[monks data]

Scottish Premiership

Aug 2, 2015 at 12.30pm UK

Hearts
4-3
St Johnstone

Juanma (4'), Walker (53'), Paterson (62'), Nicholson (80')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Lappin (56'), Sutton (75'), Cummins (78')

Match Report

Football

Hearts win seven-goal thriller against St Johnstone on top flight return

By Chris O'Keefe, Reporter | 02 August 2015

Hearts beat St Johnstone in a seven-goal thriller on their return to the Scottish Premiership.

Hearts have marked their return to the Scottish Premiership with a dramatic 4-3 victory over St Johnstone at Tynecastle.

The Jambos were ahead inside four minutes when Juanma was allowed space to shoot before slotting into the bottom corner of Alan Mannus's net.

Graham Cummins of St Johnstone celebrates after scoring during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian FC and St Johnstone FC at Tynecastle Stadium on August 2, 2015 © Getty Images

St Johnstone were almost level moments later after Joe Shaughnessy headed narrowly over from a set piece.

Hearts pressed for a second after the break, with Juanma going close, but the Edinburgh outfit were awarded a penalty after Mannus's trip on Sam Nicholson.

Osman Sow saw his spot kick saved before Jamie Walker followed up to tuck home the rebound.

The Perthshire side gave themselves hope of a fightback after Simon Lappin scored from close range.

Sam Nicholson, of Hearts celebrates with team mate Morgaro Gomis after scoring during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian FC and St Johnstone FC at Tynecastle Stadium on August 2, 2015 © Getty Images

The hosts restored their two-goal advantage just after the hour mark when Walker turned provider for Callum Paterson to score.

Hearts threw away their lead as John Sutton pulled a goal back with 15 minutes left before St Johnstone looked to have rescued a point as Graham Cummins scored a third moments later.

However, Nicholson scored with ten minutes remaining to register the Jambos' first victory back in the top flight.