Sutton gives Hearts narrow victory

By Barry Anderson
Published on Sunday 29 July 2012 03:08

JOHN SUTTON’S third goal in four pre-season matches secured victory for Hearts at Rotherham in their final outing before the SPL season commences.

Hearts overcame an unsteady start when Rotherham failed to capitalise on a number of early chances and Sutton’s 48th-minute goal made it three wins out of four in the Edinburgh side’s summer friendlies.

Teenager Callum Paterson was first to test the Rotherham goalkeeper Scott Shearer, who stopped the full-back’s effort with his legs on four minutes. Daniel Nardiello then shot into the side-netting and Ben Pringle’s dipping volley was held by Jamie MacDonald.

The only goal of the game came about via the persistence of Ryan McGowan, who dispossessed David Noble on the right flank to cross for Sutton, who prodded a right-footed finish beyond Shearer.

Rotherham might have equalised instantly had Kari Arnason headed home in front of an open goal.

“It was a great workout,” said John McGlynn, the Hearts manager after the game. “That’s exactly what we’re looking for. It was like a normal SPL game. I feel we’re ready to go for the new season now.”

Rotherham: Shearer; Hunt (Mullins 36), Sharps, Bradley, Wilson; O’Connor (rose 46), Noble (Taylor 58), Arnason (Ainsworth 63); Pringle (Evans 63); Revell (Odejayi 58), Nardiello ((Agard 58). Sub not used: Warrington.

Hearts: MacDonald; Paterson, Webster, Zaliukas, McHattie (Grainger 63); Robinson (Holt 79), Barr (D McGowan), R McGowan; Driver (Novikovas 64), Sutton (Carrick 74), Templeton (Taouil 76). Sub not used: Ridgers.

Referee: Craig Pawson. Attendance: 5,891.

Taken from the Scotsman