GROUP C

friendly against Aberdeen.

The Tynecastle side, who endured a dismal Betfred Cup campaign a year ago as they crashed out at the group stage under Ian Cathro, looked in purposeful mood from the outset and dominated the first half against a Cove side playing their first competitive match at their impressive new ground following two nomadic years since leaving Allan Park.

The visitors’ first chance signalled their intent after three minutes when Burns saw a close-range effort deflected behind after he got on the end of a cross from Mulraney. Christophe Berra headed over from the resulting corner, which was delivered by Lee. The opening goal came in the 11th minute when Lee played a one-two with Kyle Lafferty before rasping a low shot beyond Stuart Mckenzie from the edge of the box.

Cove’s first and only real chance of the first half arose in the 18th minute, but John Souttar stood firm to stop Mitchell Megginson finding the net from 12 yards out.

Albeit against Highland League opposition, Hearts were playing with notable zest at times, and Mulraney, who brought an injection of pace to his new team’s attacking play, fired a low, angled half-volley just beyond Mckenzie’s lefthand post in the 21st minute after Lafferty had played a cross from the right into his path.

After both Burns and Mulraney threatened from distance, Lafferty was then