09/02/2014 Sportscene

When it comes to this stage of the Scottish Cup, it is a hard task to

guess what the outcome will be. It is 2-1 Aberdeen! Last year's

runners-up, Hibernian is, did not expect to fall flat against Raith

Rovers. And lead to's Albion Rovers continue to defy expectations.

Albion Rovers scored a second. And today, Dundee United last tasted

Scottish Cup success in 2010, but Jackie MacNamara makes sense his

young sparks produced more against St Mirren at this stage, with all

cards on the table, anything is possible when it comes to the magic

of the Scottish Cup. Good evening, we are dealing with a

double dose of Scottish Cup sports scene -- programme Krug on and

tonight is no different. But Nevin and Steven Thompson joining us. And

his side would round up this weekend with a showdown against Dundee

United. The side Dundee United famously beat last playing the

Scottish Cup seven years ago. And the team from the east is not

lacking in support. They are at the far end, these other bodies. It goes

to Ferguson. And there it goes, St Mirren have

won the Cup. Jubilation of the St Mirren players and their

supporters. They are overjoyed. The underdogs have done it.

With history repeat itself or with United emerge victorious?

Commentator Paul Mitchell. All four divisions being

represented. Two top division sides so far, there's guaranteeing about

and with either competition is unfolding, would expect an extra

spring in the step. United want to prove they can dazzle after shining

so brightly with a stunning November and early November, St Mirren need

more players to shoulder the goal-scoring burden shouldered by

Steven Thompson. Dundee United held by Partick Thistle 21-1. Farid El

Alagui steps onto the bench as Ryan Gauld returns.

John McGinn was booked in both games against Queen of the South than

suspended. Paul McGowan, Kenny McLean and Eric Djemba-Djemba makes

his St Mirren debut. And stop with the Paisley Saints,

his agenda may be to secure a World Cup place with Cameron, but his

dreams may propel St Mirren pass Dundee United today. And at a time

for Ryan Gauld, two substitution appearances in his last three, back

in the starting line-up. And Steven Thompson, 13 goals so far this term.

Certainly the danger mark. Craig Thomson is this afternoon's man in

the middle. In the last three matches, the

victorious team have found the net four times.

The request is more of that, please. And bouncing off the boot their

Jason Naismith. Mark Wilson will come across this left-hand side to

take the first corner of the match. Gary Mackay-Steven had started a

run. A solid header away by McAusland. A good sliding challenge

by Paul Paton. Safety first from Darren McGregor.

Thompson, taking it down, but Cierzniak putting it away.

Almost a decent ball, but Gauld did not get there. Steven Thompson was

onside. And came through and tested the fingers and hands of Cierzniak.

Paul Paton, working towards Gary Mackay-Steven, and effective from

Conor Newton. A chance, but a good hold, Stuart

Armstrong breaking through at the edge of the box. Robertson has

already is there not as he will cause problems down the left-hand

side. -- has already served notice. Great tracking back, taken by Marian

Kello. Eric Djemba-Djemba, already one, might get a quiet word as he

wants fast. Great play into the box, and a terrific recovery challenge. I

wonder if you will be happy enough, Danny Lennon, and his Cowdenbeath

side against Dundee United in the League Cup, Cowdenbeath on the wrong

side of a 5-1 scoreline. Ciftci across, straightened by Ryan

Gauld! -- Street in. Dundee United take the lead after 21 minutes.

Djemba-Djemba could not fear the challenge, he feared a yellow card

coming. Good acceleration by Nadia Nadim G, and Ryan Gauld was another

head of the defender, the first goal for Ryan Gauld here, his seventh of

the season. -- good acceleration by Nadir Ciftci.

A penalty has been given. He was right behind the challenge, Paton

and Wilson look at each other. Kenny McLean into the box, and the two

challenges together may have been innocuous on their own, but Mark

Wilson certainly comes across with a bump and St Mirren have a perfect

chance to get back in the match. Kenny McLean has been successful

from the spot once season. -- this season. Steps up, cool as you like.

The goalkeeper the wrong way, the penalty into the right place and St

Mirren are level, 26 minutes gone. That is how to take a penalty kick.

He was turning away before the ball. Dawn into the corner. -- gone into.

