Airdrionians 1-4 Hearts of Midlothian: First-half blitz sends Hearts through to the quarter-finals

Hearts secured a comprehensive victory over Airdrionians to advance to the Scottish Cup quarter-finals against Morton, with Laurence Shankland taking his tally of goals for the season to 24.

Scotland striker Shankland doubled his tally with a sumptuous chip in the second half, capping a fine performance that guaranteed Hearts a trip to another second-tier side next month.

Airdrie won a few corners early on and looked for a foothold against their top-flight opponents, but they were broken by a fine goal from Hearts.

Shankland started the move by linking up with Nieuwenhoff in his own half, and a deft one-touch pass found Alex Cochrane on the left.

The English defender lifted his head to pick up Shankland's run and the 28-year-old headed home.

They came close to leveling the score when Mason Hancock's header hit the bar, but just seconds later they were two points behind.

Craig Halkett sent a great pass over the top into Vargas' stride, and the Costa Rican forward had his first shot saved by Josh Rea, but inadvertently crossed the line and followed up with a huge away support. It made me happy.

Jubilation turned into dreamland as soon as Nieuwenhof made a left-footed chop, deftly feinted his defender to the floor and fired a shot into the bottom corner of the goal.

Airdrie continued to play the ball with confidence despite the scoreline, and Frizzell ghosted Hancock's cross into the box and headed it home to pull one back.

The pace of the game slowed after the break and Hearts missed a great chance to equalize when Alan Forrest hit a superb Shankland backheel over the bar.

The Hearts captain showed Forest the way and produced a fine finish after Scott Fraser forced Rea into goal.

Forest's shot went wide as Hearts chased a fifth goal, but nothing dampened the mood in the away end as Hearts remained in excellent form with their 10th win unbeaten in 11 games.

More to come.