Hearts 4 - 0 Dunfermline

An impressive display of goal scoring prowess saw Hearts soundly defeat Dunfermline 4-0 in today's Clydesdale Bank Premier League encounter at Tynecastle.

First half goals from Stephen Elliott and Mehdi Taouil set the Jambos on their way to victory as David Templeton and Rudi Skacel sealed the win with their second half strikes.

Manager Paulo Sergio made two changes to the side that lost at Celtic Park last weekend. Andrew Webster returned from injury and Elliott made the starting line-up, which meant Stevenson dropped to the bench while Eggert Jonsson missed out altogether because of injury.

It took only a minute for the first shot on goal, and it came from the visitors. A mis-hit clearance from Adrian Mrowiec teed up David Graham at the edge of the box, his low drive was comfortably saved by Marian Kello.

The next shot on target resulted in the game's opening goal after two minutes. An Ian Black corner was sent across goal by Ryan McGowan, and Elliott was quick to nip infront of his marker and hammer the ball home from only a few yards out.

On ten minutes Dunfermline passed up a golden opportunity to get back on level terms. Alex Keddie found himself unmarked at the back post and with an age to strike at goal. His drilled shot however, flew across the face of goal and out for a goal kick.

Hearts nearly found themselves two up on twenty five minutes. Some fantastic trickery from Taouil saw a space open up in the box, the Morrocan's curling shot was only inches over Paul Gallagher's crossbar.

A minute later, Taouil got his reward. Elliott and Templeton combined well down the left hand side of the pitch before feeding Taouil in the box, he had time to take a touch and drive a shot past the wrong footed Gallagher and into the net.

As the first half came to an end, the Jambos had a series of half-chances, the most notable of which was a Marius Zaliukas free header that coudn't be directed goalwards.

The second half started with Hearts pressuring the away goal, but it was Dunfermline who nearly got on the scoresheet. Liam Buchanan shot from just outside the six yard box but Kello pulled off a tremendous reflex save to keep the visitors at bay.

A minute later it was the Jam Tarts' turn to threaten Gallagher's goal. Elliott was sent through on goal, and though he was forced slightly wide he managed to fire in a shot that beat the Pars 'keeper, but could only hit the side netting.

Hearts continued to search for the killer third goal and they got it after 71 minutes. Templeton picked up a loose ball at the edge of the Dunfermline box and carried it to a more central position before unleashing a superb right foot curling shot that left the despairing Gallagher no chance.

Rudi Skacel, Arvydas Novikovas and Ryan Stevenson were all introduced to the field of play as Hearts looked comfortable with their three goal cushion, goalscorers Taouil, Templeton and Elliott were the players to make way.

With little more than a minute remaining, Hearts put the game beyond any doubt with their fourth goal of the afternoon. A rasping long range effort from Stevenson stung the hands of Gallagher, who could only palm the ball into the air, and the incoming Skacel leapt to head the ball home for his fifth goal of the season.

Game over, and Hearts were well worth their four goals and the three points that came with it.

Hearts: Kello; Hamill, Zaliukas, Webster, McGowan; Black, Mrowiec, Taouil (Skacel, 71), Robinson, Templeton (Novikovas, 80); Elliott (Stevenson, 83). Subs not used: McDonald, McKay, Sutton, Kane.

Dunfermline: Gallagher, Dowie, Potter, Keddie, Mason (Thomson, 74), Hardie, Willis, Burns, Barrowman (Cardle, 57), Buchanan (Kirk, 71), Graham. Subs not used: Smith, Clarke, Byrne, Young.

Referee: Charlie Richmond

Top man: Ryan McGowan