St Mirren 2
Ayr United 1
Scottish Challenge Cup (Quarter Final)

Match Report

John Sutton scored twice in the final seven minutes as St Mirren came from behind to beat Ayr United and reach the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup.

Andy O'Connell fired the stubborn visitors ahead on 68 minutes.

But Sutton restored parity when he volleyed in a long ball from Stevie Mallan and soon after the big striker poked in from a Kyle Magennis pass.

Lawrence Shankland hit the crossbar and had a header disallowed for shoving as the hosts finished strongly.

The Paisley side are the third Championship side into the last four after delivering manager Jack Ross his first win in five matches since his arrival from Alloa.

The first half really didn't do too much to set the pulses racing, although Ayr keeper Greg Fleming did well to save good efforts from Sutton and Kyle McAllister, before the visitor's Scotland under 21 midfielder Alan Forrest had the best chance 10 minutes before the interval.

A great run by Craig McGuffie ended with Forrest free inside the box but his effort lacked conviction and Saints keeper Scott Gallagher got down to save.

Mallan tested Fleming again seven minutes after the break, but it was the visitors who took the lead after a terrific driving run again from McGuffie ended with a slide rule pass to substitute O'Connell eight yards out and he knocked in his first goal for the club.

However, Sutton turned the game on its head, grabbing his fifth and sixth goals of the season, which could breathe new life into the Buddies' season.

Match report written by BBC