Dunfermline turned on the style to score their second successive pre-season victory over SPL opposition.
Two goals from winger Joe Cardle, who manager Jim McIntyre insisted was “sensational,” and another from Nick Phinn sealed the win.
McIntyre was rightly chuffed to bits with the victory over Hearts. He told Courier Sport, “This was their first game, so they’re still feeling their way into their pre-season preparations, but I can only really speak for our boys.
“I thought we played with a real tempo, passed it really well and closed Hearts down.”
As for Cardle, the Pars boss added, “I thought tonight he was sensational and at times practically unplayable.”
Hearts manager Jim Jefferies said, “That team will bear no resemblance to the one in the weeks ahead, I can assure you of that.”
The visitors marginally had the better of the opening exchanges and could have bagged a couple of goals themselves.
David Templeton, who tormented the home defence in the opening 30 minutes, went close with a couple of long-range efforts.
Not to be outdone at the other end, Steven McDougall evaded a couple of defenders and forced a fine stop from Jamie McDonald.
McDougall then fired wide again when he should have slid the ball through to Nick Phinn, who was staring at an open goal.
Less than a minute after the restart the Pars were in front when a Phinn shot from inside the box deflected off a Hearts defender, clipped the post and went in.
McDonald could do nothing about it.
In the 55th minute referee John McKendrick waved away Calum
Elliot’s claims for a penalty after he tangled with Alex Keddie, who was on for skipper Austin McCann.
Four minutes later Cardle bagged the first of his brace when he swept home a pinpoint cross from Phinn.
Cardle then sealed the win with a superb solo effort in the 68th minute.
Having turned a couple of Hearts defenders he slammed the ball past McDonald and into the back of the net.
He nearly grabbed his hat-trick 10 minutes later, but pulled his shot wide.
Elliot netted Hearts’ consolation goal eight minutes from time when his glancing header from a Templeton cross beat Kyle Allison.
Dunfermline defended well and Neil McGregor pulled off a series of fine tackles throughout the game.
The home side could have scored even more in the dying minutes as Andy Kirk, Paul Willis and then Cardle spurned opportunities.
Attendance 2195.