Match Preview: Hearts (Friendly)

Raith Rovers  V Hearts  Tuesday 7th July 2015  Stark’s Park, Kirkcaldy  Kick off: 7.45pm Pre-season Friendly

Admission Prices:

Adults £10

Concessions (Under 16 / Over 65 / Disabled) £5

Away supporters will be housed in the McDermid Stand

Preview:

Raith Rovers rain-delayed start to their pre-season campaign will get underway this Tuesday evening, when they welcome last season’s Championship title-winners, Heart of Midlothian to Stark’s Park.

Unlike the home side, Hearts are already up-and-running with regards to their summer campaign, recently returning from a tour of Ireland, where they won both their encounters.

Their opening fixture was last Wednesday against Bohemians at Dalymount Park, and although the match appeared to be drifting to a goalless conclusion, two goals in the final five minutes, from Callum Paterson and Soufian El Hasanoui saw Robbie Neilson’s men complete a 2-0 victory.

Their second and final friendly was a more incident packed affair, with Hearts coming out on top by four goals to two against Shelbourne at Tolka Park. Gary Oliver opened the scoring in the first half, while Sam Nicholson, Jordan McGhee and Juanma sealed the win with second-half efforts.

It’s been a summer of reasonable stability for the second-tier champions, with just three new signings added to the squad so far. Up front, former Queen of the South forward, Gavin Reilly has signed up and he may be partnered together in the forward line with Juanma, who spent last season with Greek side, AEL Kalloni. At the back, former Catania and Vicenza central defender, Blazej Augustyn has been acquired from Polish side Gornik Zabrze, and he’ll be expected to fill the void left by the departures of captain, Danny Wilson, who has opted to join Championship favourites Rangers, and Brad McKay, who has left for St. Johnstone.

Raith Rovers and Hearts have met in two of the last three pre-seasons, with Hearts winning 3-0 in Laurie Ellis’ testimonial back in 2012, and Hearts again racked up an impressive win the following summer, winning 5-0 in 2013.

Tuesday evenings match referee will be Crawford Allan.

Overall Head-to-Head Record:

Raith Rovers Wins: 23 | Hearts Wins: 72 | Draws: 22

Raith Rovers Goals: 119 | Hearts Goals: 241

Hearts Ins And Outs This Summer:

In: Juan Delgado, (AEL Kalloni) Blazej Augustyn, (Gornik Zabrze) Gavin Reilly, (Queen of the South)

Out: Brad McKay, (St. Johnstone) James Keatings, (Hibernian) Danny Wilson, (Rangers) Scott Robinson, (Kilmarnock) Jason Holt, (Unattached)

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