A controversial penalty helped Hearts into the Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-finals as Michael Stewart completed their comeback in a 2-1 win over Dunfermline.

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo had warned against a repeat of last season's home defeat by Dunfermline's Irn-Bru First Division rivals Airdrie, but they trailed to Graham Bayne's goal at half-time.

However, Suso Santana headed an equaliser despite the visitors' appeals over an earlier infringement, and Hearts moved in front in the 74th minute after Brian Winter adjudged Neil McGregor to have fouled David Obua. McGregor claimed his challenge was a fair shoulder charge but Stewart sent Hearts through.

Dunfermline have lost their last three league matches without scoring a goal but they started confidently and Hearts centre-back Jose Goncalves got away with a strong penalty-box barge on Nicky Phinn.

And the hosts were behind in the 15th minute when Bayne ran on to Greg Ross' reverse pass and fired a shot that Janos Balogh let slip through his body.

Marius Zaliukas headed home Craig Thomson's 35th-minute free-kick but the offside flag was raised and the Lithuanian volleyed well over from the same source a minute later.

Alex Burke cleared Obua's header off the line following right-back Craig Thomson's corner and Greg Fleming blocked the Uganda midfielder's follow-up.

Dunfermline centre-back Andy Dowie was fortunate to avoid punishment for a penalty-box block on Santana that looked at least an obstruction.

But the Spaniard netted in the 57th minute when he deftly headed home Obua's delivery after the midfielder had retrieved an overhit cross.

Thomson was not far away with a 45-yard chip after seeing Fleming off his line but Hearts soon took the lead. McGregor gave the ball away to Obua but appeared to have recovered possession with a shoulder charge on the Hearts midfielder. However, Winter pointed to the spot and Stewart sent Fleming the wrong way.