Hibs hamstrung by 'sloppy starts', says McGrath

Hibernian cannot afford to continue their "sloppy and lethargic" starts, says frustrated midfielder Jamie McGrath. Last week's sore home defeat from Edinburgh rivals Hearts was followed by a similarly self-destructive loss at St Johnstone on Sunday. On both occasions Hibs conceded first, with head coach David Gray critical of his side's first-half displays. "We just can't start games the way we have done, especially the last two games," McGrath told Hibs TV. "We're giving ourselves a mountain to climb and although the second half was better, we just can't afford to start sloppy and it's something as players we need to look at. "We've been given the set-up correctly and everything, but it's down to us as players to take responsibility and just stop being so sloppy in our decision-making and being lethargic." Hibs were also slow out of the blocks in their Conference League play-off second leg at home to Gent. On that occasion, they recovered from a 1-0 half-time deficit to lead only to throw the game away in the last few minutes. On the 2-1 defeat at McDiarmird Park, McGrath added: "The positives over the second half were probably a bit better. We got more of a foothold in the game and played the majority of the game in their half, but we probably didn't create as much as we'd want. "The first goal in this league is important and you can't afford to concede it as it gives teams the chance to sit in. "I thought they defended well, and they sat in and made it difficult for us. But as front players we have to be better. We had a few half-chances and we need to be better in those positions."