Hearts pip St Mirren in Reserve League dress rehearsal for Friday night showdown

Alex Petkov got on the scoresheet just hours after sealing a loan switch to Brechin City

Hearts ran out 3-2 winners over St Mirren in the SPFL Reserve League ahead of the Ladbrokes Premiership meeting between the two teams on Friday night.

With Chris Hamilton on international duty with Scotland Under-19s and Daniel Baur with Bonnyrigg Rose ahead of their East of Scotland Qualifying Cup tie with Dundonald Bluebell - which ended up postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at New Dundas Park - Aaron Darge started in central defence alongside Alex Petkov while there was room for first-teamers Colin Doyle in goals plus Loic Damour and Euan Henderson in midfield.

Bulgarian Under-21 cap Petkov signed a loan deal with League Two strugglers Brechin City before the second-string clash and bagged a first-half goal as the Capital club took a 3-1 lead into half-time.

Josh Jack had given the Paisley side an early lead, but Leeroy Makovora hit back immediately to level the scores with barely five minutes played.

An own goal gave Hearts the lead before Petkov put daylight between the two teams from the penalty spot.

The Buddies fought valiantly in the second half and although Cameron Breadner reduced the deficit, the wee Jambos held on for victory.

Hearts: Doyle, Logan, Darge, Petkov, Ward, Henderson, McGill, Cochrane, Damour, C Smith, Makovora.