Hearts break gallant Gretna

Hearts 1 Gretna 1 (pens 4-2)
HEARTS lifted the Scottish Cup for the seventh time but needed a penalty shootout to see off the brave second division champion today

There were no further goals in extra-time but Hearts won the shootout 4-2.

Hearts's caretaker boss Valdas Ivanauskas was thrilled for the club's supporters but paid tribute to Gretna.

"We've had a long, hard, fantastic season, one of the best in Hearts's history and the players showed their mental strength to win today," said the Lithuanian.

"If we had scored a second goal it would have been easier and when you miss so many chances you can lose the game so I'm very happy to have won.

"I knew how difficult Gretna would be and we showed them respect but it really was difficult. They have a big chance to win promotion to the Scottish Premier League next season as they are a very strong team.

"Winning the Cup was great for our fans and now the party can begin."

Gretna manager Rowan Alexander was proud of his team.

"We've played this way all season but now we've proved we can compete with top-class opposition and have shown Scotland and the world what Gretna are all about," he said.

"We were a little bit in awe of Hearts at first but once we settled we caused them problems and the players deserve a huge pat on the back.

"The Hearts fans showed their appreciation of our performance and that was overwhelming."

Hearts opened the scoring in the 39th minute when Robbie Neilson's long throw-in towards the penalty spot was missed by everyone and bounced towards Skacel at the back post. He swivelled to fire a left-foot shot into the corner of the net.

But Gretna refused to concede, and in the 75th minute got its reward when awarded a penalty kick after referee Dougie McDonald ruled Lithuania midfielder Deividas Cesnauskis had fouled John O'Neil in the area.

McGuffie was the man given the responsibility from the spot and, though his first effort was blocked by Craig Gordon low to his right, the Hearts goalkeeper could not hold the ball and the Gretna midfielder buried the rebound to take the game into extra-time.

There were no goals in extra-time, though Hearts was reduced to 10 men, and lost its regular penalty taker, when Hartley received a second yellow card after lashing out at Derek Townsley.

But the Edinburgh side was still able to score four times from the spot, with Gordon saving Townsley's penalty kick and then Gavin Skelton firing his shot against the crossbar to ensure Hearts was celebrating at the end.

But Gretna left Hampden with heads held high and can look forward to playing in the UEFA Cup next season – thanks to its final appearance and Hearts's qualification for the Champions League.

HEARTS 1 (Skacel 39)
GRETNA 1 (McGuffie 76pen)
Hearts won 4-2 on penalties
Referee: D McDonald
Crowd 52,232 at Hampden Park

Agence France-Presse