Falkirk downed 3-0 by Hearts Oriam training ground in pre-season friendly

Playing former Bairn Robbie Neilson’s Jam Tarts at the Championship club’s training ground, the Bairns were bright, but still went down 3-0 in their second defeat of the preparations, either side of Saturday’s stunning 6-2 win over Raith Rovers.

Twice Falkirk hit the woodwork through Conor Sammon and Robbie Leitch but it was the clinical Jambos who found the net three times.

Sammon in particular was a real threat to his former side and went close on several occasions as well as hittiong the upright not long after coming on for Aidan Keena.

The Bairns were competitive throughout the first half against the strong hosts’ side but conceded just before the interval when Robbie Mutch was beaten by Liam Boyce moments before the break.

David McCracken and Lee Miller pitched a trialist on in defence for the second half and replaced another uncontracted forward with Anton Dowds.

Some 15 minutes in Sammon hit the post not long after he and Robbie Leitch entered the fray but ten minutes later Jamie Walker seized a loose ball in the box and fired in the second before Leitch stuck the post almost immediately from the restart.

Late on a Craig Wighton penalty rounded off the scoring.

Boss David McCracken said: “We were pleased with how the game went and it wasn’t really a 3-0 in a performance sense. The boys played really well in spells and it was a good work out, working on our shape and coming up against a higher level team in Hearts.

“Hearts played a fairly strong side as well and it was a good test for us. We had opportunities and created chances. People will see the score but it was a positive afternoon for us.

“We probably didn’t take the chances like we did on Saturday - Robbie Leitch came on and hit the post and Callumn Morrison threatened a few times.

“It was fairly positive. We are disappointed with the result but it is pre-season and we are making changes throughout the games and trying to share the minutes among the squad.”