Dunfermline 1-2 Hearts

Dunfermline 1 - 2 Heart of Midlothian
R.Thomson 63' - McKay 8', Hamill (pen) 18'
From Hearts Media at East End Park.

Hearts began their home domestic pre-season campaign with a 2-1 victory over Dunfermline Athletic in a well-contested match at a sunny East End Park today.

First half goals from Brad McKay and Jamie Hamill proved enough to be the difference, as the Jambos lifted the Supporters Direct Scotland Fans Cup in glorious sunshine in the Kingdom of Fife, the trophy on offer after an initiative between the clubs saw a split of the gate money from today's match.

After the novelty of facing a Romanian team in northern England, it was back to business as for Gary Locke's side, as they made the short trip across the Forth Road Bridge to face the Pars in what has become an almost annual fixture.

Hearts lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with widemen Ryan Stevenson and David Smith given a remit to support Dale Carrick in attack, while Scottish Cup winning legend Gary Naysmith took a place on the bench, eligible to play as a trialist.

With kick-off having been delayed for 10 minutes to allow for the maroon masses time to get into the ground, Hearts kicked off with the loud backing of 2591 supporters, easily outnumbering the home followers in the total attendance of 4538.

The Jambos started the match with attacking intent. The first chance came to Ryan Stevenson in the first minute of the match. Some lovely interchange play between Stevo and Dale Carrick saw the ex-Ayr man played through, but his shot bent round the wrong side the post.

Dunfermline were the next to threaten, with Ryan Thomson whipping in a dangerous cross. Andy Geggan met the ball at the back post, but a stunning save from Jamie Macdonald kept the Pars man's powerful header out.

Carrick's pace was causing bother for the Pars backline, and his persistence resulted in the first Hearts corner of the match. Brad McKay met David Smith's corner with a firm near post header, and Hrivnak in goals couldn't keep the ball out.

David Smith was tripped in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Jamie Hamill expertly tucked the ball away, sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 2 goals in 2 pre-season games.

Hearts were utterly dominant by this point, and a hughly impressive spell of possession that involved every player in the team touching the ball came to an end with Smith's long range effort flying just wide. The Hearts support rewarded their players with a huge round of applause.

Dunfermline were still a threat on the break, however, and ex-Jambo Ryan Wallace should have halved the deficit. The striker was played in down the right wing, and although he had team mates in a better position, he chose to shoot. Macdonald parried his effort, and the rebound was scooped over the bar.

Jamie Walker replaced Jason Holt at the half-time interval, with Hearts switching to a 4-4-2 formation as Stevenson joined Carrick in the forward position. Mark Ridgers also made an appearance in place of Macdonald between the sticks.

Hearts should have extended their lead five minutes into the second half. Smith's wicked inswinging free kick found Dylan McGowan, although the defender failed to get a clean connection on the shot, and a combination of Hrivnak and the crossbar kept the ball out.

Dunfermline were starting to come into the match more, and shortly after the hour they got their reward. Ryan Thomson found himself through on Ridgers, and although his shot wasn't struck perfectly, it beat Ridgers and went into the corner to give the Pars fans something to cheer about.

Encouraged by this, the Pars had their tails up. The impressive Josh Falkingham's trickery in midfield was a particular highlight for the home fans, and his corner nearly resulted in an equaliser. The ball hit a couple of players and spun towards the goal, however Walker was on the post and did his duty admirably by clearing the ball away from danger.

The flow of the game had been ruined somewhat by a raft of second half substitutions, and one of those replacement players was involved in the final attack of the match.

Gary Naysmith - listed officially as 'Trialist' to the amusement of the away support - received the ball on the edge of the box after some strong running from Walker. The Scottish Cup winner and ex-Everton star's dinked cross found Stevenson, but he couldn't get any purchase on the header and the ball sailed harmlessly over the bar.

The match ended without any injury time, and Head of Supporters Direct Scotland Paul Goodwin presented the trophy to Jamie Hamill, skipper for the day, to the loud cheers of the away support.

Gary Locke will be pleased with the workout and the victory as Hearts continue their preparations for the new season. Next up is a trip to Stark's Park on Wednesday to face Raith Rovers.

Dunfermline: Hrivnak, Millen, Whittle, Young, Potter, Kane, Geggan, Husband, Wallace, Falkingham, Thomson. Subs not used: Byrne, Smith, Martin, Ferguson, Goodfellow.

Hearts: Macdonald (Ridgers 46); Hamill, McKay, McGowan, McHattie (Naysmith 76); Holt (Walker 46), Tapping, Robinson (A.King 67); Smith (Nicholson 89), Carrick (B.King 67), Stevenson. Subs not used: Hamilton, McGhee, Oliver.

Referee: John Beaton

Top man: Dylan McGowan

Hearts World