Wonderful control, good save, Marian Kello. He had to look lively here,

great ball in to Gary Mackay-Steven, decent control, ball into the

ground, always making it difficult for a goalkeeper, but Marian Kello

saving it well. Great touch, sliding in was John

Souttar. That is a great ball, and a

wonderful save as well, Ciftci doing the right thing, back across the

goalkeeper, but Marian Kello realised it to, a clip all in, and a

good wave from Marian Kello. Armstrong putting the ball across,

the held up -- the header as well was delicate, but denied.

The first have to comes to a close. Ryan Gauld got the final touch to

steer United ahead after 21 minutes. The penalty calmly tucked away to

bring St Mirren level. It is level at half-time.

And at the start of the second half, Dundee United have reached the water

finals in each of the last four seasons, twice into the semifinals

pages against the Mirren, who have been at the quarterfinals in five of

the last six seasons, will something give this afternoon and go to a

replay? St Mirren, something of the replay experts, seventh of the last

11 Scottish Cup dies ending with replay is. -- replays.

Rankin with a good run, but Marian Kello guarding his post. Quickstart

to second half Dundee United. Rankin causing the problems down the left.

Nice play. Djemba-Djemba had a little nibble, and I'd yellow card

-- a yellow card. Jim Goodwin trying to can someone down, but

Djemba-Djemba just backing into Robertson.

John Rankin taking too long, breaking out wide, and Gary

Mackay-Steven thundered across. United camped in the area. Turned

away again by Marc McAusland. And up temples start to the second half

Dundee United. -- up temp. Got the crowd right into this game.

Kenny McLean missing at the first thing, like to play in a second. --

at the first time, getting to play a second.

It was pressure, pressure and more pressure and eventually Dundee

United find a way through! And Nadir Ciftci, with just one goal in his

last 12, strong with the header, an absolute onslaught from Dundee

United, and in Mirren simply could not clear the lines. Ciftci down to

Gauld, deflection across, and Gary Mackay-Steven bladed up and Nadir

Ciftci did the rest. Out to Gary Mackay-Steven was fortuitous, the

header simply powerful, Dundee United back ahead, Nadir Ciftci the

scorer. Not the start to the second half Danny Lennon imagined. Once

more from his side now. -- wants more. The pressure is telling again.

Ryan Gauld almost finishing this type of -- finishing this off.

Always looks to be in control, and Marian Kello, important fingertips.

United continue to look like you are -- looked the likelier.

Led by Marian Kello. He drew the defender. A wonderful chip across. A

bit more height, who knows? The free kick will go against Gary

Mackay-Steven. He will have to be careful, they are starting to mount

up, the fouls that he has conceded. Denied by the diving figure of

Radoslaw Cierzniak. A great delivery from Gary Teale. Steven Thompson's

header had power. The goalkeeper flung himself to the side. Paul

Paton is furious with the decision. Just enough to bowl over the player,

Kenny McLean. Just driven wide by Darren McGregor.

He is a centre-half with silky skills, he brought it down

beautifully. Plenty of power. A bit unlucky.

He ran into Darren McGregor, there was nowhere for the defender to go.

The Dundee United fans think it should have been a penalty.

Great action at the end of the match. Dundee United wanted a

penalty, did not come. It opened up for Ryan Dow, but Marian Kello keeps

St Mirren in the tie. John Rankin goes down, but there is nowhere for

Darren McGregor to go. If that is given, it is harsh. It will be an

interesting quarterfinals, all four divisions represented.

They will not have time to take the throwing, it is joy for Jackie

McNamara and Dundee United. It was the onslaught at the start of the

second half that for the difference. Dundee United win on the day and

take their place in the quarterfinal of the Scottish Cup. It finished

2-1. We had enough chances to kill the

game, some good chances in the first half, and Marian Kello made a couple

of key saves, you are maybe thinking the worst, but I am delighted to be

in the next round. They click a bit more in the final third. In terms of

the football we have played, we had a feud that failed to bring that

level of performance today. Unfortunately, it is such an

important game, and you do not get a second opportunity. It is not an

easy draw, no matter where we go. Stranraer, it will not be an easy

place to go, they will make it tough for us. Inverness, we would be

looking for revenge. It is a cup tournament, if you want to win the

cup, you have to beat everybody in front of you. I do not care who

comes, we just have to beat them. A fantastic result for Dundee

United, they through to the quarterfinals for a fifth season in

a row. Commiserations, what was your summary? We had a poor first half,

we were too worried about Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong.

