Hearts in the mood as they hit Fifers for five in pre- season test
It was a pity that the Hearts fans who spent most of the past two years being tortured by what they were seeing on the pitch were not present for this one.
Yes, it was against an East Fif e s i de operating a t i er below them in the leagues. Ye s , i t was a p r e - s e a s o n friendly and tougher is to come but the Gorgie side look more equipped and attuned to the challenge.
Setting a higher tempo and playing with more i ntent and drive in friendly action than they were able to muster when everything was on the line last term, the set up and shape allowed them to sweep forward on the flanks, using the width of the pitch and with plenty of fluidity, as new signings complemented players who have been rejuvenated in the months since the last competitive action.
In control throughout the first half as Elliot Frear and Jo r d a n Ro b e r t s s h o we d they could be valuable additions, there was a slight down
turn in the performance levels in the second as East Fife swapped out their side after the break and the home side chose to chop and change personnel as manager Robbie Neilson strives to get his squad up t o match speed ahead of their season kicking off in earnest.
A solid defensive display, allied by a spread of goalscorers will have pleased the Tynecastle boss as he looks to repeat the success of his first spell at the helm and guide the club straight back up to the Premiership this season.
In the tenth minute, Jamie Wal k e r s wung i n a c o r - ner and when it dropped at the back post Craig Halkett stabbed home.
Liam Boyce was also busy and the East Fife keeper had to palm away an effort but he couldn’t keep out the Championship side when they swept
f or ward again with pace and power and Frear drilled home after a lovely one- two with Jordan Roberts.
Olly Lee then had a strike that stung the keeper’s hands.
In the 30th minute Walker got on the scoresheet sending his unstoppable effort into the top corner after Halkett had laid it back to him.
It was an encouraging sign, with so many players looking alert and ready to pounce.
Fast, fluid, punchy and compared to the doubt- ridden despondency of last term, there was real intent.
Boyce increased the lead in the 46th minute, heading home a Michael Smith cross as Hearts turned the screw.
I n t he 78th minute t hey wrapped t hings up when C h r i s Hamil t o n s t a b b e d home from close range after a Frear c orner had b e e n knocked down by Halkett.