Edinburgh | Hearts start League Cup campaign with a win

Hearts 4 - 1 Dunfermline Athletic

Lawrence Shankland marked his Tynecastle return with two goals from the spot in quick succession as Derek McInnes began life as Hearts head coach with a 4-1 win over Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline in the Premier Sports Cup.

Author - Sarah W

Stadium - Tynecastle

The second half had been delicately balanced at 1-1 until Alan Forrest was brought down by Deniz Mehmet inside the area. The Pars goalkeeper protested, but without VAR, the referee’s decision stood. Shankland, who rejoined Hearts last month, coolly converted to put the home side back in front.

Just minutes later, he found himself with another opportunity from the spot after substitute Elton Kabunga was pulled down. Shankland chose the same side, with the same result, effectively putting the tie to bed.

It had all started brightly for McInnes’ side. With just three minutes on the clock, James Wilson pounced on a rebound after Shankland’s effort had clipped the post, giving the hosts an early lead. But despite their dominance, the early promise faded into a flat and predictable first half.

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Dunfermline were gifted a route back into the match when Beni Baningime’s careless back-pass was seized upon by Josh Cooper, who finished confidently to level the scores.

Watch the highlights in the embedded Bluesky post below. Original footage from Premier Sports.

youtu.be/97jmX5l1x2Y?... Hearts v Dunfermline highlights. #PremierSportsCup

[image or embed]

— Super News Affiliate (@sup3rnew5affiliate.bsky.social) 13 July 2025 at 11:34

That equaliser gave the Championship side a foothold in the match and they looked capable of taking it to penalties. But Shankland’s composure from 12 yards swung the momentum back in Hearts’ favour.

There was still time for Stephen Kingsley to add gloss to the scoreline with a stylish fourth, ensuring a satisfying opening night for McInnes and a hero’s return for Shankland.

Hearts now face a trip to Broadwood on Tuesday in their next match in Group E. Another win will mean they're very close to progression to the next round.