Hearts manager Robbie Neilson was pleased with what his side got out of their 2-1 friendly defeat to English Championship side Preston North End.
An old face haunted them as last season's Liverpool loanee Ben Woodburn scored for his new club to put the home side ahead. Peter Haring found a leveller for the Jambos but Alan Browne netted from close range to ensure Ryan Lowe's side won. Hearts finish their pre-season ahead of Premiership action returning on July 30th with Gary Locke's testimonial on Saturday at Tynecastle against Stoke City.
Neilson told Hearts TV the Deepdale trip was a great tester for his squad: "I was really delighted with the performance. I thought we played really well against a very good team. know Preston are a really established top-10 Championship team and I thought they had periods of the game where they dominated, and we had periods.
"I thought we could match their physicality at times. We want to win every game but I thought this was not only a learning curve for the players for the physical side of it down here, but also a real progression from where we've been recently.
"They've got some real top players, guys that have played in the Premier League, and I thought we competed against them and dominated as well.
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox .
"We moved the ball really well and created a few chances, and were unfortunate not to win the game."
READ NEXT:
- Kye Rowles' Hearts role detailed as Robbie Neilson pinpoints position in line-up
- Robbie Neilson opens up on the Hearts plan to prepare side for European adventure
- Ben Woodburn confirms next move after Liverpool exit and Hearts loan as he could become defender
- Hearts boss Robbie Neilson explains friendship with Hibs gaffer Lee Johnson as he fires warning
