Scottish football as it happened

1. FT: Aberdeen 3-1 Ross County (Rooney, Hayes, McGinn; Curran), FT: Dundee United 1-2 Hamilton (McKay; Lucas, Gordon)
2. FT: Kilmarnock 2-5 Partick (Magennis, Connolly; Doolan 2, Fraser, Muirhead 2), FT: Motherwell 2-2 Hearts (Moult, Johnson; Juanma, Sow)
3. Rangers beat St Mirren 4-0 to meet Peterhead in Challenge Cup final
4. Thirteen Scottish Cup ties go ahead after three are called off

Goodbye

So, Aberdeen come from behind to beat Ross County and in the process leapfrog Hearts to move into second place. 

Robbie Neilson's men play out a pulsating 2-2 draw at Motherwell, while Partick Thistle hammer Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Dundee United's poor start to the season continues as they go down at home to Hamilton Accies.

Highlights of all today's games will be on our website from 18:00 GMT on Sunday.

We're back tomorrow for Inverness CT against Celtic - subject to a pitch inspection. Hope you can join us then.

Enjoy the rest of your Saturday. Cheers.

My 11-year-old son and I are travelling back from Stranraer to Lauder. We don't support either Stranraer or Buckie but are doing the Road to Hampden. We will be following Stranraer in the next round. 300 mile round trip, freezing - but magic. (My son got in for free too - well done Stranraer).

Andy and Sam

Dundee United boss Mixu Paatelainen

"I'm astonished how we lost that game. We scored a wonderful goal and the game is under control. Then we create chance after chance after going 1-0 up but we didn't put them in the net. 

"But I must also question their mentality. The league table doesn't help mentality wise; there are one or two people, if we miss one or two opportunities when 1-0 up, they start getting a bit shaky and asking for trouble. 

"The match was under control and we lost it - I'm astonished."

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Kilmarnock 2-5 Partick

Motherwell boss Mark McGhee

"It was a great game. The performance is probably more important than the result for me at this stage. I thought our performance was terrific and we probably should've won the game. We had enough chances and we made more chances.

"I was pleased with it and I really enjoyed the game."   

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Your views

Just want to thank Dundee United for being great from a supporters perspective today. My son was singing Christmas Carols at school at 2.30 and we couldn't leave the central belt until 2.50. When we got there at 4, they had a steward on the gate waiting for us who let us in for free. I've been going to Tannadice waiting for an Accies win since 1989 (we won there about 6 years ago with McCarthy, the one game I missed in that run) Very happy tonight with the win. Well worth coming up for the second 45 minutes. And then a very kind United fan gave my wee boy a programme after the game, so all good. Hope they catch Motherwell.

Tatty from Hamilton

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnnes

"We recognise that nobody's going to give us anything and you've got to deal with difficult times. Half time [being 1-0 down] was a difficult situation and we had another 45 minutes to do something about it.  

"It was more nervy and anxious than it had to be. The players deserve all the credit (for the win) and I'm delighted for them."

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Your views

Get Involved

How does Mark Durnan manage to pass himself off as a footballer? I'd rather have Boris Johnson in our defence. There isn't enough profanity in the entire universe to truly describe my frustrations with united just now. Pathetic attitudes throughout our squad. They need much more than a boot up the backside.

Mr Young, Glenrothes

FULL-TIME

Airdrieonians 3-1 Brechin City

Albion Rovers 0-2 Greenock Morton

Ayr United 0-1 Dunfermline

Cowdenbeath 1-1 Arbroath

Elgin City 1-2 Raith Rovers

Falkirk 4-1 Fraserburgh

Formartine United 1-1 Cove Rangers

Huntly 1-1 Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale

Inverurie Loco Works 4-4 Annan Athletic

Peterhead 1-3 Livingston

Queen's Park 1-1 Forfar Athletic

Stenhousemuir 2-2 East Kilbride

Stranraer 3-1 Buckie Thistle

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Stenhousemuir and East Kilbride drew at Ochilview

Feeling low

Hearts spurned the chance to narrow the gap on Celtic, being held to a 2-2 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park. 

Dundee United are seven points adrift at the foot of the table following the home defeat by Hamilton.

