Sparta strike on the double to break Hearts

HEARTS’ European hopes were hanging by a thread after losing 2-0 to Sparta Prague in their UEFA Cup first round, first-leg tie at Murrayfield.

A Daniel Kolar goal after 34 minutes gave the Czech side a deserved interval lead and at times only Jambos keeper Craig Gordon held the visitors at bay.

However, in the 71st minute Gordon had no chance when Sparta substitute Miroslav Matusovic fired in number two from the edge of the penalty area to seal a comfortable win.