Tony's the hero as County dump Hearts

ROSS COUNTY 0 HEARTS 0 AET Ross Co won on penalties

HEARTS left the Highlands hanging their heads in shame last night as Ross County sent them crashing out of the Cup after a penalty shoot-out.

Ex-Barnsley goalkeeper Tony Bullock was the hero with two fabulous spot-kick saves from Steven Boyack and Thomas Flogel - and also scored from the mark himself.

The sides were locked 0-0 after extra-time with Hearts failing to impose themselves.

It proved a memorable all-round team effort from County, who were valiant losers in a penalty-kick decider in the same competition at Tynecastle three years ago.

The Dingwall side found themselves on the back foot early on with some positive running from a Hearts side clearly determined to avoid an upset. But after a jittery start, County settled into some decent passing possession.

Richard Hastings, impressive in midfield, was scythed down by Steve Fulton in the 22nd minute and later limped off, with Steven Mackay taking his place.

After an awkward tumble, Stephane Adam was stretchered off and replaced by Andy Kirk.

As extra-time loomed, Hearts brought on Juanjo for Fulton. The visitors were unlucky not to score in 80 minutes when Andy Webster hit the post with a header .

But the game went to extra time and the thrilling penalty shoot-out.

ROSS COUNTY: Tony Bullock, Perry, Hastings (Mackay 33), Maxwell, Irvine, Webb, Boukkra (McQuade 71), Cowie, Bone, Hislop, Robertson. Subs not used: Millar, Dlutonski, Gomzalez.

HEARTS: Niemi, Mahe, Pressley, McKenna, Severin, Flogel, Adam (Kirk 60), Boyack, Neilson, Webster, Fulton (Juanjo 79). Subs not used: Sloan, Simmons, McKenzie.

Referee: Garry Mitchell.

Taken from the Daily Record