They were up against a very lively young Hearts, who ran out comfortable winners.

But the visitors did have a five man fresh input in the second half that proved too much for the shorthanded homesters.

With absent new boss Stuart McKean already committed to a holiday, as were some players, the Penicuik line up was makeshift to some extent.

But new signings - defender Kris Steel (local player signed from Alloa), Darren Moonie (striker ex-Whitburn ) and full back Graham Gallagher (ex- Armadale) made their mark, the latter coming on as a second half substitute as Athletic only had the two subs on the bench while the Hearts bench was overflowing!

Penicuik's other newcomer striker Colin McDonald was also holidaying as was top goalscorer Martin Cameron while, of course, Chris Gordon has moved to join fellow Premier Division Musselburgh Athletic.

The 5-0 scoreline was a tough start to the season for Penicuik, who are due to play Ayrshire cracks Auchinleck Talbot in a friendly on Saturday, August 2.

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