Hearts discover Scottish Cup quarter-final fate as…

Hearts discover Scottish Cup quarter-final fate as Robbie Neilson's men bid to go all the way

Hearts have discovered their Scottish Cup quarter-final fate as they bid to go one better than last season.

Robbie Neilson's men battled it out with Championship strugglers Hamilton Accies under the lights on Friday night to kick-off the weekend of action that ends with Darvel's clash with Falkirk tonight. The Jambos dumped city rivals Hibs out in the last round before defeating John Rankin's men thanks to strikes from Stephen Humphrys and Cammy Devlin.

The Gorgie men lost in the showpiece last season against Rangers and have lost out in the final on numerous occasions in recent times. They are now in the last eight and just one game from a Hampden return in the semi-final while just two games stand between them and a chance at lifting the famous old trophy. European football is also up for grabs and it is Celtic who stand in the way of Hearts and reaching the last four. Ties will be played on the weekend of Saturday, 11 March.

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Speaking after the fifth round win, Neilson said: "These games are always difficult. Hence why the game was on TV on a Friday night, the broadcasters are hoping there will be an upset like there has been in previous rounds. So, for us, it was about getting through, and we’ve managed to do that. I thought in the first half we were comfortable, but in the second half we didn’t get to the levels we expect, but we’ve managed to get over the line.

“It’s the joy of the cup. Sometimes these teams can put you under pressure. Hamilton are sitting at the lower end of the Championship and I thought they were excellent tonight. They had nothing to lose, so it was up to us to control the game and ultimately win it.

“I’m delighted to send the fans home happy. It was the biggest away support ever at this ground. That just shows the outstanding backing we have from the fans. I thought the noise they made helped the boys get over the line in the end.”