Deep into stoppage time and goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal denies the Pars a late equaliser, saving superbly from Aidan Connolly.

Brilliant from start to finish from Ayr, with Dundee target Lawrence Shankland putting in another cracking performance.

He got things going for Ian McCall's men, volleying home after a simple ball into the box. He doubled the lead too after converting a Daniel Harvie cross. Michaell Moffat capped Ayr's afternoon with a third.

Dundee rarely threatened and lost their discipline completely. Sofien Moussa sent off just 15 minutes after coming on for two bookable offences. Then, in the final minute, Genseric Kusunga was dismissed by John Beaton for a lunging challenge.

Worrying times for manager Neil McCann.

Image source, SNS

Dominant Aberdeen crush St Mirren's cup dreams at Pittodrie with a number of impressive performances.

Gary Mackay-Steven and Scott Wright, in particular, lit up the game, with Stevie May also scoring his first goal since March.

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Already three behind to the team from the league below and with striker Sofien Moussa sent off, Premiership outfit Dundee are down to nine men as midfielder Genseric Kasunga is shown a red card after a bad foul on Michael Moffat.

Danny Johnson's first-half goal is enough to settle the tie at the Tony Macaroni Arena, with both sides hitting the woodwork.

Steven Lawless' 25-yard volley for Livingston rattled the crossbar, while Allan Campbell and Johnson both hit a post with efforts.

But Johnston made no mistake when he was left unmarked a few minutes later.

Despite the tight scoreline, dominant Motherwell were worthy winners.

After reaching two finals last season, Stephen Robinson's men continue their fine cup form and just one game stands between them and another trip to the national stadium.

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Allan Preston
BBC Scotland summariser at East End Park

Scott Pittman heads wide for Livingston. They can't find that goal that would take this game to extra-time.

It was coming. Mark Kerr wins a header in midfield after a long ball and is clattered into by none other than Sofien Moussa.

The Tunisian striker has only been on the pitch for about 20 minutes but seems to have done his very best to make sure he won't finish the match.

John Beaton shows him a second yellow. Mission accomplished.

Andy Stirling is so close to giving Queens the lead as the midfielder makes a penetrating run deep into the Saints half before unleashing a drive that strikes the face of the crossbar.

Paul Mitchell
BBC Sport Scotland

Dundee boss Neil McCann is furious with substitute Sofian Moussa - already yellow carded - and goes in for a hard challenge on Daniel Harvie that he didn't need to make. Words exchanged. His team a goal down. Does he sub the sub just in case??

Sofien Moussa is a lucky boy. The striker was booked minutes after replacing Jean Alassane Mendy for a high challenge and has just flown into another tackle.

He can consider himself fortunate to avoid a second yellow car.

Confirmation that Kyle Lafferty replaces the ineffectual Uche Ikpeazu up front as Hearts seek a winner at East End Park.

The Northern Ireland striker has been benched since Rangers had an offer rejected and with negotiations still continuing.

Allan Preston
BBC Scotland summariser

Faissal El Bahktaoui goes close again as the Pars hit Hearts on the break. Ryan Williamson scampers away and flights the ball over to the striker, whose hitch-kick volley is well saved by Zdenek Zlamal.

So close for Saints as Drey Wright fires a shot across goalkeeper Allan Martin and off the post.

Sofien Moussa plays a quick one-two and finds himself in space, but Ayr's Jamie Adams makes an important challenge.

A lively introduction for the striker, who has already squared up to Ayr defender Daniel Harvie and been booked.

Dundee are chasing this game and Neil McCann shakes things up. Sofien Moussa replaces Jean Alassane Mendy. Dundee need something special from the big striker.

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