Issaka sets Hearts racing in pre-season win
Heart of Midlothian - 0
Argyle - 1
Argyle ran out comfortable 1-0 winners against Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian this evening in the sweltering heat at Marbella Football Center.
Starlet Freddie Issaka got the only goal of the game with a stunning finish in the first period, as both sides made wholesale changes in each half of the pre-season encounter.
Steven Schumacher’s side started the match brightly, resuming the crisp intricate passing that shone throughout last season’s title winning campaign.
Ryan Hardie had the first chance of the game shooting over from the edge of the box, before further good play from the Scotsman led to a chance for Jordan Houghton. Houghton stole the ball in midfield before playing a neat one-two with Hardie, but his shot didn’t match the play as he dragged wide of the left-hand post.
Argyle wingers, Mickel Miller and the aforementioned Issaka, shone throughout the first half and combined to bring the latter’s first chance, who drew an outstanding fingertip save from Hearts stopper Zander Clark.
Clark did not stop there and moments later was at it again, pulling off a fine double save, including a second from Hardie from eight yards out.
Miller then followed Issaka’s lead and cut in from the right onto his preferred left foot but saw his shot deflected and fall comfortably into Clark’s arms.
Issaka, still just 16, was the outstanding Argyle player in the opening 45 minutes and got the goal his performance deserved. He cut in from the left wing, a feature of his game, before lashing a brilliant strike in at the near post.
A drinks break followed with the weather conditions proving relentless for both sides and Hearts first opportunity came immediately after the restart.
Midfielder Andy Halliday picked up the ball on the edge of the box and lashed a strike at goal, but Callum Burton tipped over.
Lawrence Shankland became more of a focal point up front for the Jam Tarts and should have done better but struck over when played through by Alan Forrest.
Miller continued to impress and made a 30-yard burst from the right, beating off several challenges, before seeing his shot blocked by the opposition defence. The ball did fall to Caleb Roberts on the rebound, but he could only drag his shot wide of the target.
Shankland once again had a chance for the Scottish side as bustly Andy Halliday broke on the left and cut back for the forward, but he could only shoot wide with the goal at his mercy. That proved to be the last chance of note in the first half.
Hearts started the second half the brighter after Argyle made nine changes to their line-up. Dan Scarr and Burton were the only starters to remain on the pitch as Schumacher looked to rotate his squad to get them vital minutes in the opening game of pre-season.
Callum Sandilands a half-time substitute for Hearts started well and managed to get in behind Jack Endacott who could only foul him and give away a free kick on the edge of the box. The resulting set piece came to nothing.
It took another 15 minutes for a chance of any note, as both sides struggled to find any fluency with the changes made. Callum Wright broke, played in Will Jenkins Davies on the left who’s cut back was cleared but picked up by Tyreik Wright. Tyreik calmly passed the ball back to his namesake whose shot was comfortably saved by Harry Stone.
Tyreik was involved again in the 67th minute, crossing from the right for forward Ben Waine who couldn’t keep his header down and missed the target.
Shortly after, James Wilson then got in behind Julio Pleguezuelo before cutting back for Liam Boyce who couldn’t quite curl his shot enough into the far corner.
Waine had another headed chance from a cross from the left which the New Zealander could only head back just past the post and the closing stages saw little action of note with Argyle content to keep the ball when in possession and form a solid shape when out of it.
A solid start for the Greens with valuable minutes in the tank for the players and attentions will now turn to the game against Plymouth Parkway on Tuesday night.
