Match Report: Raith Rovers 0-3 Hearts
14.07.2012

Raith Rovers 0-3 Heart of Midlothian
From Hearts Media at Stark's Park.

Hearts got off to winning ways in their first pre-season encounter, defeating Raith Rovers 3-0 in front of 2,907 supporters.

First half goals from Callum Paterson and John Sutton gave the Jambos a hard earned lead, then David Templeton's super strike in the second ensured Hearts would leave the Laurie Ellis testimonial match as victors.

John McGlynn opted for a mixture of experience and youth, starting young guns Paterson and Kevin McHattie at full back, with Denis Prychynenko and Scott Robinson based in central midfield, while older heads Andy Webster and Darren Barr paired up in central defence. John Sutton was flanked up front by Arvydas Novikovas and Andy Driver.

Hearts seemed to favour the right hand side early on as Paterson rampaged down the wing, linking up well with Novikovas as much of the opening spell was played out in the middle of the park.

It was the Jambos who got the opening goal through debutant Paterson. On the 26th minute he was alert enough to take down a lose ball on his chest and from just inside the box unleashed a left foot drive that took a deflection on its way into the back of the net.

And with two minutes to go until half time Sutton doubled the lead. He was slipped in by McGowan and slotted the ball low past the advancing McGurn on the edge of the six yard box.

Substitute David Templeton made an instant impact in the second half, curling a wonderful right foot shot into the bottom corner of the net past the outstretched McGurn from 20 yards out.

The game then petered out, with neither team really threatening each other's goal.

Raith Rovers: McGurn; Thomson, Ellis, Hill, Murray; Callachan,G.Anderson, Walker, Clarke; Graham, Hamill. Subs: Laidlaw, Malone, S. Anderson, Donaldon, Wilson, Trialist, Wales, Dargo, Andrews.

Hearts: MacDonald; McHattie, Webster, Barr, Paterson (D. McGowan, 70); Prychynenko (Holt, 76), R. McGowan, Robinson (Taouil, 62); Novikovas (Walker, 62), Sutton (D. Smith, 70), Driver (Templeton, 62). Subs not used: Ridgers.

Referee: Craig Charleston

Top man: Callum Paterson

Hearts World