Hearts continued their impressive form by scoring four goals for the third consecutive match, maintaining their perfect record in Premier Sports Cup Group E with a decisive victory over Stirling Albion at Forthbank Stadium.
Craig Halkett opened the scoring for Derek McInnes' team, heading in a deep cross from Alexandros Kyziridis. Halkett then provided a headed assist for Claudio Braga to nod in the second goal.
Before the break, Kyziridis added a third goal, shooting high into the net after Alan Forrest's cross was partially cleared.
In the second half, Braga and Kyziridis were substituted as McInnes made use of five substitutes. Halkett was credited with Hearts' fourth goal when Stuart Findlay attempted to make contact as Derek Gaston tried to block the initial header, but the goal was awarded to Halkett.
There was some controversy surrounding Halkett's double, as Hearts were awarded a corner leading up to the first goal despite no apparent touch from a Stirling player. Albion players later confronted referee Dan McFarlane after Hearts' fourth goal, claiming that Findlay had kicked the ball from Gaston's hands on the line.
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