Player ratings: Hearts v Falkirk

Feb 9 2009

HEARTS

Janos Balogh: Crazy wander off his line almost gifted Higdon a goal before Lovell caught him in no man's land for winner. 5

Robbie Neilson: Great run and cutback created golden chance for Glen. 7

Marius Zaliukas: Caught by a ball over the top and compounded his mistake to earn third red card of the season. 4

Christos Karipidis: Slotted into the back four with Berra gone and dragged out of position. 5

Lee Wallace: Started with real purpose but less bold as game wore on. 6

DavId Obua: Decent in the air but nowhere near enough of an influence. 5

Michael Stewart: Mopped up in front of the back four. 6

Bruno Aguiar: Looked side's best hope of creating something. 6

Andy Driver:Positive down the left and almost won a penalty. 6

Eggert Jonsson: Honest effort but no chance in alien role. 5

Gary Glen:Wasted two great chances. 5

Subs:
Laryea Kingston - almost levelled with overhead kick, 3.
Calum Elliot - little impact after replacing Glen. 2.

FALKIRK

Dani Mallo: Brave and agile to deny Glen in the first half. 7

Jackie McNamara:Needed to use all his experience against Driver and Wallace. 6

Lee Bullen:Put his head in where it hurt as side fought to keep their lead. 6

Steven Pressley: Great block to deny Karipidis. 7

Darren Barr: Heroic. Bloodied and battered but a terrific display. Did get away with a handball claim against him, though. 8

Dean Holden: Got benefit of the doubt over challenge on Driver inside the box. 7

Arnau Riera:Was busy in midfield. 5 Scott Arfield: Terrific shift and double nutmeg of Aguiar and Stewart was classic but picked up late second booking. 6

Neil McCann: Veteran has lost none of his fire and competitive edge. 6

Michael Higdon: Almost headed an opener before being denied by offside flag. 6

Steve Lovell: Leapt to head a brave and winner to send his side into the last eight. 7

Subs:
Carl Finnigan - livewire brought on in bold Hughes change, 4.
Patrick Cregg - on with four minutes left, 1.
Burton O'Brien - same as Cregg, 1.

Taken from the Daily Record