Hearts saw off the challenge from Annan Athletic to progress to the next round of the Petrofac Training Cup. New head coach Robbie Neilson was please with what he saw but considers that there was plenty of room for improvement. All the home goals came in the first half with Billy King, Osman Sow and Callum Paterson finding the net. Annan managed to get a consolation goal from Scott Davidson in the last-minute. Patterson picked up injury in stoppage time at the end of the first half which took the edge off the win.
Callum Paterson is carried off just before half time. (c) Chris McCluskie SportPix.org.uk
Neilson said: "We need to wait and see with Callum. Hopefully it's not too bad. He has a protective boot on, and we'll see about sending him for a scan. He just got his studs caught in the grass, and maybe hurt his medial ligament. It takes the shine off the day a bit, and it's obviously disappointing but gives others opportunities. Liam Smith is someone we're looking to push on this season, Jordan McGhee can play there too, so we have a few options in that area."
The Hearts manager went on to concede that the team had gotten 'too comfortable' once they had a three goal cushion, and insisted they wouldn't be allowed to get so sloppy again later in the season. He continues: "In periods we did well, especially in the first half. When we got to 3-0 it was too comfortable, we took our foot off the gas, got slack, took risks, and it's extremely important we don't do that. If we lose a goal in the last minute in the league it could cost us down the line, as goal difference could be vital. We created lots of chances, the boys were getting into great positions. I thought the two wingers did really well, Osman gave us a lot up top too. So far he's been great, he's still getting fit. he has a long way to go yet, but he has pace and power, and he'll be really important for us this season."