Movin On Up

Coming from behind to beat Ross County sees Derek McInnes's Aberdeen leapfrog Hearts and move into second place - four points behind league leaders Celtic

FULL-TIME

Aberdeen 3-1 Ross County 

Kilmarnock 2-5 Partick 

Motherwell 2-2 Hearts 

Dundee Utd 1-2 Hamilton

Aberdeen 3-1 Ross County

Aberdeen bring on 19-year-old Craig Storie for the final few minutes, and he saves his side conceding another goal by clearing Jackson Irvine's shot off the line. County will feel hard done by losing this game, they have put a lot into it.

Kilmarnock 2-5 Partick

Jonathan Sutherland

BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park

"Kilmarnock might be able to grind out a 0-0 draw with Celtic, but in the space of a week something had gone terribly wrong. 5-2 down to Partick Thistle, the Glasgow side have been absolutely scintillating!"

CLOSE! Motherwell 2-2 Hearts

Phenomenal chance for Hearts goes a-begging. Osman Sow has an effort from inside the box saved by Connor Ripley, and Sam Nicholson skies the rebound. Still all-square at Fir Park, but Hearts looking more likely to snatch a winner.

GOAL Dundee United 1-2 Hamilton (Gordon)

Incredible stuff from Accies! They've come from behind to lead at Tannadice, Ziggy Gordon is the man with ice cold veins to fire home after Ali Crawford's effort is blocked. 

A penny for Mixu's thoughts?

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Will there be a winner at Fir Park?

GOAL Aberdeen 3-1 Ross County (McGinn)

It is a deserved third for Aberdeen after both Kenny McLean and Jonny Hayes had gone close. 

The Dons keep piling forward and Hayes plays a through ball through to Niall McGinn that looked like it had been hit too far ahead of him, but the Northern Irishman slides in to get a toe to it and put it beyond goalkeeper Gary Woods.

Aberdeen 2-1 Ross County

Two great saves at both ends.Jonny Hayes shapes to shoot but turns and feeds Adam Rooney on the inside channel, who has the ball taken off his toes by the lively Niall McGinn. The Northern Irishman fires a low shot which Gary Woods manages to deflect clear.Then a bullet header from Liam Boyce right in front of goal from Jonathan Franks' cross is brilliantly blocked by Danny Ward. It's end to end stuff at Pittodrie.

Get Involved - How far have you travelled?

GOAL Kilmarnock 2-5 Partick Thistle (Muirhead)

Robbie Muirhead applies a simple finish following enterprising work by Steven Lawless. A second for Muirhead and yet another example of poor defending from the hosts.

GOAL Dundee United 1-1 Hamilton (Lucas)

Accies are level! Lucas bullets a header home from Ali Crawford's cross. Game on at Tannadice! 

Dundee United 1-0 Hamilton Academical

Billy Mckay passes up a chance to score his second of the day and extend United's lead, but goalkeeper Michael McGovern blocks the striker's shot with his foot.

GOAL Kilmarnock 2-4 Partick (Connolly)

Mark Connolly heads a goal back for Partick Thistle. Consolation or the start of a comeback?

GOAL - Motherwell 2-2 Hearts (Sow)

The goals keep a-coming at Fir Park, and it's an absolute screamer from Osman Sow! Motherwell stood off the striker, and he unleashed a dipping drive over Connor Riple from some 35 yards.

It's raining goals...

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GOAL - Motherwell 2-1 Hearts (Johnson)

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Kilmarnock 1-4 Partick

Jonathan Sutherland

BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park

"Partick Thistle look like they have the measure of Kilmarnock here. Good composure from Gary Fraser to fire home from close range. The Kilmarnock defending poor.

"And then WHAT A STRIKE from Robbie Muirhead against his old club. A 30-yard thunderbolt into the top corner to make it 4-1 - definitely one for the Sportscene highlights tomorrow night!"

GOAL - Kilmarnock 1-4 Partick (Muirhead)

Robbie Muirhead puts a bit of gloss on the scoreline for Partick Thistle against his former club.

An impressive strike from Muirhead - his first of the season and first for Partick Thistle since joining on loan from Dundee United.

Motherwell 1-1 Hearts

Scott McDonald is looking lively early in the second half for Motherwell. He tests Neil Alexander in the Hearts goal from the right side of the area. The teams are still locked at one-apiece.

Just 1,576 at Somerset Park. Another result for the weather. Summer football anyone? This is soccer but not as we know it.

BBC Sportsound's Chick Young

GOAL Kilmarnock 1-3 Partick Thistle (Fraser)

Gary Fraser restores Partick Thistle's two-goal advantage after getting the break of the ball at the back post and firing home.

