Peterhead 0 - 2 Hearts RECAP: Robbie Neilson's men begin season with confident win
Before the Tynecastle club can return to top-flight action after a longer than usual pre-season, they enter the group stages of the Premier Sports Cup.
For the second time in four years, Hearts make the trip north to face Peterhead at Balmoor Stadium before fixtures against Cove Rangers, Stirling Albion and Inverness CT.
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Hide AdNeilson has so far added one player to last season’s squad with the arrival of Alex Cochrane, while Josh Ginnelly has signed a permanent deal. There could be roles for both Loic Damour, who didn’t feature during the Championship-winning campaign, and Jordan Roberts, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Motherwell.
We will have live coverage of the match, from updates to analysis and reaction, throughout the afternoon.
Peterhead v Hearts LIVE: Updates, analysis and reaction
A great but simple move sees Peter Haring angle a ball out to Smith who in turns passes it to Boyce to net easily.
Another mix-up!
Craig Gordon took too long to play the ball but it is blocked and Peterhead nearly get an opportunity. The keeper and Peter Haring then have words.
Nearly 1-1
A long ball over the top sees Souttar try and head it back to Gordon but doesn’t get enough purchase. Russel McLean tried to lift the ball over Gordon but the effort bounces the wrong side of the post.
Fine move
Hearts break down the right through Ginnelly. He plays in Smith who skips past an opponent and cuts back for Haring but the Austrian fires over.
HT: Peterhead 0 - 1 Hearts
The Premiership side have been fully in control of the Premier Sports Cup clash.
Before Gary Mackay-Steven’s goal, the visitors went close through the winger as well as Liam Boyce on a couple of occasions. At the other end Craig Gordon has not been tested.
Hearts have not had to go up through the gears yet. The back three have seen plenty of the ball with Peterhead stepping off, defending in two compact banks. The more the half has gone on, Hearts have been able to move the League One side around and create a few openings.
GMS has stayed pretty wide and looked to run over the top, while Josh Ginnelly has preferred to move more centrally with Michael Smith providing the width on the right.
Neilson will probably like Haring and McEneff to get on the ball more and probe through the middle.
Boyce shot
Boyce again threatens. Drops deeps to get the ball. Stops, goes, stops to create space before his shot is saved by Wilson.
Hearts take the lead through GMS. He gets away down the left, speed into the box and fires it between the legs of the goalkeeper.
Boyce chance!
Haring wins possession on the edge of the box and clips a ball into the path of Boyce but the striker, just after having a shot blocked, sees his effort repelled by Wilson.