Pars 0, Hearts 1

Dunfermline had their hearts broken after a narrow defeat saw them exit the Betfred Cup.

Up against the current Premiership leaders, Athletic looked lively and produced the best chances of the game but received a body blow with just over ten minutes left when Hearts netted the winner.

Fresh from Allan Johnston’s young team’s cup midweek success at Inverness, Dunfermline looked hungry for more cup success.

One change was made to the team who had lost against Ross County last weekend with Daniel Devine starting in place of Joe Thompson who was relegated to the bench.

Fans had to ensure a frantic start to the tie before both teams settled down.

The Pars defended in numbers and looked quick and assured on the counter attack and it was the home team who should have gone ahead when the game was less than ten minutes old only to be thwarted by the pesky woodwork.

Faissel El Bakhtoaui was put through just inside the box. He angled his effort towards the goal however it shaved off the post and out for a goal kick.

The Jambos thought they should be given a chance of getting on the score sheet soon after when Ashcroft challenged Ikpeazu in the box however their appeals for a penalty were ignored by referee Bobby Madden.

A superb ball across the goal from Jackson Longridge gave Dunfermline another chance on the 19th minute park however Hippolyte couldn’t get his head to it.

A minute later, the away team were shouting for a penalty again when Garuccio went down but, again, there was no whistle from the man in black.

Hearts came close on 35 minutes with a long range effort from Olly Lee but his shot deflected off Lee Ashcroft and went out for a corner.

The away side continued to press but the Pars got themselves behind the ball and cleared any danger.

Just before the break, Myles Hippolyte had another chance when he picked up the ball just outside the box and curled a shot just up and over.

The premiership team came out more brightly for the second half but Dunfermline defended in numbers and seemed able to cope with what was thrown at them.

The Pars continued to create chances and a Jackson Longridge cross nearly put El Backhtaoui in on 53 minutes however he couldn’t get on the end of the ball.

The striker was nearly through one on one with the keeper soon after but he was floored by Hearts captain Souttar before being able to get to the ball.

On the 68th minute, Faissal could have taken all the glory but for the agility of Jambos keeper Zlamal. Ryan Williamson pulled the ball back for the French Moroccan who produced a magnificent, acrobatic volley which was tipped over.

Dunfermline went behind on 78 minutes. Olly Lee got the ball in the box and slotted past Robinson to put his side ahead.

Athletic piled on the pressure in the final minutes and Hearts had their goalkeeper to thank again for not having to go to extra time.

Devine had his headed shot palmed over the bar and the resulting corner saw Louis Longridge’s effort go over too.

The Pars nearly levelled in the closing seconds with a goalmouth scramble which saw substitute Connolly and El Backhtaoui have shots blocked but it wasn’t to be.

Dunfermline Athletic Robinson, Craigen (Ryan 85), Longridge J, Devine, Durnan, Ashcroft, Williamson, Vincent, El Bakhtaoui, Longridge L, Hippolyte (Connolly 80).

Subs: Gill, Morrison, Higginbotham, Thomson, Smith Hearts Zlamal, Smith, Souttar, Haring, Lee, Naismith, Hughes (Bozanic 45), Garuccio, MacLean, Ikpeazu (Lafferty 69), Mulraney (Morrison 78).

Subs: Doyle, Cochrane, McDonald, Burn.

Yellow cards: Souttar (65)

Referee: Bobby Madden

Attendance: 8601