Albion Rovers 2 St Andrews Utd 1: Ten-man Rovers edge into Scottish Cup third round

Ten-man Albion Rovers edged past St Andrews United to book their place in the Scottish Cup third round - and deliver a birthday present for gaffer Sandy Clark.

Former Rangers and Airdrie striker Clark turned 67 today and although his side put him through the mill at moments, he will be able to celebrate seeing his side in Sunday's draw.

Niyah Joseph struck in 66 minutes with an impressive first-time finish, having twice been denied by the woodwork in the first half with a header and an outrageous effort from near the halfway line, to break the deadlock at Cliftonhill.

East of Scotland League side St Andrews - who had defeated West of Scotland Premier giants Auchinleck Talbot in the previous round - came roaring back seven minutes later when substitute Lewis Sawers looked like he might spoil Clark's party.

But Rovers responded superbly with Tran crossing for Alex McCaw to head home the winner two minutes later.

Alan Reid saw red eight minutes from time for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity and David Shields was also sent off for St Andrews in stoppage time for a second booking, but the hosts held on.

Rovers made one change from last week's 1-0 win over Berwick Rangers, as Joe Bevan - the hero and man of the match from their first round win over Stirling Uni - missed out. He was replaced in the line-up by winger Josh Tran.

In the fourth minute the hosts created the first opening when the ball was worked wide to Corrie Fellows and the on-loan Airdrie left-back picked out Niyah Joseph darting into the box. The usually reliable striker caught the cross on the volley but his weak effort trundled wide.

St Andrews were still trying to find their feet when Ryan Roche skewed a clearance onto his own crossbar moments later