JJ Williams marked his first start with a goal as on-form Hearts booked a return to Hampden with a sure-footed 3-0 Premier Sports Cup quarter-final victory away to Championship leaders Stenhousemuir.
The American forward, who joined from Rhode Island last month, produced a clinical finish in the 35th minute to break the resistance of Marvin Bartley’s Stenny side, who came into their first national cup quarter-final since 1975 buoyed by knocking Motherwell out in the previous round.
Further goals from the lively Rogers Mato and forgotten man Yan Dhanda secured a sixth domestic win in a row – and a ninth unbeaten in all competitions – for Wouter Vrancken’s Jambos as they became the first side to book their place in the semi-finals of a tournament they have not won since 1962.
Vrancken made six changes to the team that started Sunday’s Premiership win over Dundee, including rotating his whole front four.
The Jambos made a bright start and threatened within the opening 30 seconds as Sabri Guendouz headed wide from Sabah Kerjota’s cross.
Stenny managed to keep the visitors at bay for much of the opening half hour, however, and they had a couple of attempts of their own, with Kinlay Bilham firing over from 12 yards before Scott Bright saw a free-kick held by Beau Reus.
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Hearts created a good chance in the 31st minute but Williams headed straight into the arms of goalkeeper Darren Jamieson after being picked out by a cross from Mato.
The bustling American was not to be denied, however, and he opened his Hearts account four minutes later when he pounced to lash home a loose ball from six yards out after Stuart Findlay had nodded the ball back into the danger area following a corner that was not dealt with by the hosts.
The Jambos’ tails were up and Christian Borchgrevink saw a shot blocked as he surged into the box before the second goal arrived in the 39th minute.
Playmaker Guendouz slipped a nicely-weighted pass into the left channel for Mato, who surged clear before slotting an angled finish beyond the exposed Jamieson from eight yards out.
Hearts had further opportunities before the break as Williams was denied by Jamieson from Guendouz’s cutback before Laurent Mendy curled an effort inches over from the edge of the box.
As the half wore on with the Jambos in full control of the tie, Vrancken turned to his bench and introduced – among others – Dhanda for only his second appearance since July last year after he spent last season on loan at Dundee.
With injuries to other midfielders paving the way for the former Ross County player to make a rare appearance in the matchday squad, he staked his claim for further involvement by adding Hearts’ third of the night in the 74th minute with a well-executed volley from six yards after Williams had nodded Borchgrevink’s cross from the right back across goal.
