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.
Falkirk had been hemmed in for much of the first half, without goalkeeper Scott Bain having too much to do.
Parkinson and Kyrell Wilson’s introductions for the second half gave the Bairns a different look and fresh impetus and led to the opener.
Even after the set-back of Shankland’s penalty, Falkirk kept pushing and looked the more likely team in extra time.
Parkinson had already scored his first Falkirk goal since joining from Newcastle this month and his emphatic penalty in front of the travelling supporters ensured his hero status.
For Hearts, the league now becomes their sole endeavour but there is a question mark over Shankland’s fitness and key midfielder Beni Baningime appeared to be playing with a knock in the closing stages of extra time.
This, too, after midfielder Cammy Devlin was ruled out for up to eight weeks and was pictured in crutches at the game.
Hearts manager Derek McInnes: “The players are devastated. It was always going to be a challenging week this, with the way the scheduling was with our third game in six days.
“Disappointed with the goal that was chalked off. I don’t see from the angle I’ve seen an obvious handball there. I thought that was harsh.
“Extra time was just a bit chaotic. It comes down to penalties. Falkirk’s penalties were terrific. Credit to them. Huge disappointment.”
Falkirk manager John McGlynn: “It feels brilliant. The boys had to work so hard. Hearts started like a train, we had to adjust, we had to make changes at half-time.
“Getting to half-time at 0-0 was a bonus and then we played well in the second half. We nearly did it in 90 minutes, but we lose the penalty and then in extra time we were stronger in the end.
“Delighted for everyone at the football club. We’re in the draw and we look forward to that. Looking for a favourable draw. It would be nice to get a home game and hopefully it gives us belief going forward.”
Falkirk host Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership next Saturday (15:00 GMT), with leaders Hearts taking on visitors Celtic the following day (15:00).
