Edinburgh | Hearts ease to win over Stirling Albion

Stirling Albion 0 - 4 Hearts

Hearts hit four goals for the third match in succession to all but seal top spot in Premier Sports Cup Group E, brushing aside Stirling Albion at Forthbank Stadium.

Author | Mark Lee

Stadium | Forthbank Stadium

Craig Halkett opened the scoring with a firm header from Alexandros Kyziridis’ deep cross, before turning provider as his knockdown was nodded home by Claudio Braga.

The third arrived before the interval, Kyziridis thumping a shot into the roof of the net after Alan Forrest’s delivery had only been partially cleared.

READ MORE | Sports news from across Edinburgh

READ MORE | Football news from your area

In the second half, Hearts nearly scored a fourth goal right from the start. Claudio Braga sent a well-placed ball across the goal, which found Lawrence Shankland. However, Shankland's flicked effort was expertly parried by Derek Gaston once again.

Hearts boss Derek McInnes made full use of his bench during these 2nd 45 minutes, introducing five substitutes. Halkett was eventually credited with the fourth goal, although there was some confusion. Stuart Findlay appeared to challenge for the rebound after Derek Gaston blocked the initial effort, but the final touch was awarded to Halkett.

The away side's domination included some controversy. Hearts were awarded a corner in the build-up to one goal, despite no clear touch from a Stirling player. There were further protests from the home side after the fourth goal, with Stirling players surrounding referee Dan McFarlane to claim that Findlay had kicked the ball from Gaston’s grasp on the goal line.

A fifth goal for Hearts nearly occurred with four minutes remaining as substitute Sander Kartum played a beautiful through-ball to James Wilson. The young player sprinted down the middle, but his angled strike was tipped around the post by Gaston.

Hearts now sit on nine points, six clear of Dunfermline Athletic, Hamilton Academical and Dumbarton. Stirling remain bottom, having yet to register a point. While Hearts and Stirling have one game remaining, the other three sides still have two fixtures to play.