GOAL Aberdeen 2-1 Ross County (Hayes)

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GOAL Aberdeen 1-1 Ross County (Rooney)

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PENALTY APPEAL - Aberdeen 0-1 Ross County

The Aberdeen players are screaming for a penalty after Niall McGinn turns his marker and sees a goalbound shot blocked, but referee John Beaton is having none of it!

Your views

I'm at Hampden and the rain looks like a Hollywood-type deluge. Mental.

Jim in Netherlee

KICK-OFF

Here we go in the second half. Goals please, plenty of them! 

It sounds fairly horrendous out and about given the torrential rain and high winds. Devotion indeed from Scottish football fans...

EK in front

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There could be a real shock on the cards here at Ochilview as Lowland League East Kilbride lead League One Stenhousemuir 1-0. The goal was stunning - a left-footed pearler from full-back Bernard Coll which arrowed into the top corner from 25 yards.

Kenny CrawfordBBC Scotland at Ochilview

HALF-TIME

Airdrieonians 2-1 Brechin City

Albion Rovers 0-0 Greenock Morton

Ayr United 0-1 Dunfermline

Cowdenbeath 0-0 Arbroath

Elgin City 0-1 Raith Rovers

Falkirk 1-0 Fraserburgh

Formartine United 1-0 Cove Rangers

Huntly 1-0 Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale

Inverurie Loco Works 1-1 Annan Athletic

Peterhead 0-2 Livingston

Queen's Park 1-0 Forfar

Stenhousemuir 0-1 East Kilbride

Stranraer 1-0 Buckie Thistle

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East Kilbride lead Stenhousemuir in the Scottish Cup

HALF-TIME

Dundee United 1-0 Hamilton 

Aberdeen 0-1 Ross County 

Kilmarnock 1-2 Partick 

Motherwell 1-1 Hearts 

HALF-TIME - Kilmarnock 1-2 Partick

Jonathan Sutherland

BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park

Ayrshire-born Kris Doolan the hammer of Kilmarnock again, with his third and fourth goals against the side this season giving Partick Thistle a deserved 2-0 lead. A fine strike from Josh Magennis - his 8th goal this season - gives Kilmarnock hope here. Sleet, hail and freezing wind... hopefully the players survive the second-half.

Aberdeen 0-1 Ross County

Aberdeen are struggling in this game and their fans are becoming restless. Ross County are dominating.

BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller

Dundee United 1-0 Hamilton

Scott Fraser is denied by a superb save from Michael McGovern and the Accies goalkeeper follows that up by tipping over a shot from Blair Spittal.

Dundee United 1-0 Hamilton

Martin Dowden

BBC Sport Scotland at Tannadice

"Big, big moment for United. Lovely football form Souttar released Mckay who finished with authority. It should've been two moments later when McKay fed Spittal but McGovern stood tall to block. Another great effort from Mckay tipped just over by McGovern who is keeping Hamilton in this right now."

Aberdeen 0-1 Ross County

Brilliant play from Aberdeen's Niall McGinn on the left hand side. The initial pass to him was poor but he manages to knock it wide, keep the ball in play, beat one man then cut inside and beat another, before attempting a chip that is not far away.

GREAT SAVE!

Stunning save from Connor Ripley! Another fantastic dead ball delivery from Danny Swanson, and at the back post, Callum Paterson thunders in a header that the 'Well keeper does brilliantly to beat away.

What a pulsating encounter at Fir Park, lighting up the Lanarkshire sky...

GOAL Dundee United 1-0 Hamilton (Mckay)

We have our first goal at Tannadice and it's for the hosts as John Soutar finds Billy Mckay and the striker makes no mistake, rifling high into the net. First blood to Mixu's men!  

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CLOSE! Motherwell 1-1 Hearts

Igor Rossi is next to try his luck for Hearts - the defender nods Danny Swanson's excellent free-kick wide across the face of goal. That should have been the visitors' second.

Dundee United 0-0 Hamilton

First real goal threat from either side at Tannadice as on-loan Norwich City striker Carlton Morris beats his man and fires wide of Dundee United's far post.

Kilmarnock 1-2 Partick

Jonathan Sutherland

BBC Sport Scotlandat Fir Park

"When Kilmarnock needed a goal who should pop up but big Josh Magennis. Volleyed home from midway inside the box, well taken by the Northern Ireland international. Good game here in freezing Ayrshire!"

