Heart of Midlothian 1-1 St. Johnstone

Hearts were held to a 1-1 draw against ten man St Johnstone in Sunday's William Hill Scottish Cup 5th Round tie at Tynecastle.

David Templeton put the Jambos in the driving seat with a fine effort after just ten minutes. The visitors then had David MacKay sent off for a second bookable offence in the second half, but were rescued by a Cillian Sheridan strike minutes later.

Paulo Sergio made three changes to the side that lost to Inverness two weeks ago, the most notable being the absence of first choice keeper Marian Kello who missed out due to a back injury. Jamie MacDonald, having recently signed a contract extension, therefore deputised between the sticks.

There were also returns for captain Marius Zaliukas and David Templeton, with Darren Barr dropping to the bench and John Sutton missing out altogether.

The game enjoyed a relatively lively start, with Murray Davidson and Ryan McGowan registering shots on goal for either side during the opening stages, but it was the Jambos who took the lead on the ten minute mark.

McGowan fed the ball to Templeton on the left and the winger immediately cut in towards goal; measuring his shot before firing a low drive from twenty yards into the bottom left corner.

Hearts were unable to sustain their momentum, however, as the Saints gradually began to impose themselves. Their five man midfield enabled them to enjoy their fair share of possession, but a well-organised Maroon defence ensured that goal scoring opportunities remained at a premium.

The home side then could have doubled their advantage shortly before the interval as Templeton once again found himself free on the left.

He made his way into the box before squaring the ball to Scott Robinson on six yards, but the youngster miscued his shot and it was easily collected by Peter Enckelman.

The Saints came flying out the traps for the second half and almost pulled level within sixty seconds; Francisco Sandaza's header from five yards rattling MacDonald's crossbar after a fine delivery from substitute Sheridan.

The visitors continued to lay siege on the Maroon goal; Murray Davidson forcing MacDonald into a save from close range as Sergio's men struggled to cope with the Perth side's bright start to the second period.

The home side weathered the early storm, however, and were incensed on the hour mark when referee Craig Thomson waved away a penalty appeal after Mackay appeared to handle the ball inside the area.

Hearts soon began to impose themselves again, with Templeton once again at the centre of their attacking play. His cross from the left found Stephen Elliott on the back post, but the Irishman failed to get the necessary power behind his header and Enckelman collected the ball with ease.

The Saints hopes of getting back into the game were then dealt a blow on 73 minutes as Mackay was sent off for a second bookable offence after raising his foot in a challenge on Templeton.

Within seconds of the dismissal, however, Sandaza was sent clear through on goal but his scoffed shot was easily saved by MacDonald.

Minutes later, Sheridan found himself in a similar position as he beat the Maroon offside trap. He raced clear of the defence and calmly slotted the ball past the outstretched MacDonald to level the scores with less than fifteen minutes remaining.

The visitors continued to trouble the Jam Tarts despite their numerical disadvantage, with Sandaza in particular proving to be quite the handful.

The home side then went agonisingly close following a surging run from McGowan down the left flank. The Australian knocked the ball back to Templeton from the byline, the latter proceeding to weave his way past three yellow jerseys before seeing his shot blocked by Enckelman.

Templeton then made way for Andrew Driver in the 89th minute as the Gorgie side went in search of a late winner. They were unable to make further headway during the three minutes of injury time, however, as the Saints eventually held on to secure a replay.

Attention now turns to Wednesday night's league clash with Celtic at Tynecastle.

Hearts: MacDonald; Hamill, Webster, Zaliukas, McGowan; Black, Mrowiec, Robinson, Skacel (Taouil 76), Templeton (Driver 89); Elliott. Subs not used: Ridgers, Barr, Glen.

St.Johnstone: Enckelman; Mackay, Anderson, McCracken, C.Davidson; Croft (Keatings 83), Morris, M. Davidson (Millar 77), Robertson (Sheridan 45), Craig; Sandaza. Subs not used: Mannus, Oyenuga.

Referee: Craig Thomson

Top man: David Templeton

Hearts World