Holders Dundee Utd reach quarter-finals

Dundee United remained on track to retain the Scottish Cup yesterday as they ran out 3-1 winners over Hamilton in their fifth round tie at New Douglas Park.

Jon Daly headed United into the lead after 20 minutes before a deflected Paul Dixon shot made it 2-0 before the break.

Mickael Antoine-Curier pulled one back for Hamilton but Prince Bauben made sure of Dundee United’s place in the quarter-final draw with a goal on the hour mark.

Scottish Premier League side Motherwell were made to work hard for their 2-0 away win over Third Division opponents Stranraer.

Craig Malcolm twice came close to giving the home side the lead before Steven Jones put Motherwell ahead just before the break.

It took until the 82nd minute for Motherwell to increase their advantage when John Sutton fired home Chris Humphrey’s cross.

Ayr’s hopes of taking another top-flight scalp were dashed when they were defeated 2-1 by St Mirren at Somerset Park.

Hibs’ conquerors found themselves 2-0 down at the break thanks to a Craig Dargo double but Mark Roberts pulled one back in the 58th minute to ensure a tight finish.

Inverness booked their place in the quarter-finals with a comprehensive 5-1 win over First Division Morton.

Former Hibernian player Chris Hogg scored on his debut to add to doubles from Richie Foran and Adam Rooney. Derek Lyle scored a consolation goal for Morton.

Highland League side Buckie Thistle were knocked out following a 2-0 home defeat by Second Division Brechin City with David McKenna and Rory McAllister scoring the only goals of the game in the first half.

The match between St Johnstone and Partick Thistle was postponed while the Old Firm clash is the pick of the fifth round ties today when Rangers take on Celtic at Ibrox.

Scottish Cup – 5th round
Ayr 1 - St Mirren 2
Buckie Thistle 0 - Brechin 2
Hamilton 1 - Dundee Utd 3
Inverness CT 5 - Morton 1
St Johnstone p - Partick Thistle p
Stranraer 0 - Motherwell 2

Playing today
Aberdeen-Dunfermline - 16:00
Rangers-Celtic - 13:15

First Division
Queen of South 1 - Dundee 2
Ross County 1 - Cowdenbeath 1
Stirling 1 - Raith Rovers 3

Second Division
Airdrie Utd 1 - Peterhead 0
Alloa 2 - Dumbarton 3
Stenhousemuir 0 - Forfar 1

Third Division
Arbroath 3 - Albion 0
Clyde 0 - Annan Athletic 2
Elgin 1 - Montrose 0
Queen’s Park 2 - East Stirling 0