Aberdeen’s interest in the Scottish Cup ended at the first hurdle as Callum Paterson’s second minute goal gave Hearts victory in a pulsating encounter at Tynecastle.
The Dons were off the pace in the first half and were punished by an impressive Jambos side before rallying in the second half.
But for all Aberdeen’s pressure they failed to trouble Neil Alexander in the Hearts goal.
The Dons found themselves trailing with just two minutes on the clock when Alim Ozturk headed Sam Nicholson’s corner into the six yard box where Callum Paterson glanced a header past Danny Ward to stun the visitors.
Aberdeen were stung by the loss of the early goal and the Jambos swarmed all over their opponents in a dominant opening and Nicholson should have doubled the advantage after Ward spilled the ball but he found the side netting.
The Dons only attacking effort in a disappointing first half came from a Niall McGinn free kick and a frustrating first 45 minutes was compounded by the loss of midfielder Willo Flood to a hamstring injury.
Aberdeen’s performance was greatly improved in the second half and Andy Considine should have equalised for his side but he angled his shot wide of Neil Alexander’s goal while Ward showed good handling to keep out a couple of Osman Sow’s shots as Hearts searched for a second goal to kill of the Dons’ cup hopes.