Robbie Neilson is hoping Hearts can take 'the next step' and become Scottish Cup winners again after coming so close in three of the last four seasons as he hailed Stephen Humphrys after the 2-0 last 16 win over Hamilton Accies.
The Jambos were so close to glory in the Covid-delayed showdown with Celtic in 2020 having lost out to the Parkhead men the year and last season the Hampden showpiece with Rangers went to extra time but they lost out as the Ibrox men scored twice.
The Gorgie men last tasted success in 2012 in the legendary 5-1 hammering of Hibs, having knocked their city rivals out of this season's tournament in the last round.
Neilson said: "We've been in finals in the last couple of years and lost on penalties and in extra-time, just not been able to take the next step. Hopefully this year with the experience we've gained we can take the final step."
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On-loan Wigan striker Humphrys bagged his fifth goal of the season when he fired home from a tight angle in the 29th minute. Fresh from scoring from his own half against Dundee United last weekend, Humphrys had several other efforts at goal in a one-sided first half.
Neilson said: “He’s a finisher – he gets into the box and he can shift it left and right-foot and score. There’s a lot of stuff to polish up on but he’s a threat.”
Accies came into the game in the second half but Zander Clark made a couple of saves and Hearts regained control just before Cammy Devlin forced home the clincher in the 79th minute.
Neilson said: “We started really well, controlled the first half and got the goal. But not getting the second goal always puts you under a wee bit of pressure and I thought second half we were a wee bit slack and there was a period where we started overplaying.
“To Hamilton’s credit they put us under pressure. They never created massive amounts but the changes coming on gave us that lift.”
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