GOAL Kilmarnock 1-2 Partick Thistle (Magennis)

Josh Magennis volleys in Conrad Balatoni's cross to halve Killie's deficit.

Gary Locke's troops are back in it!

Motherwell 1-1 Hearts

Lovely attacking move from Motherwell sees the ball zip down the left flank, and culminates in Scott McDonald side-footing into the side-netting. 

More exciting fare at Fir Park.

Scottish Cup third round

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Airdrieonians and Brechin City are tied at 1-1 while Falkirk lead Fraserburgh. Annan Athletic hold an advantage against Inverurie Loco Works and Livingston are in front at Peterhead. Buckie Thistle trail at Stranraer.

All other ties are goalless, including Stenhousemuir v East Kilbride (pictured).

Dundee United 0-0 Hamilton

Dundee United FC ‏@dundeeunitedfc 1 min1 minute ago

#DUFCHAFC | 0-0 | 12’ | Hamilton crowd goes wild as they spot Spency in the press box. Sums up the opening 10 mins!

Aberdeen 0-1 Ross County

Aberdeen try to hit back instantly as Jonny Hayes makes a driving run into the box. His shot is deflected towards Andrew Considine at the back post but goalkeeper Gary Woods does enough to put him off before eventually claiming the ball.

Dundee United 0-0 Hamilton

Martin Dowden

BBC Sport Scotland

"Hamilton edging it with no real chances thus far. The highlight for visiting fans has been soliciting a wave from the irrepressible Jim Spence."

CLOSE! Motherwell 1-1 Hearts

Huge chance for Hearts to take the lead! Osman sow is allowed in on goal by a dreadful Kieran Kennedy back-pass, but his shot is straight at Connor Ripley. This game is shaping up to be a cracker!

GOAL - Kilmarnock 0-2 Partick (Doolan)

Kris Doolan is left on his own again, this time to head home, and it's a two-goal lead for Partick Thistle in Kilmarnock.   

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Kilmarnock 0-1 Partick Thistle

The Kilmarnock defence were all claiming for offside but Ayrshire lad Kris Doolan kept his cool to slot home and give Partick Thistle the lead. Credit to Steven Lawless for the assist. Bright start from the visitors"

Jonathan SutherlandBBC Scotland at Rugby Park

Scottish Cup - Ayr Utd v Dunfermline

Scottish cup action in the raw. A stadium that time forgot and a clash of two red hot teams neck and neck for their division. This is exciting but not, I fear, Barcelona v Bayern"

Chick YoungBBC Scotland at Somerset Park

GOAL - Aberdeen 0-1 Ross County (Curran)

Liam Boyce drives through the middle of the park. He has options either side of him and picks out Craig Curran, who slips the ball beyond goalkeeper Danny Ward.

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Brian McLauchlin

BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park

What a start for Motherwell. Really slack defensive play by Hearts. Alexander claiming the challenge from Moult was enough for a free kick. Referee Steven Mclean thought differently! 

GOAL - Motherwell 1-1 Hearts (Juanma)

Hearts are level! What a start at Fir Park! Osman Sow latches onto a long ball through, and slides in his strike partner Juanma, who clips his shot beautifully beyond Connor Ripley.   

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GOAL - Kilmarnock 0-1 Partick (Doolan)

Kris Doolan is left all on his own to finish off an enterprising Partick Thistle move and give the Jags the lead.  

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Time for a cuppa

GOAL - Motherwell 1-0 Hearts (Moult)

Louis Moult gives Motherwell a controversial early opener - as the ball is curled in towards the striker, he collides in the air with Hearts keeper Neil Alexander, who can’t hold it cleanly, and knocks the ball into the empty net.

Alexander is furious that the goal stands, and is duly booked for his protests.

What a start for the Steelmen!!

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KICK-OFF

Hang onto your hats, we're off and running! 

Get Involved - How far have you travelled?

Get Involved - How far have you travelled?

Dundee United v Hamilton

Martin Dowden

BBC Sport Scotland at Tannadice

"It's a rather chilly, rather soaking venue this afternoon. United determined to get this season up and running, chasing just their third win in this league campaign. Sinama Pongolle hasn't received clearance but Guy Demel makes the bench. Hamilton looking for a first win since Septermber but sitting comfortably in the top six and off the back of a strodng performance against Aberdeen."

Heart-warming...

Hotting up

Get Involved - How far have you travelled?

