Albion Rovers boss hails former Airdrie winger Josh Tran as he assists both goals in Scottish Cup triumph over St Andrews

Boss Sandy Clark praised Josh Tran for stepping up to the plate and providing two assists as Albion Rovers edged out St Andrews to reach the Scottish Cup third round.

The 18-year-old winger, who joined from Monklands rivals Airdrie in the summer, was drafted in for a rare start in place of injured star striker Joe Bevan.

And he produced the goods by laying on goals for Niyah Joseph and Alex McCaw in the second half of a 2-1 victory.

It was far from straightforward for the Lowland League side against their East of Scotland League visitors and both sides ended the contest with 10 men, following late red cards for Rovers' Alan Reid and United's David Shields.

Rovers broke the deadlock in 66 minutes when Tran burst down the left and picked out Joseph to stroke the ball home from the edge of the box, only for United to level things up seven minutes later through Lewis Sawer.

However, Tran did the business again just two minutes later when he crossed for McCaw, who stooped down low to head in the winner and his first goal for the club.

It was a perfect present for Clark as he celebrated his 67th birthday and he said: "I don't count birthdays when you get to my age, but todau is all about the guys on the pitch.

"And I'm delighted for them to be in the next round.

"I've known Josh for a good bit of time so it was great for him coming in.

"He is a talented player and he is good when he gets into wide areas.

"That is his job, getting the ball, getting past the full-back and getting the ball in the box.

"He did that really well twice for us and did it a few times during the game on top of that.

"He sets up Niyah for a really good finish on the first one and I'm really pleased for Alex McCaw to get on the end of the second one, and