We were dropping deep to cover them and we let John Rankin and Paul

Paton dictate the match. Andrew Robertson and Gary Mackay-Steven had

a field day. In the second half, they put us under immense pressure

for the first ten minutes, and you could tell the golf was coming.

Then, they scored, we were under such pressure. In the last 20

minutes, we brought Gary Teale on, excellent to get him back, we

thought we might create something, but too little, too late. We did not

deserve anything. Were Dundee United he deserved winners? Buy a decent

distance. Whether they would get it back, or when they would get it

back, they got it back today, up until 75 minutes, they were the

better side. Ryan Gauld went away, but he came back. The dear city

drifted around, both of them involved.

They got to the byline so many times. It is the willingness to get

forward. We talk about the Dundee United players, Ryan Gauld needed a

lift of confidence after his difficult times, and that is a

brilliant goal. It is a great front post run, he had a good match. St

Mirren got back into the game with a penalty kick. You disagree about the

merits or otherwise! For me, it is a clear penalty. The referee is in a

wonderful position, Kenny McLean is driving with the ball, and Marc

Wilson hangs out a leg. That is where the hit happens. He has

already passed it. Has he brought him down in the box? He has run

directly into the player. It is a tough one, the referee was in a

brilliant position. He did get in the right position. But have a close

look. He placed the ball, he makes the pass. A quarter of a second

later, he is brought down. I concede your point, but I think he runs into

a group of defenders. I do not blame the referee for giving that. They

will call it a score draw! We mentioned now the seat -- Nadir

Ciftci, he has become an important player. Yes, they are all very good

footballers. I was worried about him beforehand, they were losing

confidence, but not here, the confidence was great. I am sure

about the cross. As a striker, you love that cross coming in. But you

are going to talk about defenders. It is the ideal pass, Sean Kelly

could have defended a bit wetter, opened his body up, and put Nadir

Ciftci of, but for me, I would have done the same, you get on top of the

fallback, you do not let him have the opportunity to jump, and it is a

simple goal. Before Christmas, we raved about Dundee United, they went

on a fantastic run of form, then after Christmas, it fell apart.

There were signs today that they have got the flow back. The players

getting confidence, and one of the best ways is to play one and two

touch football between each other. One touch, two touches, quick. The

defenders have not done anything wrong, and it is a great tackle to

stop it. When they were doing that, that is them back to their best. The

speed of the break is fantastic, they are coming at you from a dozen

different angles. Nadir Ciftci's movement is excellent. It is a

wonderful save. He is doing that week in, week out. How did this

affect the way St Mirren played? We were awfully deep, and when we got

forward, we did not have any numbers forward, because we were

concentrating on stopping the quality players. That is a wonderful

pass, and another great save. They are all good footballers, they all

have good vision and touches, at their best. We allowed them to play

today. In the last game against them, we did not allow them to

play. There was a chance for a St Mirren equaliser, it hit your head.

I knew I had made a good connection. It is a good height for the

goalkeeper. I would try to head that down into the ground. I got the

first bit right, but I needed another foot or so lower, and it

might have sneaked in. It was flat cap Sunday for a lot of St Mirren

fans, Eric Djemba-Djemba arrived in a storm of publicity with the fact

cap. St Mirren fans decided to copy his style. How was his debut? As a

former Manchester United player, you will get attention. He is lucky.

Have a look at where the ball is when he makes the tackle, five yards

away. He is not 100% fit, he was not moving quick enough. It is tough,

though. To get shoved into a top game, he did look off the pace. He

has got obvious quality. He is not match fit, he has not played a game

in a couple of months, he has only had three or four days training. The

sartorial choices have made a huge impact, have you got a flat cap?

Unfortunately not, but Pat does. Does it affect his nickname in the

dressing room? Not yet. Is everything nickname? We need to come

up with something. You were a St Mirren fan when they last won the

cup. This could be your last season, maybe next season. The most

frustrating thing, when Celtic were put out, it becomes wide open.

