Hearts B were defeated 3-1 by Gala Fairydean Rovers at Netherdale on Saturday afternoon.
The Wee Jambos found themselves 3-0 down at half-time, with goals from Che Reilly, Kieran Dolan and Daniel Galbraith.
Angus Beith made five changes from the 1-0 away victory over Kelty Hearts in the KDM Evolution Trophy last time out.
Alfie Osborne, Alfie Wilson, Euan Banks, Taylor Hogarth and Owen Muirhead all returned to the starting eleven.
It was a quick-fire start for the hosts as they took the lead in the opening minute. Che Reilly was played in behind the Hearts defence and drove into the box before slotting home into the bottom right corner for 1-0.
The Wee Jambos responded well despite conceding so early, as they went at Gala straight away in their search for an instant equaliser.
Taylor Hogarth got down the left flank and weaved his way into the box before letting fly on his right foot, but his low effort was straight at Reece Murray in goal.
Shortly after, Owen Muirhead and Hogarth combined well down the left wing as Hogarth played the cut-back to striker Connor Dow. His first time effort on his right foot went wide of the target.
The Braw Lads then doubled their advantage in the 38th minute. It broke kindly for Kieran Dolan who dribbled into the box, rounded Jack Lyon in goal and slotted home for 2-0.
Gala skipper Daniel Galbraith made it 3-0 just before the break. He struck a left-footed free kick from the edge of the area into the bottom right corner.
Half-time: Gala 3-0 Hearts
Hearts’ chances were limited in the second 45, as the hosts sat deep in their own half to preserve their three goal cushion.
But in the 81st minute the Wee Jambos pulled a goal back for 3-1. Charlie Sanders’ low driven cross was turned in by Gala’s Keaghan Jacobs for an own goal.
Jack Lyon was then called into action in the 90th minute as he made a great stop to deny Jack McMurdo with his header from close range.
Ultimately, it was an afternoon to forget for the Wee Jambos as Gala secured the three points.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website at full-time, Hearts goalkeeper and coach Jamie MacDonald said:
“The three goals we lost were disappointing. To lose a goal in the first 90 seconds of the game, it's always going to be an uphill task after that. For large parts of the game, we've probably dominated the ball and dominated possession.
“I think Gala sat off the game and contained us really well. We didn't create enough. They've sat in and essentially hit on the counter with a few long balls. It's a tough one for the boys to take, and a lot of learning to take for today. But Gala played well, and fair play to them.
The Hearts goalkeeper reflected on Jack Lyon’s performance in between the sticks for the Wee Jambos.
“He's actually not had probably a great deal of doing the game. You'll probably feel that way, you know, he's lost three goals in the first half, two one-on-ones, and a fantastic free kick from Danny Galbraith, he’s hit it really well, a good flat free kick in the corner, no chance.
“But it was a great save from Jack right at the end there, and that will be a bit of positive to probably end on for him. I'm sure he'll be disappointed, I’ve been there myself when you have days like that when they've just been clinical with the chances they had.
“We've dominated large parts of the game, but I think we could probably take a leaf at the Gala’s book and be more clinical.”
MacDonald looked ahead to Hearts B’s next match against Cowdenbeath.
“I think first and foremost is to try and limit the mistakes. I think for the first couple of goals, we can't be giving them away. We’re making it far too easy for teams to score against us.
“I think first and foremost we will make sure we're solid next week, start the game well, and then as we build into the game, go and take it to them.”
Gala Fairydean Rovers: Murray, Moyles, Fagan, Kasa, Jacobs, Galbraith ©, Reilly, Dougal, Wylie, Lyons, Dolan
Subs: Dowie, Calder, Lamb, Sylla, Connolly, McMurdo
Hearts: Lyon, Crookston ©, Smith (Kelly, 58’), Osborne (Sanders, 58’) Dow, Muirhead, Banks (Robb, 61’), A. Wilson, Hogarth, Wilson, Donkor (Ross, 79’)
Subs: Tas, Ross, Haddow, Sanders, Kelly, Robb, Mulholland
