Hearts 5-0 Airdrieonians: Daniel Stendel claims first win

Daniel Stendel earned his first win as Hearts manager as his side comfortably beat League One Airdrieonians in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

Andy Irving opened the scoring in the first half before goals by Sean Clare and Steven Naismith eased any fears.

Euan Henderson netted his first for the club, before Craig Halkett added a late fifth to wrap up the win.

• Proud Naismith is new captain

Stendel's selection contained plenty of young faces and his side took the game to their lower-league visitors from the whistle.

A midfield crammed full of the exuberant hope of youth was guided by an experienced front line and after just seven minutes the new manager's tactics seemed to be working like clockwork.

From a corner, Irving and Naismith combined before the 19-year-old midfielder shimmied inside his marker and confidently curled the ball inside the back post.

Hearts looked determined to play at a quick tempo but injuries to Aaron Hickey and Michael Smith broke up an opening half that Hearts dominated without ever really running away with.

A 1-0 interval lead could have caused some nervousness in Stendel's struggling side, but they began the second half as they had started the first and within 13 minutes had put the game to bed.

Naismith had a goal disallowed for offside just before Clare doubled the lead. Ben Garuccio's cross was headed out but only to the Englishman, who volleyed into the far corner.

Hearts could now smell blood. Naismith added a third four minutes later, gleefully converting after Henderson's darting run and cross.

Airdrie looked battered and Hearts continued with wave after wave of attack as they attempted to exorcise a few demons at Tynecastle.

Naismith returned the favour for Henderson with a similar dart and delivery allowing the teenager to score his first Hearts goal.

And one last moment of joy was to be had when Halkett tapped home a corner without a marker in sight.

Hearts manager Daniel Stendel: "It was what we expected of our performance. It was good and we had even more chances.

"For us it was important to get that experience after a period of time without winning a game. It will give us a lift for the next game against Ross County."

Airdrieonians manager Ian Murray: "I don't think we deserved to lose by five goals. I'm not saying Hearts didn't deserve to win, because when you win by five you generally do, but I felt five was harsh on the players.

"They worked tirelessly for themselves. So we'll take it on the chin and move on."