Motherwell 1 Kilmarnock 0: Ebiye strikes in extra-time to seal Steelmen's quarter-final slot
Motherwell booked their place in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals with a narrow extra-time win over 10-man Kilmarnock.
While talk ahead of kick-off focused on the return to Fir Park of Tony Watt - who was booed by sections of the support when he came on in the second half - it was another new signing who made an impact, with Zimbabwean forward Tawanda Maswanhise providing a debut assist for Moses Ebiye's winning header in the 96th minute.
It was a tough watch at times, with Killie reduced to 10 men after 51 minutes when Stuart Findlay picked up a second booking for a late tackle on Paul McGinn, but perseverance paid off for the hosts as Ebiye netted with a fine header inside the box to secure a spot in the last eight.
Motherwell made one change from last week’s defeat to Rangers in the league, as Zach Robinson came in to replace the injured Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, with new boys Tony Watt and Tawanda Maswanhise starting on the bench. Killie boss Derek McInnes went for a big shake-up, making nine alternations following their European exploits in midweek, where they edged out Tromso in Norway to reach the play-off round of Europa Conference League qualifying.
The hosts got the first sniff of a chance in the seventh miniute when Steve Seddon's cross from the left found its way through to Stephen O'Donnell in the box. But the defender couldn't get the ball out of his feet quick enough 10-yards out, and his weak effort trundled into the hands of Killie keeper Kieran O'Hara.
A slack pass from Dan Casey five minutes later gifted Killie possession in their own half and they broke forward, only for Marley Watkins to drag his shot wide of Aston Oxborough's right-hand post.
Chances were few and far between and in 23 minutes