Hibernian 2 Ross County 2

A goal-line clearance from Ian Murray in the closing minutes denied Ross County a shock victory in the Active Nations Scottish Cup quarter final at Easter Road.

Manager John Hughes made three changes to the team which beat Kilmarnock last week. Sol Bamba failed to recover from his shoulder injury, and was replaced in defence by Paul Hanlon, whilst Alan Gow and Lewis Stevenson made way for Colin Nish and John Rankin.

The game got off to an explosive start with three goals in the first 18 minutes.

Colin Nish headed the home team in front after just six minutes, but Ross County equalised in bizarre circumstances seven minutes later. A long ball from Martin Scott found Michael Gardyne unmarked in the box. His shot was well saved by Hibs 'keeper Stack but the ball rebounded off Ian Murray, and into the net.

County’s lead was short lived, as Hibs regained the advantage within two minutes. A through ball from Murray found Derek Riordan, who turned two defenders before blasting the ball past McGovern for his 13th goal of the season.

In an absorbing contest, chances were created at both ends with a John Rankin free kick shaving the post, while Kevin McBride cleared off the line from a Bannerman header, just before the interval.

The second half continued in the same vein, with both teams going close. A great save from Stack and a last ditch tackle by Hanlon prevented County from equalising, whilst Colin Nish lobbed just over the bar following a Riordan pass.

The visitors were not to be denied however, and levelled the scoring with 11 minutes remaining. A Lawson pass found Gardyne, and the midfielder volleyed the ball past Stack to the delight of the travelling support.

Gardyne almost secured a semi final place in the last minute, but his shot was cleared off the line by Murray, to the relief of the Hibs fans. The replay will take place at Victoria Park on Tuesday March 23.

After the game, John Hughes said: “We are still in there fighting. It will be a hard game at Dingwall but we have to be up for it.”