Hamilton Academical 0-0 Ross County (AET, 5-3 on penalties)

Hamilton and Ross County could not be separated in 120 minutes

Championship strugglers Hamilton Academical took a Scottish Cup scalp by beating top-flight Ross County on penalties after a goalless draw.

Top scorer Andy Ryan's spot-kick sealed a 5-3 win in the shoot-out.

County striker Jordan White - linked this week with a January move to St Johnstone - had his penalty saved by Ryan Fulton, which handed the advantage to the hosts.

It means John Rankin's side progress to Sunday's draw for the last 16.

Momentum is gradually building for Hamilton, who despite being bottom of the second tier, have now won their last three games in all competitions.

They narrowly missed the best chance of the match when substitute Dario Zanatta's header crashed off a post.

On loan Kilmarnock defender Dylan McGowan was also unlucky to see his cushioned volley go straight into the arms of Ross Laidlaw.

County had threatened on occasion in normal time, with Jordy Iwula working Fulton before Owura Edwards and Nohan Kenneh fired over.

White's glancing header was also close for the visitors, whose manager Malky Mackay said pre-match that the striker "is not going anywhere" because he still has 18 months on his contract.

Player of the match - Ryan Fulton

The Accies goalkeeper had a fairly busy match and did well to deny a few County players during the initial 120 minutes, but his crucial penalty save when White stepped up for the first spot-kick was vital in giving the hosts a psychological advantage.

What they said

Hamilton manager John Rankin: "It was a long afternoon, one that we'll enjoy tonight. It was a difficult game. To keep a clean sheet against a Premiership team speaks volumes for what we're trying to do.

"It was a free hit for us. We were relaxed going up to the penalty spot. We're on a good run. That's three games we've won on the trot. I think that's the first time the club's done it since 2008. That's an achievement in itself."

Ross County manager Malky Mackay: "It's was a day when we end up having 40 crosses and 24 shots and we don't put the ball in the net. We had a lot of play in and around their box and a lot of chances.

"It's one of those days. I can't be too critical of their performance, they were excellent. We dominated from start to finish. To have the amount of shots and crosses that we did and not to have scored is an anomaly."