On February 10, 2025, football lovers were treated to a thrilling Scottish Cup fifth-spherical match between St. Mirren vs. Hearts of Midlothian (Hearts) at the SMiSA Stadium in Paisley. The recreation became a testimony to the drama and unpredictability that makes football so captivating, culminating in a penalty shootout that saw Hearts develop to the quarter-finals.
Match Overview
The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Hearts securing a 4-2 victory in the resulting penalty shootout. St. Mirren took the lead in the first 1/2 of via Mikael Mandron, however Hearts equalized past due in the 2nd 1/2 of thru Calem Nieuwenhof. The impasse endured via more time, leading to the decisive penalty shootout.
First Half: St. Mirren’s Early Dominance
St. Mirren commenced the match assertively, growing numerous early possibilities. In the 4th minute, ahead Toyosi Olusanya discovered himself in a promising role but was not able to capitalize. The leap forward got here in the twenty third minute while captain Mark O’Hara’s shot became parried through Hearts’ goalkeeper Craig Gordon, permitting Mandron to match the rebound from near range.
Second Half: Hearts’ Resilience
Hearts emerged from the halftime damage with renewed vigor, looking to overturn the deficit. Despite going through a well-prepared St. Mirren defense, they endured to press ahead. Their endurance paid off in the 84th minute while substitute Calem Nieuwenhof, making his comeback after a prolonged harm layoff, scored the equalizer. This purpose rejuvenated the traffic and set the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
Extra Time: Deadlock Persists
Both teams had possibilities to steady a winner in the course of more time, however neither ought to discover the decisive purpose. St. Mirren’s Declan John compelled a extraordinary keep from Gordon, whilst Hearts’ James Penrice noticed his free-kick expertly stored through Zach Hemming. The match remained level, mainly due to the tension-stuffed penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout: Gordon’s Heroics
In the shootout, Hearts displayed composure and precision. James Wilson, Kenneth Vargas, Jorge Grant, and James Penrice all transformed their spot-kicks. Craig Gordon emerged as the hero, saving consequences from Oisin Smyth and James Scott, making sure of a 4-2 victory for Hearts.
Key Performances
Craig Gordon (Hearts): The veteran goalkeeper’s important saves in the course of the penalty shootout have been instrumental in securing Hearts’ development to the quarter-finals.
Mikael Mandron (St. Mirren): Demonstrated sharp attacking instincts to provide his team an early lead.
Calem Nieuwenhof (Hearts): Marked his go back from harm with a pivotal equalizing purpose, showcasing dedication and skill.
Post-Match Reactions
Hearts’ head coach, Neil Critchley, praised his team’s resilience and highlighted the considerable contributions from each pro gamers and newcomers. St. Mirren’s manager, Stephen Robinson, expressed unhappiness on the end result however counselled his team’s overall performance and the aggressive spirit displayed at some stage in the match.
Have St Mirren gained the Scottish Cup?
Yes, St. Mirren have won the Scottish Cup 3 times in their history. Their victories got here in the following years:
1925–26 – St. Mirren defeated Celtic 2-0 in the final.
1958–59 – They triumphed over Aberdeen 3-1 at Hampden Park.
1986–87 – Their most recent Scottish Cup victory got here with a 1-0 win in opposition to Dundee United after more time.
This 1987 victory stays considerable because it became the ultimate time a membership of Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, or Hibernian gained the opposition till 2010.
When did Hearts ultimately win a trophy?
Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) ultimately gained a main trophy in the 2011–12 season, after they lifted the Scottish Cup.
2012 Scottish Cup Final
Date: May 19, 2012
Opponent: Hibernian (Edinburgh Derby)
Score: Hearts 5-1 Hibernian
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow
Notable Players: Rudi Skácel (scored two times), Darren Barr, Ryan McGowan
This victory became specifically memorable because it came in opposition to their fierce metropolis competitors Hibernian, making it one of the most well-known Edinburgh Derby matches in history.
Since then, Hearts have reached cup finals (Scottish Cup: 2019, 2020, 2022) however misplaced on every occasion, two times to Celtic and as soon as to Rangers. They hold to compete for home silverware and are frequently in the latter tiers of cup competitions.
