Match Report: Berwick hammered in B Team opener

A youthful Hearts side, managed by former Tynecastle ace Steven Naismith, comfortably took apart the English outfit after a second half goal blitz - in the comfortable surroundings of our new home for the season at Whitehill Welfare's Ferguson Park. 

A Connor Smith hat-trick - combined with strikes from debutant Jaden Ferguson, Bobby McLuckie and substitute Callum Sandilands, ensured all three points went to the Wee Jambos.

After a tense and tight first 15 minutes, with both sides enjoying spells with the ball, Hearts quickly got into gear. Arron Darge and Connor Smith both saw good chances go astray, with the breakthrough eventually coming on the half-hour mark.

After being brought down on the edge of the area, it was the talismanic figure of Connor Smith who sent a sweet free kick sailing in past Antell in Berwick's goal.

It took until the early stages of the second half for Hearts' second to arrive; Berwick 'skipper Jamie Pyper was sent off after 52 minutes for bringing down Jaden Ferguson as the last man. Smith stepped up - bagging his second with a cool penalty.

Determined work from Jaden Ferguson to keep the ball in the box brought the third. His close control was lovely, and it culminated in the new recruit curling the ball into the top corner after 63 minutes.

A sweeping Hearts move brought the fourth: Bobby McLuckie topping the passage of play off with a composed finish. Before too long, it was Smith's turn to round off his hat-trick.

Jinking past two Berwick shirts, he picked his spot before slotting home past Antell. 

Then, just five minutes from time, super sub Callum Sandilands rounded off the scoring with a header after another fine bit of passing play from Connor Smith.

What a start to life in the Lowland League for the Wee Jambos!

Hearts: Stone, Darge, Tait, Smith, Denholm, Ferguson (Kirk 77'), Thomas (Sandilands 72'), Dall (Chisholm 77'), Gordon, Rathie, McLuckie (Smutek 84')

Subs: McFarlane, Kirk, Drysdale, Smutek, Sandilands, Chisholm 

Berwick: Antell, Farrell, Ferguson, Anderson, Pyper, Stevenson, Taylor (Stewart 75'), Nelson, Allan, Barr, Harris (Heeps 75')

Subs: Orr, Baker, Buchanan, Heeps, Scobbie, Stewart