Hearts B secured a late 1-0 win at Kelty Hearts last night in the final matchday of the KDM Evolution Trophy.
The Wee Jambos' fate in the competition will be decided elsewhere, with Hibs B's match at Montrose postponed - delaying the final league placements.
But victory in Fife gives them a fighting chance of progression, against the backdrop of the tragic news of club hero Gary Kirk's passing earlier in the day.
Kelty went on the attack with eight minutes on the clock, Innes Murray dancing his way to the edge of the box and threading a searching ball through the lines; with no takers in a home shirt.
The young Maroons had a chance of their own after 15 minutes; Bobby McLuckie's corner finding the head of Robbie Flockhart - but his nod at goal flashed over the crossbar.
Chances were at a premium in the first 45, but goalkeeper Jack Lyon was called into action on the half hour mark, tipping an Innes Murray effort over the bar after the Fife forward broke through the Hearts line.
Jaedon Donker and Bobby McLuckie would both test Kyle Gourlay in the Kelty goal, but the stopper emerged with the ball on both occasions from their respective drives at the target.
Innes Murray gave Hearts one more fright before the break - hitting a curling effort at goal - but his effort went behind as both sides headed in scoreless at the half's conclusion.
Bobby McLuckie led the Hearts attack from the restart, twice testing Gourlay as the Wee Jambos emerged with the bit between their teeth - watching one strike ripple the side netting before Gourlay tipped his second hit over the bar.
The introduction of Dom Plank to proceedings brought some spark as the game wore on; drilling a low strike towards the bottom corner that prompted another save.
Fellow sub Callen Robb would also send a chance wide, before Gregor Crookston saw a dig from distance whiz inches over the crossbar.
With four minutes to go, the winner arrived; a Plank cross was swept into the box and Connor Dow showed killer instinct to tuck the ball home and secure the win on an emotional night for the Wee Jambos.
Hearts: Lyon, Crookston, Lister, Smith, Dow, Stevenson (Plank 75'), Wilson, Donkor (Robb 75'), Flockhart, McMeekin (Muirhead 60'), McLuckie (Ross 89')
Subs: Tas, Ross, Plank, Radcliffe, Muirhead, Kelly, Robb
