Hearts 3 Fulham 2

Stan Collymore grabbed a goal on his Fulham debut but his new side threw away a two-goal lead in tonight's pre-season friendly against Hearts at Tynecastle.

Collymore, on a three-month loan from Aston Villa, is eager to impress the First Division new boys with Villa boss John Gregory making it clear the player has no future at Villa Park.

And Collymore, who played the opening half of Fulham's tour opener, helped his cause with a goal and a lively display.

Collymore would have scored in the seventh minute had it not been for a brilliant block by Hearts defender Paul Ritchie.

Unfortunately for the Scottish international the ball ricocheted straight to Geoff Horsfield, who made no mistake with the goal gaping.

Ritchie got the better of Collymore again on 18 minutes when the Fulham striker saw a glimpse of goal following a long ball from Sean Davis.

Welsh international Chris Coleman then hit a post as the First Division outfit dominated.

Collymore was off target twice more before deservedly putting himself on the score sheet after 32 minutes.

Horsfield last season's top scorer, played a delicate ball into Collymore's path who coolly slid the ball past home keeper Rod McKenzie.

Collymore then let fly from fully 35 yards and his effort flashed just wide. It turned out to be his final touch of the game as he was replaced by John Salako at the break.

After controlling the first half, Fulham inexplicably took their foot off the pedal while Hearts stepped up a gear.

Two Darren Jackson headers within four minutes pulled Jim Jefferies' side level.

First the former Celtic striker converted substitute Scott Severin's cross on 61 minutes before leaving visiting keeper Maik Taylor helpless, this time following a Stephen Fulton cross.

Hearts went on to win the game when Spanish substitute Juanjo coolly chested down Fulton's pass before volleying past Taylor.


Taken from sportinglife.com