DISAPPOINTED defender Chris Higgins is urging his side to bounce back quickly from Saturday's first league defeat of the season.

The former Queen of the South man was on target in the game against Arbroath, but it was counted for nothing as the Red Litchties scored twice to secure victory.

Now the Honest Men host League Two side Montrose in the second round of the Irn-Bru Cup tonight (Tuesday).

Higgins, whose goal was his first at Somerset Park said: "It was good to get my first goal for the club. We played really well, scored but then had a good period but were slack later in the first half and conceded a really silly goal before half-time. This could be a slight wake-up call. I think we were slack in possession of the ball and could have moved the ball quicker.

"Arbroath wee better than us on the day and that was it."

He added: "We had been going well but we look to bounce back. We have a home cup tie against Montrose on Tuesday and must now look to bounce back and progress to the next round."

Manager Ian McCall was disappointed with the outcome and said: "Arboath deserved to win and the goal in the 47th minute. There was a great atmosphere, the crowd were great but we were awful.

"Too many players were off the game although I can't be too sore on the guys as we have done really well. Now we have to dust ourselves down and go again. We are at home on Tuesday and must look to win the cup tie."