Anybody in the quarterfinals can win it, as we proved last year with the

League Cup. It was an opportunity to put ourselves in the quarterfinal,

but we did not bring enough to the game today. It was a fantastic day

yesterday, the magic of the cup very much in evidence. We start with the

Premiership sides, and there were one or two scalps along the way.

Celtic were unbeaten in their last 18 against Aberdeen, but they have

not beaten them in the Scottish Cup at Celtic Park since 1951. Not the

type Aberdeen wanted, the toughest one on paper, but not the one Celtic

wanted either. A brilliant goal from Anthony

Stokes! A wonderful touch, he battled the ball in. Celtic have the

initiative. It is parity at Celtic Park, Celtic

have finally ceded a goal, and his Russell Anderson who volleys

Aberdeen back on level terms. It is to cut -- it is 2-1, Aberdeen,

he too bored to the game on its head. A wonderful finish. What a

pass to open it up for Peter Pawlett. In off the woodwork.

It is a good ball in by blue to -- by blue -- by Van Dijk, but put

away! Considine of the post, but it stays

2-1. A glorious afternoon for Aberdeen, putting the holders out of

the William Hill Scottish Cup. A famous success for Aberdeen and

Derek McInnes, their second massive victory in the space of one week.

Obviously, you have to respect every other team that is in it, and there

will be seven other teams in that quarterfinal with the same

aspirations, just good to be in the fight.

Hibs continued their love, hate, mainly hate relationship with the

Scottish Cup, but the fate of their travelling supporters would be

rewarded. Superb breakthrough for Raith Rovers! Additives Kevin Moon

who has got them off to a flying start extra mark --!.

Striking from here, lovely, from Sam Stanton, and Hibs with a quick

response to follow behind. The second Raith Rovers goal

additives Dougie Hill that has put his side back in front! -- and it is

Dougie Hill. He is up, Hibs level once more, and Michael Nelson!

It is in the net, additives Grant Anderson -- and it is Grant

Anderson! Wonderful delivery and a wonderfully improvised by Kedah --

improvised back header! Everyone just what does that looked

against the crossbar. And tremendous victory from the Championships died.

Grandmotherly, the ex-Hearts of Midlothian man, steers his side into

the quarterfinals. It looked like business as usual

when Aaron Doran put Premiership Inverness Caley Thistle 1-0 up

against Stranraer, but on the stroke of half-time, the League One side

won themselves a penalty, and Martin Keighley and convicted, 1-1 at the

break. -- and Martin Grehan converted. In the second half, it

looked like another shock in their hands, Jamie Longworth with his

second goal of the season and Stranraer on the verge of a famous

win, but that feeling lasted about a minute, Billy McKay, who else, with

the Inverness equaliser and a replay for Stranraer. A tough game, just

one shot of beating the bigger teams, giving it one shot and we

will give it another go. Forfar Athletic had claimed the

League Cup scalp of Rangers at Station Park back in August, but

Premiership side, St Johnstone, were too much for their hosts.

Flexed in, and it is Stevie May! Good save, but Frazer Wright knocked

it in! Tried this straight -- tried the

strike, and a great effort, but off the bar.

First start for Michael O'Halloran, his first goal and St Johnstone are

at 3-0. Fantastic result for Aberdeen, and I

do not think many people saw that coming, and the two water finals --

two Cup finals will be at Celtic Park. I disappointing not to at

least make it to the final? It is the fact they will not be in either

Cup vinyl, and a real shame, because you think of the utter domination

Celtic have of Scottish football at the moment and they will only have

one of three major trophies at the end of this season, and quite

surprising, and to be out so early, I was quite shocked by it. But the

one team I thought who would have given them a game would have been

Aberdeen, more than anyone else, and the teams put out before hand looked

at Aberdeen and said they had a chance. One of the most memorable

goals scored by Grant Anderson of Raith Rovers.

What did you make of this? If he meant it, it is the nominal, not

sure if he is heading it onto an area behind him, but off the back of

his head, and if he meant it, it is wonderful. I greatly add to put it

weird he put it, an orthodox, but well done. -- great to put it where

he put it. Raith Rovers not the only club

booking a place in the last once. There would be at least one

part-time team in the quarterfinals of the Scottish Cup and it would be

Dumbarton who would edit over the Alloa Athletic wasps. Colin Nish

with the only goal of the game as the sons of the rock reach the

quarterfinal stage for the first time in 35 years. And it might have

been even more convincing for the visitors when goalkeeper Scott Bain

crumpled Chris Cain in the box, but Scott Bain would redeem himself,

before painless experience. -- before pain was experienced.

