Hearts continued their impressive return to pre-season with a comeback win over English League Two side Tranmere Rovers.
The Jambos had won their four previous friendly encounters against FC Europa, East Fife, Spartans and Bonnyrigg Rose - scoring 17 goals in the process and conceding 0. But this was a step up from the part-time sides as they took on full-time opposition as they begin preparations for what it will be like playing Thursday-Sunday football next season.
Robbie Neilson and Co face a huge 26 games before the World Cup break with domestic and European football on the cards. A Europa League play-off spot is already secured and victory in that two-legged tie would secure a group stage spot. Defeat, and the capital club have the parachute of the Europa Conference League proper. This guarantees at minimum eight games on the big stage pre-Christmas on top of the normal schedule.
Hearts' first real test was passed as Barrie McKay and Liam Boyce turned the game around in the second period after Kane Hemmings' opener for the English outfit at Prenton Park.
Here are three things we learned from Hearts' win.
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READ MORE: Robbie Neilson details Hearts selection plans with high volume of games ahead of European adventure
Unbeaten record
Hearts remain unbeaten in pre-season.
That is five wins from five games so far and the confidence will be high in the camp ahead of the new season starting at the end of the month.
Three more friendlies with English sides are to come ahead of the big-kick off with the capital club targeting a clean sweep ahead of the competitive action.
Key men
Barrie McKay and Liam Boyce once again illustrated their importance to Robbie Neilson's side as they netted the two goals in the comeback win.
Both will have a key role to play once again this season if Hearts are to have another successful campaign.
Striker Boyce has been linked with Ipswich Town and Aberdeen this summer - but he has stated he is 100 per cent happy in the capital and his goal will do him the world of good for the remainder of pre-season and going into the new campaign.
New signings settling in
Four of Hearts' five summer recruits were in action once again as they picked up vital minutes in the legs and continued to build bonds with their new team-mates.
Alex Cochrane spent last season on loan at the club and has picked up where he left off with the transition nice and smooth for the former Brighton man.
Lewis Neilson, Jorge Grant and Alan Forrest all played at least 45 minutes in this one as they bid to play starring roles in Gorgie next season.
Forrest and Grant have netted in pre-season and that will do them no harm in settling in.
Kye Rowles is yet to feature with Hearts waiting for his visa to arrive.
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