Scottish Cup: Three things we learned as Hearts win another Edinburgh derby
It was a cold and frosty weekend across Scotland, resulting in some postponements in the Scottish Cup. However, the majority of the scheduled matches took place as every team had their eyes set on getting their name in the hat for the next round.
Here are three things we learned in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round…
Hearts wreak havoc in Leith
HIBERNIAN 0-3 HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN
It was business as usual for the Jambos as they recorded their second Edinburgh derby victory in a month. Hearts were the overwhelming favourites going into the tie as Lee Johnson’s men continue to underperform this season.
Hibs had a chance to open the scoring early as Aidan McGeady crossed the ball toward the feet of Josh Campbell, but his flicked attempt hit the post. It was not long after that the visitors got the breakthrough as Josh Ginnelly got on the end of a loose ball and smashed it into the bottom corner of the net.
With 20 minutes left of the game, Lawrence Shankland ended any hopes for the hosts as he dribbled through the Hibs defence and finished wonderfully past David Marshall. The goal would be a memorable one for Shankland as he became the first Hearts player to score 20 goals in all competitions since John Robertson in the 1991/92 season.
Toby Sibbick scored in added time to get Hearts their third goal of the match and put them through to the Scottish Cup Fifth Round. However, the pressure keeps building for Lee Johnson after three wins in 14 matches.
Clinical Celtic put five past Morton
CELTIC 5-0 GREENOCK MORTON
It was a dominating performance from Ange Postecoglou’s side as they eased past Championship side Greenock Morton. After a long VAR check, Celtic were awarded a penalty as defender Efe Ambrose looked to have handled the ball in the penalty area. Aaron Mooy stepped up and converted the ball past Brian Schwake to put his side ahead.
It was another moment to forget for Ambrose as his misplaced pass enabled Liel Abada to play in Kyogo Furuhashi, who simply poked the ball under the Morton ‘keeper. The game was put past the reach of Morton when Celtic added their third as David Turnbull finished off a brilliant team goal.
Kyogo got his 20th goal of the season before half time after he curled the ball beautifully into the opposite corner of the net. Despite already scoring four, the Hoops had so many chances to increase the scoreline with Dougie Imrie’s men eagerly awaiting the full-time whistle.
However, with five minutes left to play, Aaron Mooy got his second of the match as a cross from Seed Haksabanovic found the midfielder free in the box. The hosts go through to the Fifth Round hoping they can continue their run to Hampden once again. Whereas for Morton, they will feel they were hard done by as VAR potentially disrupted their game plan to frustrate Scotland’s reigning champions.
Livingston dig deep to find victory at Ochilview
STENHOUSEMUIR 1-3 LIVINGSTON
Three goals in seven minutes ensured Livingston progressed in a hard-fought battle over Stenhousemuir. The Premiership outfit were stunned as the hosts broke the deadlock when defender Nicky Jamieson headed past Shamal George from the corner.
Livingston went into the break a goal down as David Martindale was nowhere near happy with the start his side had made and was adamant for an instant response. The Livi manager got what he wanted when Scott Pitman scored from outside the box to get his side back into the match.
It was not long before the visitors got their second and third goals as winger Steven Bradley scored a brace in the space of five minutes. After he was fouled, Bradley earned a free kick, which he sensationally curled into the top corner putting his team ahead. The Livingston forward was once again in on goal as he was played in by defender James Penrice and comfortably placed the ball beyond Jay Cantly.
Despite the disappointing start, Martindale will be delighted with his side’s response as they go through to the next round. Stenhousemuir will be heartbroken with this result after they took the lead against a top-tier side, but could not find the right mindset to keep Livingston out.
Scottish Cup Fifth Round Draw:
Linlithgow Rose or Raith Rovers v Motherwell
Livingston v Inverness Caledonian Thistle or Queen’s Park
Dundee United v Kilmarnock
Hamilton Academical v Heart of Midlothian
Celtic v St Mirren
Cove Rangers or Ayr United v Elgin City or Drumchapel United
Darvel v Falkirk
Rangers v Partick Thistle
Ties to be played on or around 11/12 February 2023