DUNFERMLINE 1-0 HEARTS

DUNFERMLINE continued their giant-killing act as holders Hearts joined Rangers on their list of Cup victims this season.

The game looked destined for a replay until Pars stopper Scott Wilson popped up in injury time to head home Adam Hammill's cross from the right.

Valdas Ivanauskas and his players will feel aggrieved at their early exit as they created the best chances.

And Fife keeper Dorus De Vries produced a couple of brilliant saves in the second half to keep his side in with a chance of causing an upset.

The first half, though, was a non-event. Neither side got anywhere near top gear and could hardly string two passes together.

It was ugly and forgettable football - a terrible cup tie.

There was no creation from either midfield although Jambos winger Saulius Mikoliunas threatened the Pars defence after five minutes with a dangerous run.

The Lithuanian fell inside the box under a challenge from Wilson and referee Mike McCurry seemed to get it spot on as he waved away claims for a penalty.

The Tynecastle side looked the more likely to open the scoring as strikers Calum Elliot and Michal Pospisil caused one or two problems.

The Hearts hitmen saw much more of the ball than Mark Burchill and Stevie Crawford at the opposite end.

However, both managers weren't happy with how the game was going and urged their players to get the ball into the opposition half more.

Tynecastle new boy Laryea Kingston played in the central midfield role occupied by Paul Hartley before his switch to Celtic.

Kingston showed a few nice touches but his final ball lacked accuracy and his shooting was a bit on the wild side.

If he felt the need, Ivanauskas had a strong bench to choose from.

Roman Bednar and Edgaras Jankauskas are both capable of causing damage and sitting alongside them was Craig Gordon.

Bombed out again, the Scotland keeper had to watch Stevie Banks continue between the sticks.

Vladimir Romanov tried to flog Gordon last month during the transfer window but the player refused to move to Russian football.

It will be interesting to see how his relationship with the club owner unfolds during the next few months. Usually the outcome is predictable, with Romanov getting his way.

The game livened up a little after the break and De Vries had a save to make in 53 minutes when he got down low to clutch a Pospisil strike.

The Jambos kept up the pressure and tricky winger Andrew Driver had a shot cleared off the line by Pars stopper Phil McGuire.

De Vries then denied Mikoliunas with an excellent point-blank save.

A goal looked on the cards for the visitors and Pospisil thought he'd scored with a terrific seven-yard header after a great cross from Elliot.

However, De Vries somehow got down to claw it off the line.

The Dutch keeper then kicked away a deflected header from Marius Zaliukas as Hearts started to turn up the heat.

Dunfermline survived the storm and came close when Crawford was just inches away from getting on the end of Hammill's cross from the left with the goal gaping.

But the Tynecastle troops came storming back to dominate the final stages. Subs Jankauskas and Bednar both came close but the strikers just couldn't hit the target.

Then Wilson broke the deadlock when he rose above everyone inside the crowded penalty area to head high past helpless keeper Banks from six yards. It was an incredible end to the game and one few could have seen coming.

East End Park gaffer Stephen Kenny celebrated to the full and no wonder. With his side bottom of the SPL and staring relegation in the face after failing to score in the last eight league games, this competition may provide them with more delight.

They made it to the CIS Cup Final last season before losing to Celtic and another Hampden appearance can't be ruled out after stunning wins over Rangers and Hearts.

But there was no joy in the Jambos dressing room and the fans were also furious. They have clearly had enough of Romanov's methods and want answers about his baffling decision-making.

But Vlad rarely makes an appearance in Edinburgh these days and it's unlikely he'll be in any rush to come back to face the music.

Last season Hearts finished second in the league and won this Cup.

Romanov's ways have ruined any chance of building on that and yesterday's result may be more than most can take.

REF WATCH

MIKE McCURRY got pelters from both sets of fans during the game but seemed to handle proceedings well. Didn't have too many tough decisions to make and can be satisfied with his performance.

Man Rating: 6/10.