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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Liam Bryce

Robbie Neilson declares Hearts 'want to make history' as Jambos boss blown away by Connor Ronan screamer

Robbie Neilson insists high-flying Hearts are out to make history as they surged into a Scottish Cup semi-final.

The Jambos triumphed 4-2 over St Mirren in an enthralling Saturday night contest to secure their place at Hampden in April.

Tynecastle was treated to a thrilling 90 minutes as Saints roared back from two goals down only for the Jambos to retake control.

Beni Baningime and Peter Haring had put the home side in control before Eamon Brophy and a sensational long-range strike from Connor Ronan levelled the tie in the second period.

But sub Aaron McEneff proved the difference, turning home with only his second touch before setting up Ellis Simms for a decisive fourth.

Hearts last won this competition a decade ago and Neilson has eyes for making it a special 10-year anniversary with European qualification and some silverware to boot.

He told BBC Scotland: "That's what we're here to do, we're here to win football matches, win cups.

"Europe's great if we can get third position but we want to try and make some history. I spoke to the boys about that before the game.

"But we've still got two more games to go and we still need to secure that third spot.

Neilson admits he was blown away by Ronan's equaliser for the visitors, labelling it the best he's seen during his reign at Tynecastle.

"It was a great game, to be honest with you, a proper cup tie," he continued.

"I was right behind that second goal for St Mirren, I don't think I've seen a better one in my full time here.

"So I'm really pleased to get through. At times, we played really, really well. We were decisive in attack, especially counter attacking.

"We knew we'd have to deal with St Mirren physically, going direct with diagonals and we managed to do that at times."

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