Match Report: PTWFC 1-4 HMWFC (AET)

Eva Olid made one change to the side that was defeated by Glasgow City during the week, as Gwen Davies replaced Rebecca McAllister.

With the later kick-off of 6 PM, the Jambos had clearly been eagerly awaiting their time to take the field, as they started like a train and could’ve gone ahead inside the opening minute.

In what would turn out to be a first half theme, Jenny Smith got to the byline on the right and her teasing cross just needed to be tapped home, but there were no takers for Hearts in the middle.

Hearts continued to threaten through deliveries from Smith down the right and the dead-ball specialist, Ciara Grant, who delivered plenty of dangerous crosses in the opening period.

By the time we reached the halfway stage, Hearts would’ve been wondering how they weren’t ahead and after a lovely flick from Georgia Timms, Monica Forsyth did the hard part, by beating two Thistle defenders, before sliding her effort just wide of Lauren Grant in the Thistle goal.

The Jam Tarts were continuing to dominate possession and finally got their reward eight minutes from half-time. Forsyth, who was playing more centrally today, floated a lovely ball over the top for Davies, who after rounding Grant, stayed on her feet and crossed for Timms, who bundled the ball into the empty net from close range.

Into the second half, and considering their defensive qualities this season, Hearts would’ve fancied themselves to progress with a second goal. Timms almost provided it four minutes after the restart. Hearts broke at pace and when Michie slipped in Hearts’ number nine, her low strike was well saved by Grant.

The chances continued to come for Hearts, but they were punished for not taking any of them on the hour mark when Clare Docherty was left unmarked in the box to head home Cara Henderson’s cross.

Hearts didn’t let that goal phase them however and they almost went back in front after 75 minutes. A clever corner routine saw Addison Handley test Grant from distance before Jenny Smith’s follow-up was brilliantly tipped off the crossbar from the Thistle stopper.

The Jambos almost snatched it at the death when Emma Brownlie’s cross was almost diverted into their own net by a Thistle defender, but after 90 minutes the sides couldn’t be separated, so extra time was required.

Hearts would’ve felt annoyed not to have put this tie to bed within the 90 minutes, but they soon re-established their lead ten minutes into extra time through substitute Katie Rood. After receiving the ball on the left touchline, she cut inside and curled a perfect finish into the top corner.

That would’ve been a goal fit to win any tie, but Hearts weren’t satisfied with that and Cailin Michie ensured they had a comfortable lead at the halfway stage of extra time by curling home a cute layoff from the edge of the box.

Ciara Grant added the icing on the cake in the final minute with a stunning free kick as Hearts booked their place in Monday evening’s quarter-final draw.

Partick Thistle: Grant, Slater, McCulloch, Falconer, McGowan, Docherty, Donaldson, Bulloch, Taylor, Henderson, Ferguson

Subs: Delziel, Murphy, McGlashan, MacDonald, Robinson, Fisher, Longcake

Hearts: Parker-Smith, Brownlie (Cowan, 106), Hunter ©, Grant, Forsyth (Rennie, 70), Timms (Anderson 105), Smith, Handley (Penman, 106), Sampson, G. Davies (Rood, 77), Michie

Subs: Currie, Penman, Anderson, Rennie, Rood, Cowan