Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken got his reign off to a winning start with a 3-1 training game victory over St Mirren in Spain on Wednesday night.
The match, played at the Pinatar Arena, gave both Premiership clubs a valuable opportunity to put new signings through their paces ahead of the upcoming season.
Goals from Sander Kartum, Rogers Mato, and James Wilson secured the comfortable victory for the Jambos against their Scottish top-flight rivals.
The Belgian coach wasted no time in handing several new arrivals their first taste of competitive action under his management.
Sabri Guendouz and MJ Kamson-Kamara were both handed starting berths, with the duo among a number of fresh faces given an early audition.
Josh McPake, Tom Renaud, and Calvin Miller all made appearances from the bench as Vrancken assessed the depth of his squad.
St Mirren boss Craig McLeish also used the match as a chance to run the rule over his own new additions during the pre-season exercise.
New Buddies goalkeeper Jacob Chapman started, along with recent arrivals Ryan Carr and Samuel Ramos, giving the Paisley side a chance to bed in ahead of competitive football.
Chris Mochrie featured towards the end of the game, with McLeish also handing opportunities to a number of trialists during the match.
Young Thomas Falconer provided a consolation for St Mirren, giving the Buddies at least one moment to cheer during an otherwise difficult evening in Spain.
Overall, the exercise proved a worthwhile one for both clubs as they continue building towards the new Premiership campaign, with fitness and combinations the primary goals.
Vrancken’s Hearts side will be pleased with their attacking output, and the contributions from returning players alongside new signings will encourage the new manager considerably.
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