The holders, St Johnstone, began their defence of the Scottish Cup with a hard-earned 2-1 win against their Premiership rivals Ross County in one of 14 fourth-round matches in Scotland.
The Perth side were 2-0 up within the first 12 minutes and looked to be cruising towards Monday’s fifth‑round draw before County made them stress with a second-half revival.
Michael O’Halloran gave the home side the lead in the seventh minute and five minutes later the reigning champions already looked comfortable as they went two goals up with a stinging drive from James McFadden. However, County pulled a goal back just after the hour mark through Jake Jervis and made Saints fight all the way.
Keith Watson sent Dundee United into the fifth round following an emphatic second-half comeback against Motherwell. He proved the hero when he headed home a cross by his fellow full-back Conor Townsend with eight minutes left to seal a 2-1 victory at Fir Park for last season’s runners-up.
Steven Thompson’s return from injury failed to inspire St Mirren to victory in their Cup clash with Inverness as they were held to a 1-1 draw. Thompson, the captain, back after three months on the sidelines with a groin injury, played a part in Marc McAusland’s early goal at St Mirren Park.
But the Buddies could not hold on as Caley Thistle set up a fourth-round replay on Tuesday with Josh Meekings’ equalising goal 19 minutes into the second half.
Annan Athletic and Brechin will also replay after a 1-1 draw at Galabank. Ryan Stevenson’s first two goals of the season booked Partick’s place in the fifth round with a deserved 2-0 victory over Hamilton at Firhill.
Hibernian had to come from behind to avoid a cup upset and beat Alloa 2-1 at Recreation Park. The hosts went ahead after 15 minutes when a long-range effort from Daryll Meggatt squirmed underneath the Hibs goalkeeper Mark Oxley. But Hibs hit back 13 minutes later through Liam Craig’s powerful free-kick and the visitors took the lead before half-time when David Gray headed in a Scott Allan cross for what proved to be the winner. Hibs had to play the last three minutes with 10 men after Dominique Malonga was dismissed for an off-the-ball incident.
In the other cup ties, a late strike from Jack Beesley gave Lowland League side Spartans a 2-1 win against Morton, Abroath’s comfortable 5-0 win ended Junior side Bo’ness United’s cup dream and Queen of the South beat Brora Rangers 4-1 at Palmerston Park. Raith beat Stirling 2-0 to progress but Stranraer and Dunfermline shared a 2-2 draw and will replay.
