Three things we learned from Hamilton v Hearts

Here is a trio of takeaways from Hearts' 4-1 win over Hamilton in their opening Ladbrokes Premiership match of the 2018/19 season ...

Steven MacLean and Peter Haring impressed for Hearts. Pic: SNS

• Peter Haring will be a serious goal threat for Hearts. The Austrian’s aerial ability is one thing, but he is also a composed finisher with his feet, as his second goal demonstrated. The move into midfield from centre-back gives him freedom to attack and his header to bring Hearts level was precise and deliberate. Then came a fine finish on the ground for his team’s third goal.

• Steven MacLean definitely has no problem playing on astroturf. The striker was left out of games on synthetic pitches at former club St Johnstone, but two of his three goals to date for the Edinburgh club have come on astro. He provided the fourth at Hamilton with an instinctive first-time finish, which Gary Woods could not keep out.

• Hamilton’s defence will leak goals. Alex Penny, Shaun Want and Ziggy Gordon made up Accies’ back three and competed well but were left exposed too often. Dougie Imrie played right wing-back and, apart from being cleaned out unintentionally by team-mate Penny in the first half, did not defend like a right-back when out of possession.