Hibernian book Scottish Cup semi-final spot with win at 10-man Motherwell

Motherwell defender Bevis Mugabi was sent off inside the first minute as Hibernian won 2-1 at Fir Park to reach the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Elias Melkersen marked his first Hibs start with two first-half goals – both set up by Sylvester Jasper – as the Leith side joined Edinburgh rivals Hearts in the last four.

Motherwell made a game of it after Joe Efford scrambled home late in the first half but they never carved out a real chance to force extra-time.

Mugabi was one of four natural centre-backs in a revamped Motherwell team featuring two midfielders and three forwards.

The Uganda international lined up at wing-back and launched himself into a challenge on Josh Doig with 50 seconds gone. His studs brushed the ball before landing on the defender’s lower leg.

Hibs players surrounded Willie Collum, who brandished the red card.

Collum was beseeched by the visitors to show another red card five minutes later when Jordan Roberts lunged in late on Drey Wright but the referee produced a yellow.

Wright was moved to left wing-back after shaking off the effects of the challenge as Doig limped off and Chris Mueller came on.

Wright soon came close with a volley which goalkeeper Liam Kelly did well to push away.

Motherwell had a chance to take the lead following a corner but Matt Macey clawed away Juhani Ojala’s effort and Roberts missed the ball from the second phase.

Hibs, who had Macey and Joe Newell back in the team but were missing Jake Doyle-Hayes, opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Jasper rode Nathan McGinley’s weak challenge and whipped in a cross which Melkerson headed home at the near post.

Jasper and Ewan Henderson continued to cause Motherwell problems with balls into the box and the visitors went two up in the 37th