Elton Kabangu nets second-half brace as Hearts claim cup comeback win at Brechin

Elton Kabangu marked an impressive first start for Hearts with a second-half brace as his side staved off a Scottish Gas Scottish Cup upset with a 4-1 comeback victory over Brechin City.

After a stunning opener from Scott Bright, Hearts avoided a giant-killing with Yan Dhanda netting an equaliser just before half-time, while Kabangu set the Jambos on their way to the next round after Kevin McHattie’s own goal.

The Belgian attacker made his first start for Hearts after arriving on loan from Union St Gilloise as Adam Forrester, Dhanda and Kenneth Vargas were also included in the starting XI.

The Highland League side looked a threat in possession with Marc Scott a lively figure as he latched onto a Fraser MacLeod ball but his low strike did not trouble Craig Gordon as it hit the side-netting.

Brechin took the lead after 23 minutes in stunning fashion with Bright rifling a 35-yard beauty past the stranded Gordon, giving the Jambos custodian no chance after a Spencer Moreland cross was deflected into the path of the on-loan St Johnstone defender.

The Premiership side responded five minutes before half-time as Beni Baningime slipped in Dhanda, who cut inside and curled the ball beyond the reach of Brechin goalkeeper Lenny Wilson for his second goal since arriving at Tynecastle in the summer from Ross County.

Any danger of a shock at Glebe Park was averted as the Jambos took the lead seven minutes after the interval as Kabangu sent an inviting cross into the box that McHattie could only divert goalwards as the onrushing Vargas made sure it crossed the line.

Kabangu – who made his debut off the bench against Aberdeen last time out – then marked a fine first start by scoring his first goal in Hearts colours just after the hour mark.

Vargas’ cross was clawed away by Wilson only as far as the striker, who turned his back to goal before twirling round and firing low past a packed home backline to mark an excellent start to proceedings at Tynecastle.

It was job done as Hearts added the gloss after 79 minutes as James Wilson capitalised on a loose pass from McKay before unselfishly slipping in Kabangu, who made no mistake in keeping his composure as he secured his brace with a cool finish past Wilson.