Hearts preparations for the new season continued when they lifted the D&K Lafferty Challenge Cup tournament in Oban on Saturday.
Hearts won three, drew one and lost one game in the round-robin tournament which saw each game played for 30 minutes. Young Hearts defender Jordan McGhee also won the player of the tournament.
The Maroons began the competition with 3-0 win over Alloa Athletic thanks to a goal from McGhee and a brace from Gary Oliver.
Hearts then defeated St Johnstone 2-1, thanks to another strike from Oliver and a goal from new signing Juanma.
Robbie Neilson’s side then drew 1-1 with Dundee United – Callum Paterson scoring a superb goal.
The hosts, Oban Saints, then stunned the crowd by defeating the SPFL Championship winners 2-1 – Sam Nicholson having opened the scoring for Hearts.
However, Hearts ended the tournament by defeating Hamilton Academical 1-0 with Sam Nicholson again the scorer. This ensured the trophy was Tynecastle bound.
Head Coach Robbie Neilson was naturally pleased with the outcome but was more concerned with all of his first team squad getting their fitness levels up to speed.
He told the Hearts website “It was a great day and a good test for the boys. It was a really hard tournament, with five 30 minute games.
“It’s good to get the win but at the end of the day it’s all about the fitness. Getting game-time for a lot of players was pleasing.
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
