A second half Sean Clare penalty was enough to see off Falkirk as Hearts went through to the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup.
The arrival of storm Ciara during the day ensured windy conditions at the Falkirk stadium with the ball spending the majority of the first half in the air with little football played. Such was the wind and rain that both Clare and Falkirks Pail Dixon were booked as a result of challenges caused by slipping on the Astroturf pitch. Hearts struggled to breakdown a stubborn Falkirk defence and made few clear-cut chances as a reflection of their league form and went into the break goal less.
5 minutes into the second half the game turned on its head as a long ball from the Hearts goalkeeper Joel Pereira to Liam Boyce left the Northern Irishman through on goal where he was brought down by Falkirk defender Michael Doyle. The referee had no doubt in his mind as he awarded Hearts their fourth penalty of the season.
Up stepped newly transitioned right back Sean Clare who is enjoying a current rich vein of form with 4 goals in 6 games. He calmly stepped up sending goalkeeper Robbie Mutch the wrong way much to the delight of the gorgie contingent housed behind the goal.
Falkirk responded well nearly equalising right away as Declan McManus was denied by the woodwork twice from shots outside the box.
Gary Miller nearly bettered McManus with his attempt flying past Pereira but crashing against the crossbar.
With storm Ciara causing havoc and the rain getting worse chances were drying up but Hearts had a great opportunity to double their lead after a deflected shot from Boyce fell to the path of youngster Euan Henderson who could only shoot wide of the post.
Falkirk kept looking for an equaliser but Hearts held on to go through to the next round of the Scottish cup.
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