BLADES TOO SHARP FOR HEARTS

Hearts’ first pre- season outing ended in defeat against Premier League side Sheffield United, with Scotland international midfielder John Fleck, pictured, scoring the only goal.

In the bounce match at Oriam United took an early lead which they successfully held thanks to an experienced line- up.

Hearts, playing their first game since March, kicked off in a 3- 4- 3 formation, with Craig Halkett wearing the captain’s armband and teenager Aaron Hickey in the starting line- up despite a recent £ 1.3million bid from Bologna. Zdenek Zlamal took his place in goal, with Loic Damour, Olly Lee, Jamie Walker and recent signing Jordan Roberts also in the team. Another new arrival, Elliott Frear, was among the substitutes, but club captain Steven Naismith, new goalkeeper Craig Gordon and Christophe Berra all sat out with minor issues.

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson said he was pleased with the exercise. “It was excellent. It’s been five months since the players played 11 v 11 and they’ve only trained for a couple of weeks so it’s been a great workout.”