Hearts once again needed penalties as they finally defeated Queen of the South to book their place in the quarter-finals of the League Cup.
An epic third round tie remained all-square after 90 minutes and extra-time with spot-kicks eventually separating the two sides.
Jamie Hamill, Chris Mitchell and Michael Paton all failed to convert from the penalty spot, with Dale Carrick’s strike sparking celebrations in the home camp.
Hearts had also needed penalties to overcome Raith Rovers in the last round.
Kevin McHattie fired the Jambos into the lead last night but his opener was cancelled out by Ryan McGuffie, with the scoreline level at half-time.
The home side nudged in front again through a Hamill penalty only for Paton to haul Queens back in the match and force the third round tie into extra-time.
Danny Wilson then netted just two minutes later but, unbelievably, the visitors restored parity again thanks to Chris Higgins.
Scott Vernon’s second-half hat-trick helped ensure Aberdeen did not suffer another embarrassing choke against lower-league opposition as Falkirk were swept aside 5-0.
Joe Shaugnessy had given the Reds a 22nd-minute lead while Cammy Smith added a second nine minutes before the break as Derek McInnes’ team made a positive start to the tie.
And they sealed their place in the quarter-final draw with Vernon’s treble as a comprehensive 5-0 success was wrapped up.
Vernon came off the bench after 30 minutes as McInnes admitted the striker was only handed an early run out because Calvin Zola was flirting with a red card.
He said: “That’s him got four goals in two games, but he’s probably only had about 80 minutes within that. So he’s averaging a goal every 20 minutes right now.
“Goals are like a drug to strikers and bring them so much confidence. He has a real spring in his step which is pleasing.”
James McFadden scored with a backheel to secure Motherwell’s passage into the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over 10-man Livingston.
Bob McHugh had opened the scoring on 15 minutes when he headed home from close range following a well-worked set-piece.
Livi had their fair share of possession but they could not test Gunnar Nielsen in the Motherwell goal and they saw defender Jason Talbot sent off in the 65th minute for a challenge on Stevie Hammell.
McFadden settled the issue five minutes later. Hammell’s cross was driven back across goal by Lionel Ainsworth and the Scotland forward flicked the ball into the far corner from six yards for his first goal of the season.
Livi scored with their first shot on target in injury-time when Danny Denholm bundled home.