Robbie Neilson addresses Hearts fan 'frustration' as he targets Hibs turning point to end Tynecastle slump

Robbie Neilson has urged Hearts fans to keep the faith after sinking to a fifth straight defeat as his ten man Jambos continued their freefall by being downed by St Mirren.

Robert Snodgrass was dismissed as second-half strikes from Curtis Main and Alex Gogic secured the win for the Paisley side to ensure the storm clouds gathered in Gorgie as they slipped to fourth spot on the Premiership table. Loud calls for Neilson to be sacked were heard during an implosion after the interval but the Tynecastle gaffer is adamant he's the man to turn around their fortunes, starting with an Edinburgh derby against Hibs on Saturday.

Neilson said: "You just need to keep winning. Look, the fans have been outstanding my whole career here over a number of years. They put in more money than anyone else through season tickets, daily tickets and the Foundation and they want to see us winning and we’re not doing that.

“There’s a frustration from everyone, from the fanbase, from the coaching staff and the players. You have to accept when you’re at a big club when you don’t perform and get results you’re going to get flak.

“The only way to change that is to win games. It’s been the story of the last six weeks or whatever it is, at key moments we are not taking the chances that come our way and we’re not defending the way we should.

“That was the biggest disappointment for us. We’re in a difficult period and we’re shooting ourselves in the foot at times."

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