Falkirk 0-1 Hearts: Three things learned as Jambos win Scottish Cup tie

Sean Clare celebrates after scoring Hearts' penalty at Falkirk

Storm Ciara

Howling winds and torrential rain made for what you might call an old-fashioned Scottish Cup tie - if you ignore the Falkirk Stadium's astroturf pitch. The overhead conditions were horrible but, if anything, that helped with the quality of football. Both teams were forced to keep the ball on the ground rather than send it long, whereby possession would become a lottery. One launch from the back did almost result in Falkirk taking the lead in the first half, but Josh Todd's shot was wayward from a good position in behind the Hearts defence.

Joel Pereira

Hearts' under-fire goalkeeper managed a much-needed clean sheet to boost his confidence after conceding some cheap goals in recent matches. He still had a couple of uncertain moments in this tie, though. He needed two attempts to collect a first-half cross, and after the break he palmed down a straightforward high delivery from Josh Todd when it seemed easier to catch. However, for now, he remains Daniel Stendel's first-choice goalkeeper and will be pleased to keep Falkirk out and help Hearts into the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.

Goalframe vital

Falkirk threw everything at Hearts after falling 1-0 behind, striking the post twice and the crossbar. Declan McManus spun to drive a shot against Hearts' right upright and hit the same stick moment later with a low shot across goal. Then Gary Miller lashed an effort off the bar from almost 25 yards. When that happened, many home supporters might have sense it was not to be their night. They might be a third-tier side right now but they gave Hearts a game of it.