Falkirk ended Hearts’ Scottish Cup interest at the first hurdle as Elton Kabangu’s miss in the penalty shootout proved crucial.
Lawrence Shankland’s spot-kick had forced extra time for the Scottish Premiership leaders after substitute Ben Parkinson’s opener put the visitors in front in the second half.
However, Shankland limped off in extra time, meaning he could not take part in the shootout and all five Falkirk takers held their nerve, with Parkinson sealing a 5-4 win against the Premiership leaders.
Parkinson was one of three half-time substitutes sent on by John McGlynn after a fairly tame first half and his finished emphatically from close range following Filip Lissah’s enterprising run on the right.
Tomas Bent Magnusson thought he had put the hosts in front not long before that but, upon a VAR review, the midfielder was judged to have used an arm after benefitting from a defensive slip.
Debutant Islam Chesnokov joined Hearts’ attack from the bench and was fouled by Leon McCann to give Shankland the chance to convert and bring Hearts level.
Extra time ensued and Calvin Miller smacked in a shot that had Alexander Schwolow at full stretch before Shankland made way.
Louie Marsh fired straight at Alexander Schwolow from close range as Falkirk pressed for a winner and team-mate Dylan Tait was booked for simulation after going down in the box.
Blair Spittal, Alexandros Kyzaridis, Piere Landry Kabore all netted before Kabangu sent his wide and Harry Milne’s conversion forced a decider.
Parkinson made no mistake, as Brad Spencer, Liam Henderson, Brian Graham and Tait had done likewise.
