The Tynecastle club not only emerged victorious in the first all-Edinburgh final in a major competition for over 100 years, they thoroughly embarrassed their arch-rivals with a 5-1 victory at Hampden Park.
However, such a significant piece of football history in the Capital came within seconds of not occurring at all. After a draw in Gorgie, Hearts were staring down the barrel of a fifth-round exit at McDiarmid Park after Murray Davidson gave hosts St Johnstone the lead with just seven minutes remaining.
Seconds remained on the clock when Suso Santana went down under the attentions of former Hearts favourite Alan Maybury and referee Brian Winter pointed to the penalty spot.
Jamie Hamill kept his cool to tuck away the spot-kick, sending the match to extra-time where captain Marius Zaliukas would net a 117th-minute winning goal to keep Paulo Sergio’s men on the path to destiny.
. 14/02/12 WILLIAM HILL SCOTTISH CUP 5TH RND REPLAY ST JOHNSTONE V HEARTS MCDIARMID PARK - PERTH The Hearts players mob team mate Marius Zaliukas (hidden) after his goal secures the win for the away side
The Hearts players mob team mate Marius Zaliukas (hidden) after his goal secures the win for the away side Photo: SNS Group Sammy Turner
. GK - Jamie MacDonald
The goalkeeper is currently plying his trade with Raith Rovers, notably putting in a man-of-the-match performance in a recent win over Hearts. Photo: SNS Group Garry Williamson
. DR - Jamie Hamill
The scorer of the 94th-minute penalty is still in football with Stranraer. He has also started a new career as a joiner. Photo: SNS Group Sammy Turner
. DL - Danny Grainger
The scorer of the 2012 Scottish Cup final penalty is now manager of Workington, who play in the Northern Premier League North West Division. He just this week signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal. Photo: SNS Group Rob Casey
. DC - Marius Zaliukas
The Lithuanian scored his late winner and would go on to lift the trophy as Hearts captain. Sadly, the club legend passed away last year after a battle with MND. Photo: SNS Group Sammy Turner
1. GK - Jamie MacDonald
The goalkeeper is currently plying his trade with Raith Rovers, notably putting in a man-of-the-match performance in a recent win over Hearts. Photo: SNS Group Garry Williamson
2. DR - Jamie Hamill
The scorer of the 94th-minute penalty is still in football with Stranraer. He has also started a new career as a joiner. Photo: SNS Group Sammy Turner
3. DL - Danny Grainger
The scorer of the 2012 Scottish Cup final penalty is now manager of Workington, who play in the Northern Premier League North West Division. He just this week signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal. Photo: SNS Group Rob Casey
4. DC - Marius Zaliukas
The Lithuanian scored his late winner and would go on to lift the trophy as Hearts captain. Sadly, the club legend passed away last year after a battle with MND. Photo: SNS Group Sammy Turner