Heart of Midlothian completed their pre-season friendlies ahead of the start of the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign with a loss at Fleetwood Town.
The team fell to a 3-0 defeat against the English League Two opponents in what was a disappointing end to the summer's work.
Hearts struggled in the first half. Despite having a lot of possession they didn't look like doing much with it, while Fleetwood were well organised and really sharp when they won the ball. Despite a decent reaction after the break, as well as a number of changes, there was further frustration with the home side adding to their 2-0 half-time lead and passing up other chances.
Joel Sked looks at the key takeaways from the match on the west coast of England.
🚨 Team news is in...
— Hearts Standard (@HeartsStandard_) July 27, 2024
🤝 Penrice starts
🧙♂️ Dhanda in the 10
⚽ Shankland leads the line pic.twitter.com/vANTtN8AMw
Improvement required before Rangers
All eyes are on the start of the league campaign next weekend when Hearts host Rangers in the opening game of the Premiership season. On Saturday afternoon's evidence, Steven Naismith's men must improve.
There has been real hope that Hearts can start the season with a statement win over a Rangers side who have not had a straightforward or enjoyable summer.
To turn that hope into reality, plenty of elements of the team's performance need to sharpen up. Starting with how the team begin matches, something which was notable last season when the team were much more effective after the break.
In possession, the team were ponderous and lacked ideas for large periods with the ball played between the two centre-backs plus the full-backs without the required incision or tempo. Out of possession, the team weren't much better. Fleetwood's first-half goals were far too easy for the home side. For the first, Danny Mayor waltzed into the box before playing a one-two and scoring with little resistance. The second saw Kye Rowles easily beat down the left before a low cross was converted. The Australian centre-back did not have a good afternoon.
In the 34th minute, Naismith, who cut a frustrated figure, brought Frankie Kent, Blair Spittal and Lawrence Shankland to the side for a conversation. The team improved slightly and managed to create a couple of decent chances before the break.
Second-half reaction
Five changes were made at half-time with the team switching from a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2. The injection of energy and pace from Kenneth Vargas was a real positive, the Costa Rican being denied by a good saved not long after the break. There was more purpose about Hearts play and a better balance across the pitch. It was short-lived. Fleetwood exposed the Hearts backline once more and were unlucky not to add to their tally, hitting the post on one occasion and passing up a good opportunity at the back post, firing into the side netting. There wasn't a lot to be positive about other than players getting minutes under their belt.
Spittal playing deep
Blair Spittal thrived last season as a No.10 at Motherwell but has proven himself versatile throughout his career. On pre-season viewing he will be used in different midfield roles and that means playing deeper. Against Fleetwood he was the deepest midfielder for the majority of the first half, especially out of possession, allowing Cammy Devlin to join Yan Dhanda in the press.
It was in possession where it was hoped he would have more of an influence. The No.6 position requires taking the ball under pressure and playing through the lines. It is something Beni Baningime does so well, his body shape and the way he can evade opponents. Spittal, at times, was too square and the ball would go back to where it came from or when there was a chance to progress play it didn't quite happen.
James Penrice
Of the signings made so far this summer, James Penrice was the last to be involved during pre-season. The visiting fans got a glimpse of the left-back following his move having left Livingston at the end of his contract. It was a low bar, admittedly, but he was one of the better performers in the first half, showing a willingness and drive to get forward and make runs down the left. As a wing-back he once more got into good advanced areas after the interval, delivering one great cross but there wasn't much to hit in the box.
Hearts support
"It doesn't matter if it is Florence or Fleetwood..." was the start of a question Steven Naismith was asked on HeartsTV about the travelling support ahead of the friendly. Nearly 1,400 Hearts fans were in attendance. It followed crowds of more than 10,000 and 15,000 for home friendlies with Leyton Orient and Tottenham Hotspur. It was another fantastic backing ahead of a season where the team will be travelling around Europe with at least four away games that could take the team to all ends of the continent. It continues to be hugely impressive and Naismith made note that the team must be doing something right to get it, but also that it is up to the team to entertain them along the way. And one thing is certain - if Hearts are doing well they will be backed to the hilt.
On this occasion, even in a pre-season friendly, there was a strong reminder that the crowd are not shy in letting everyone and anyone know their feelings.
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