League One Rangers took on League One Dunfermline Athletic at Ibrox.

A free kick for Templeton. Weird he is dangerous. It comes to Dean

Shiels and Rangers have the early initiative! Club said in, additives

two for Rangers and two for Dean Shiels! -- clips it in and it is

two. That is a third! No doubt surely

about the outcome of this earth round tie. Rangers come forward.

Looking to steam-rollered Duncan at the start of the second half, which

is what Lee Wallace is doing, Dean Shiels tells him to leave it and has

his hat-trick! After they are spectacular,

giant-killing of Motherwell in the previous round, Albion Rovers would

get a spectacular stroke of luck against then house in Europe, Ross

McMillan with a spectacular foul of an own goal -- against

Stenhousemuir. And Gary Phillips put the league side firmly in control.

2-0 up and Albion Rovers stilted conceding they will -- still to

concede a goal, and a chance to change that, but failing. Albion

Rovers celebrating reaching the quarterfinals of the Scottish Cup

for the first time in 80 years. They are favourites now, but again, we

will take it as it comes, you want to dream big and why not? We will

give it our best shot. The draw of the Scottish Cup finals was made and

here it is... I am delighted to say, as if by

magic, the manager of Albion Rovers has joined as in the studio,

congratulations, thank you for joining us. What were celebrations

like? You'll Hibs went on long into the night, judging by some of the

text messages I got this morning. Everyone was ecstatic. What about

this joy you have with Rangers at Ibrox? What does that mean to the

club? Financially, are fantastic left in terms of what we can

generate, and I looked at it from the footballing side of things, and

my priority after the run we have been on is to get us in the best

shape to get something from the game. You have not conceded a goal

in your Scottish Cup run, unbelievable, and Gary Phillips such

a star, getting that first goal against Motherwell to beat them,

such a massive result for you guys, and he has followed it up yesterday

with another strike which was really important. What is he like, how

important has he been? He came from junior football, was playing with

Largs the soul when we signed him and he had a season last year. --

Largs Thistle. He is adjusting to playing professional football and

you will get a series of games with his performance level is a certain

level, such as against Motherwell, when he is performing well, and he

is becoming more consistent, managing himself through games a lot

better, and he has the ability to go further if he continues to develop.

And the brass tacks, how much of a payday will this be for Albion

Rovers at Ibrox? I will leave that to the chairman, but it will do a

lot put us on a better fit. If that has a knock-on effect

financially in terms of allowing me to bring in a British quality of

player, then hopefully that is something we can benefit from next

reason. At least six figures? Depends that

you put the decimal point. You will play Rangers who beat Dunfermline

4-0, a hat-trick from Dean Shiels, and how much of a challenge will

this be? A massive challenge, we have played them before when not

quite settled, but we are more organised and disciplined

defensively and will make a much better game of it this time and make

it more competitive. How much of an achievement is this for Albion

Rovers, in League Two and in the final eight of the Scottish Cup?

Brilliant, the message has to be go and enjoy it. Regardless of what

happens at Ibrox, enjoy the occasion, and try to do your best,

but a phenomenal achievement to get to the quarterfinal, brilliant to

think they could get to the semifinal and win at Ibrox, and I am

not sure whether or not--... It is a frame of mind, and we want to say

anything is possible. There is one expectancy when it is a team won

league above you, and anything is possible, and with the right mental

attitude, we have a chance. The Scottish Cup being the most wide

open for years. Astonishing, and even before the draw, this looked

like a good Scottish Cup for Rangers, getting a draw that suits

them, and this one does, if they can get past the mighty Raith Rovers to

the semifinals, and a home game as well, looking good for them, but in

the end, we are talking about money, but in the end, you are a football

man, it your players will think of one thing only, and do a job. And

there is a chance. Good luck, James. Thank you, and that is it, it is

back to league duty next weekend with the results show on Saturday

afternoon. And Premier ship highlights on Sunday night as well.

If they are half as good as this weekend, we will do all right, 19 is

remaining in the most open Scottish Cup for years, from here, good

night. -- nine teams remaining.