St mirren vs Hearts lineups
On February 10, 2025, St. Mirren confronted Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) in the Scottish Cup Fifth Round at The SMiSA Stadium. The match concluded 1-1 after more time, with Hearts advancing 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
Starting Lineups:
St. Mirren:
Formation: 3-5-2
Goalkeeper: Zachary Hemming
Defenders: Marcus Fraser, Alexandros Gogić, Richard Taylor
Midfielders: Ryan Alebiosu, Caolan Boyd-Munce, Mark O’Hara (Captain), Killian Phillips, Declan John
Forwards: Toyosi Olusanya, Mikael Mandron
Hearts:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Craig Gordon
Defenders: Adam Forrester, Lewis Neilson, Jamie McCart, James Penrice
Midfielders: Cameron Devlin, Beni Baningime, Alan Forrest, Blair Spittal, Elton Kabangu
Forward: Lawrence Shankland (Captain)
Substitutions:
St. Mirren:
Elvis Bwomono changed Ryan Alebiosu (70′)
Greg Kiltie changed Mark O’Hara (90′)
Oisin Smyth changed Caolan Boyd-Munce (90′)
Evan Mooney changed Toyosi Olusanya (90+2′)
James Scott changed Mikael Mandron (110′)
Luke Kenny changed Killian Phillips (111′)
Hearts:
Michael Steinwender changed Lewis Neilson (52′)
Sander Kartum changed Alan Forrest (63′)
James Wilson changed Cameron Devlin (63′)
Gerald Taylor changed Adam Forrester (83′)
Calem Nieuwenhof changed Blair Spittal (83′)
Jorge Grant changed Lawrence Shankland (105′)
Kenneth Vargas changed Elton Kabangu (105′)
Match Highlights:
23′ Goal: Mikael Mandron (St. Mirren) scored, giving his team an early lead.
84′ Goal: Calem Nieuwenhof (Hearts) equalized, bringing the rating to 1-1.
Penalty Shootout: Hearts triumphed 4-2, with success from James Wilson, Kenneth Vargas, Jorge Grant, and James Penrice.
Upcoming Fixtures and results
St. Mirren
Recent Results:
January 25, 2025: Aberdeen 0–3 St. Mirren
February 1, 2025: St. Mirren 0–1 St. Johnstone
February 10, 2025: St. Mirren 1–1 Hearts (Hearts gained 4–2 on consequences) – Scottish Cup Fifth Round
Upcoming Fixtures:
February 16, 2025: St. Mirren vs. Hibernian at 2:00 PM
February 22, 2025: Rangers vs. St. Mirren at 3:00 PM
February 26, 2025: Hearts vs. St. Mirren at 7:45 PM
Heart of Midlothian (Hearts)
Recent Results:
January 25, 2025: Hearts 3–2 Kilmarnock
February 1, 2025: Dundee 0–6 Hearts
February 10, 2025: St. Mirren 1–1 Hearts (Hearts gained 4–2 on penalties) – Scottish Cup Fifth Round
Upcoming Fixtures:
February 16, 2025: Hearts vs. Rangers at 12:00 PM
February 23, 2025: St. Johnstone vs. Hearts at 12:00 PM
February 26, 2025: Hearts vs. St. Mirren at 7:45 PM
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Hearts advanced to the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, wherein they may be set to stand Dundee at Tynecastle Park. St. Mirren, whilst exiting the cup, will aim to channel their commendable overall performance into their upcoming league fixtures.
FAQs
How did the penalty shootout unfold?
Hearts converted 4 penalties, whilst St. Mirren scored . Craig Gordon saved St. Mirren’s attempts, securing the win for Hearts.
Who had been the standout performers in the match?
Craig Gordon’s goalkeeping heroics, Mikael Mandron commencing goal, and Calem Nieuwenhof’s equalizer had been outstanding contributions.
What are the following fixtures for each team?
Hearts will face Dundee in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, whilst St. Mirren will pay attention to their upcoming league matches.
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