I've travelled 7,500 miles to see Rangers play this season - season ticket holder and live in London- 8,000 by the time I'm home tonight! Tell ya what, felt like dedication watching 1st half today!!

Al, London

Get Involved - How far have you travelled?

Got a coach all the way from the Emirates to Dortmund and back. 18 hours each way and we lost 2-0.

Callum, Eastbourne

Get Involved - How far have you travelled?

Your views

LINE-UPS FROM TANNADICE

Dundee United: Szromnik, Dillon, Dixon, Souttar, McKay, Rankin, McGowan, Telfer, Durnan, Gunning, Spittal. Subs: Zwick, Murray, Fraser, Spark, Donaldson, Taggart, Demel.

Hamilton: McGovern, Gordon, Kurakins, Gillespie, Imrie, Crawford, Kurtaj, Morris, Sendles-White, MacKinnon, Tagliapietra. Subs: D'Acol, Longridge, Docherty, Garcia Tena, Nade, Boyd, Martin.

LINE-UPS FROM RUGBY PARK

Kilmarnock: MacDonald, Smith, Connolly, Robinson, Higginbotham, O'Hara, Obadeyi, McHattie, Kiltie, Balatoni, Magennis. Subs: Ridgers, Hamill, Boyd, Slater, Carrick, Barbour, Findlay.

Partick Thistle: Scully, Seaborne, Booth, Osman, Bannigan, Doolan, Lawless, Dumbuya, Lindsay, Fraser, Muirhead. Subs: Cerny, Welsh, Amoo, Stevenson, Frans, Edwards, Pogba.

Up for the Cup

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East Kilbride players arrive at Ochilview for their Scottish Cup tie against Stenhousemuir

Get Involved - How far have you travelled?

LINE-UPS FROM FIR PARK

Motherwell: Ripley, Hammell, Grimshaw, McManus, Pearson, Johnson, Lasley, Kennedy, Law, Moult, McDonald. Subs: Samson, Laing, Ainsworth, Robinson, Clarkson, Thomas, Taylor

Hearts: Alexander, Paterson, Augustyn, Sow, Nicholson, Pallardo, Djoum, Oshinawa, Rossi, Delgado, Swanson. Subs: Hamilton, Gomis, Buaben, Reilly, McGhee, Buchanan, Zanatta

LINE-UPS FROM PITTODRIE

Aberdeen: Ward, Logan, Shinnie, Considine, Reynolds, McLean, Flood, Rooney, McGinn, Hayes, Quinn. Subs: Brown, Taylor, Smith, Pawlett, Goodwillie, Parker, Storie.

Ross County: G.Woods, Boyce, M.Woods, Irvine, Dingwall, Boyd, Murdoch, Foster, Davies, Curran, Fraser. Subs: Severn, Robertson, Schalk, De Vita, Franks, Quinn, McShane.

Kilmarnock v Partick

Jonathan Sutherland

BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park

"Freezing and wet here. Those conditions will make it very challenging for the players today. Fascinating to see how Kallum Higginbotham and Conrad Balatoni fare for Kilmarnock against their old side."

Aberdeen shake-up

"Derek McInnes drops Ash Taylor for the first time and Peter Pawlett is also axed from the start, with former County captain Paul Quinn and Andy Considine back to bolster the defence," says BBC Scotland's Scott Davie. "Stewart Murdoch for Jonathon Franks is the only change for the Staggies."

Title race

Hearts and Aberdeen will aim to narrow the gap on league leaders Celtic - not in action until facing Inverness CT tomorrow, subject to a pitch inspection - when they face Motherwell and Ross County, respectively.

Team news from all the games to follow...

Get Involved

What's the furthest you've travelled for a match to watch your team? 

Get in touch via text to 80295, tweet using #bbcsportscot or @bbcthomasmcg and/or visit our Facebook page. 

Follow your team

We also have Scottish Cup action this afternoon - in the third round. 

Highland League team Buckie Thistle face a mammoth 560-mile round trip to play Stranraer in the Scottish Cup.

That will be a lengthy game of "I, Spy" on the supporters' bus! 

BBC

Who needs snazzy graphics?

What's up next?

Four top-flight games at 15:00 GMT today.

Aberdeen v Ross County 

Dundee United v Hamilton 

Kilmarnock v Partick 

Motherwell v Hearts  

FULL-TIME Rangers 4-0 St Mirren

Rangers book their place in the Challenge Cup final against Peterhead with a convincing victory against St Mirren.

