Heart of Midlothian B got their Lowland League campaign off to a strong start with a 4-1 win over East Stirlingshire at Ainslie Park.

The visitors took the lead in a tight first half with Hearts hitting back before the interval through an own goal after fine work from Finlay Pollock down the right. 

As the game opened up in the second half, Hearts quality took control with Callum Sandilands scoring and assisting, substitute Mack Ross netting and Dom Plank showing why he is going to be an exciting player to watch with a stunning solo effort to seal the win.

Joel Sked looks back at a competitive fixture in the north of Edinburgh.

Good start and more to come

There were similarities between the B team in the first-half and the first-team during moments last season. The team had plenty of possession but lacked that final moment in the attacking third and gave up a goal on the counter against the run of play. The Shire were well organised and defended Hearts' low crosses into the box very well when the home side got down the flanks. 

But Liam Fox’s side persevered, kept probing and committing men forward. They were most dangerous down the right-hand side with Finlay Pollock, Callum Sandilands and Adam Forrester linking effectively. The latter’s positioning as an inverted full-back and quality in possession caused the Shire issues. Hearts were then aided by quality and energy off the bench with all replacements contributing one way or another. 

First-team trio

Fans had a chance to see James Wilson, Macaulay Tait and Pollock in action with the trio involved to get more minutes in their legs instead of travelling south with the first-team for the friendly with Fleetwood Town on Saturday. 

Tait was quietly effective at the base of the midfield. It took him a wee bit of time to find his passing range but would keep things ticking over. Out of possession, he provided a few important moments, whether it was getting his body in and winning fouls or breaking up play. 

Wilson grew into the match. He was well marshalled in the first half and had little room to operate. Given a wee bit more space he was adept and taking a touch and turning to feed a team-mate in behind. Was far more involved in the build-up in the second half which resulted in him being on the end of a couple of heavy challenges. Nearly scored a toe-poked volley from a cross. Then there was Pollock…

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Big, strong and quick

You can see why Finlay Pollock is viewed very highly at Hearts with the hope he stays fit for a prolonged period. The Shire left-back will be forgiven if he has a very long lie tomorrow morning after a restless night for he was taken to the cleaners time and time again. Pollock was Hearts’ most dangerous player. He would often drop deep to get the ball and combine with both Forrester and Sandilands. But his first thought was always to be direct. He’d play one-twos or simply drive at the full-back again and again. Whether it was over two yards or 20 he had the acceleration and pace to get away and deliver a cross. Sometimes his final ball would let him down but not for the equaliser when his cross was converted into the net by an opponent. It was a performance that made you sit forward every time he got the ball. 

Sandilands continues midfield output

The midfielder picked up from where he left off last season. A goal and an assist from the middle of the pitch. Both were through being positive and direct with and without the ball. His goal came from his awareness off the ball, running onto a pass before excellently chipping the goalkeeper. His assist was just as good as he broke into the box and laid it on a plate for Ross. Hearts Standard looked into the 18-year-old earlier this week on the website and he delivered a performance that should be encouraging to all those watching. 

Jamie Mac

Precisely 3730 days (more than 10 years) since pulling on a Hearts top, Jamie MacDonald was back between the sticks, albeit for the B team. It was a relatively quiet evening. His first involvement was picking the ball out of the net. He did follow it up with a couple of saves down to his right to ensure Hearts didn’t concede a second while he was beaten to a through ball by former Jambos Morgaro Gomis in the second half only for the midfielder to put his effort wide. Most noticeable was his communication throughout the match, making sure his defenders were switched on and providing the organisation Fox is keen for his younger keepers to learn about.