of a change of shape and were told to go tighter to our men and be in a position to close them down. We had to try and make more of a game of it and I thought we did that in the second half.
“Scoring a goal is great but not in a losing performance and it’s just disappointing we didn’t capitalise and get the equaliser. If you ask me, I always prefer the three points.”
Meanwhile, Taylor insists central-defensive partner Joe Wright will bounce back from a tough day at the office.
The former Doncaster Rovers defender made a huge mistake for Hearts’ first goal and was penalised for handball after earlier missing a great chance to get Killie back in it.
Taylor added: “It happens. We all got caught in-between in the first half and it’s just unfortunate for Joe that it cost him a goal. But we regrouped.
“I only got a glance of the penalty. I’ve not seen it back yet but I thought it was a bit harsh. Joe’s felt a push and as he’s gone forward it’s hit his arm. Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don’t.”
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