4 days ago
Derek McInnes handed brutal Hearts reminder by St Mirren as Premier Sports Cup surge ends
Spot kick revenge was so sweet for St Mirren as the Hearts revolution hit the skids at the SMISA.
Steven Robinson's men suffered shootout agony against the Jambos in the Scottish Cup last season but turned the tables this time with new recruit Malik Dijksteel ramming home the crucial kick after Shamal George superbly kept out an effort from Claudio Braga after the sides were locked after 120 minutes.
Saints had one foot in the last eight after Alex Gogic's sensational first half opener – only for Oisin McEntee's late header leveller.
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Extra time couldn't sort out a winner but it was the Buddies who kept their never from 12 yards to end Hearts' unbeaten start to the season under new boss Derek McInnes.
Saints were good value for their lead after dominating the opening 35 minutes – and the free kick was superbly worked.
Killian Phillips played it short to Declan John and his in-swinging cross caused chaos in the Jambos backline.
It was begging to be stuck away and Gogic obliged in stunning style as he acrobatically smashed his valley past Zander Clark.
The keeper had already kept out a couple of Saints attacks by that stage as the home side dominated.
A couple of headers from Craig Halkett and Stuart Findlay were as close as Hearts got during a frustrating first period.
McInnes made three changes at the break but Phillips forced another Clark stop with a long range rocket.
The Jambos enjoyed more of the ball after the break with subs Braga and Elton Kabunga providing a spark.
Saints were pushed back and the pressure was rising before McEntee thumped home his header from Harry Milne's corner with 12 minutes to go.
McInnes's men came close to a winner but a tired and tense extra time meant it needed penalties to sort it out - but the Saints would win 5-4 in the shoot-out.
Saints Joy
What a week for Saints and manager Steven Robinson. A new contract signed until 2028 and now progress in the League Cup against a Hearts side bursting with confidence.
The Buddies had to dig it out but the first half display was superb. Saints fans can dream of going all the way to Hampden but their side still need a bit more belief in the final third if they are to really hurt teams this season.
Jambo despair
In contrast, this was a massive blow to Hearts after the early season excites of the Tony Bloom revolution.
The Jambos cruised through the group stage and McInnes admitted Gorgie fans had every right to dream of lifting the trophy.
To go out at the first knockout hurdle will hurt the manager as much as the punters and it was a reminder the side are still a work in progress with many new faces still finding their feet.
Engine room motoring
Robinson caused a few eyebrows to raise with his claim his Saints have one of the best midfields in the country.
But they men in the battle ground backed up their gaffer's big praise with their display here.
Mark O'Hara, Keanu Baccus and Phillips were rock solid and they bullied the Jambos at times, especially in the first half.
The three of them are a tough as old boots but have quality on the ball as well. No one will enjoy squaring up with Saints this term.
Hard hitting debut
McInnes handed Pierre Landry Kabore a first start but it wasn't the best of days for the Burkina Faso cap.
He caused uproar in the home end by escaping a card after cementing Shamal George but eventually got booked before the break.
Kabore is no shrinking violet and his pace and power could cause problems but he was hooked at half-time here along with fellow winger Alexandros Kyziridis and midfielder Tomas Magnusson, who was on thin ice after an early yellow and it was replacement Caludio Braga who changed the game only to suffer from the spot.
Scotland calling
Steve Clarke will name his squad soon for the World Cup qualifiers against Denmark and Belarus and there's some questions over who will be his main keeper with Craig Gordon injured and Angus Gunn now back up for Nottingham Forest.
Zander Clark is the main man at Hearts again and on this form he has to be in the frame to get the gloves for his country.