GOAL - Rangers 4-0 St Mirren (Shiels)

The hosts are pummelling the tired St Mirren rearguard as Dean Shiels's effort is deflected home by Buddies defender Sean Kelly. Jamie Langfield can't believe it.

Rangers 3-0 St Mirren

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland at Ibrox

"Job done for Rangers. Wonderful individual goal from Martyn Waghorn secures the striker number 18 of the season. St Mirren never really at the races today."

GOAL - Rangers 3-0 St Mirren (Waghorn)

Rangers book their place in the Challenge Cup final in style as Martyn Waghorn slaloms through the St Mirren defence with ease before planting a shot beyond the helpless Jamie Langfield. 

Rangers 2-0 St Mirren

St Mirren spurn a golden opportunity to hit back immediately as Thompson, Mallan and Morgan fail to profit from an excellent counter attack. Disappointment etched on the faces of the St Mirren players: they know that was an excellent chance to reduce the deficit. 

As it stands: Rangers are two up with 10 minutes remaining and looking likely to book their place in the Challenge Cup final against Peterhead. 

GOAL

Rangers double their lead as Dean Shiels plays a lovely reverse pass into the path of Martyn Waghorn. The striker's centre is swept home by Kenny Miller. 

Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

With a little over 15 minutes remaining, both sides appear to be tiring and every counter attack carries increasing menace. Can the Buddies find an equaliser and force extra-time? 

Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

A change for the Buddies: Steven Thompson replaces Lewis McLear with St Mirren enjoying their best spell of the game. 

Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland at Ibrox

"Rangers fans starting to show signs of getting nervous as the clock ticks down here at Ibrox. St Mirren once again defending well in the face of torrential rain and a Rangers onslaught but Carswell smashes the ball off the bar at the other end. The visitors starting to show signs that they fancy their chances."

HITS THE WOODWORK

St Mirren come within a whisker of finding the equaliser as a fine, flowing move tees up Stuart Carswell but his shot smacks the bar and bounces to safety.

What an effort!

Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

A hint of an opening for St Mirren as Reid and Gallagher combine to tee up Morgan but his first touch takes the ball away from him and Rangers clear their lines.   

Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

Nicky Clark and Dean Shiels come on for Barrie McKay and goalscorer Jason Holt as Mark Warburton seeks to put this cup tie out of St Mirren's reach.  

Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

Rangers have a free-kick in a promising position but Martyn Waghorn's effort is comfortably gathered by St Mirren keeper Jamie Langfield, who has been quiet following his first-half heroics.  

Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

 St Mirren enjoy their best spell of the game - forcing two corners and a free-kick - and make it an uncomfortable couple of minutes for Rangers without forcing Wes Foderingham into action. Grounds for optimism for the Buddies as they seek an equaliser in this semi-final at Ibrox. 

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Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

The hosts continue to cause St Mirren problems with their width. James Tavernier gallops forward before Kenny Miller and Martyn Waghorn play a neat one two. Waghorn tries to beat Jamie Langfield with a cheeky lob but it drifts wide.

Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland at Ibrox

"St Mirren playing with a little more belief and bite at the start of this second half. Rangers still look the more dangerous though and continued to probe with their tricky wide men at the heart of each attack."

Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

Hope springs eternal for St Mirren fans: BBC Sportsound commentator John Barnes has told listeners that the Buddies have failed to score in only three games this season. 

Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

Rangers attack down the left and a low cross into the box intended for Kenny Miller is stuck under the veteran striker's feet and the visitors clear.

Thankfully, the torrential rain has eased but the skidding ball is proving treacherous for both keepers.

Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

The second half begins like the first: with Rangers on the attack. A dangerous cross from the right is repelled by St Mirren, who will be looking to pose a greater attacking threat. 

KICK-OFF

We're back under way at Ibrox. St Mirren shuffle their pack for the second half: Lewis Morgan on for Paul McMullan; Rangers are unchanged. 

HALF-TIME Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

Rangers are a goal to the good at the break and will fancy their chances of clinching their place in the Challenge Cup final against Peterhead. 

Food for thought for Ian Murray as he will aim to get St Mirren back into a cup tie where they've been largely dominated.  

Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

It's still largely one-way traffic towards Jamie Langfield's goal as Rangers seek to double their lead. Some last-ditch defending and miss-placed passes, though, are keeping the hosts at bay. 

PA

Rangers 1-0 St Mirren

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland at Ibrox

"Pretty dreadful defending from St Mirren but fabulous control and finish from Jason Holt on the angle inside the box. It was always coming. The question is, do Saints have a plan B?"

GOAL

It's been coming. Rangers' incessant pressure pays dividends as Halliday dinks a pitching wedge of a ball into the area. 

The statuesque St Mirren defenders look on in horror, or claim for offside, as Jason Holt controls and slides the ball past the despairing Jamie Langfield.

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Jason Holt fired Rangers in front despite the efforts of Jamie Langfield

GREAT SAVE!

Barrie McKay threads a superb pass through to Martyn Waghorn and the Rangers striker rounds Jamie Langfield... but his goalbound effort is superbly cleared off the line by the back-tracking Sean Kelly.

Langfield & Kelly share a few words and exchange relieved smiles. Incredibly, this game remains goalless...

Rangers 0-0 St Mirren

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It looks slippy on the Ibrox surface after a deluge of rain in Glasgow

Rangers 0-0 St Mirren

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland

"The home side continuing to play with a swagger inside a now rain-soaked Ibrox. Has all the feel of a mismatched training exercise. 

"Some excellent one touch link up play in the final third but so far no goals and the Saints desperately hold on."

GREAT SAVE!

Rangers are ahead, surely? No, it's that man Jamie Langfield again! The hosts slice through the St Mirren rearguard sees a cross teed up for Barrie McKay but his effort is blocked by Langfield and out for a corner. 

Rangers 0-0 St Mirren

St Mirren boss Ian Murray has watched his side weather an early Rangers storm; with goalkeeper Jamie Langfield in inspirational form.

Can the Buddies find their feet in the attacking third? It remains goalless just shy of the 25-minute mark.

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St Mirren manager Ian Murray has watched his being stretched in the first half but they are still very much in this tie

GREAT SAVE!

It's that man Jamie Langfield again! Rangers striker Kenny Miller gallops in on goal with the Buddies defence all at sea and tries to guide a shot beyond the big keeper.

However, Langfield displays Ninja-like reflexes once again with an impressive diving save.

Do you think Superman wears Jamie Langfield pyjamas? Superb stuff from the keeper...

Rangers 0-0 St Mirren

Rangers continue to probe for a chink in St Mirren's armour but Ian Murray's men have regrouped following a shaky opening 10 minutes and are attempting to take the sting out of the hosts' attacks. 

Watching brief

Rangers manager Mark Warburton and his assistant David Weir have watched their side dominate the opening 15 minutes of the Challenge Cup semi-final. However, they've yet to find a way past an impressive Jamie Langfield.

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Rangers manager Mark Warburton and assistant David Weir watch on from the touchline

Rangers 0-0 St Mirren

The Buddies force Wes Foderingham into action as Stevie Mallan's free-kick is on target but lacking the pace or direction to seriously trouble the Rangers keeper.

The game is beginning to open up...

Rangers 0-0 St Mirren

Another Rangers attack fizzles out as Martyn Waghorn can't find his shooting boots, blazing over from a promising position. 

Can the Buddies regroup and repel this onslaught? 

Rangers 0-0 St Mirren

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland at Ibrox

"Rangers are already dominating this match. Zelalem and Wallace both with early efforts. Saints sitting very deep and struggling to string any passes together."

Rangers 0-0 St Mirren

Mark Warburton's men are warming to the task and have forced a series of corners in the opening 10 minutes. However, no goals as yet to show for their superiority.  

GREAT SAVE!

Another fine block by Jamie Langfield, the St Mirren keeper this time denying Rangers captain Lee Wallace.

GREAT SAVE!

Rangers come thundering forward again as the sea of red St Mirren jerseys aim to keep them away from Jamie Langfield's goal. The ball is played into Zelalem, whose ferocious effort is brilliantly saved by Langfield. 

Rangers 0-0 St Mirren

A first effort on goal in this semi-final and it's the hosts who press, veteran marksman Kenny Miller firing over the bar from the edge of the area. 

BBC Sportsound commentator John Barnes

"One defeat in eight matches for Rangers; no wins in five for the Buddies..." 

KICK-OFF

We're under way! 

 The players trot out onto the pitch at Ibrox with a slight lull in the high winds and rain. Plenty of winter hats on display inside the stadium...

St Mirren boss Ian Murray

"This is a big game in our season and a big opportunity for St Mirren to reach a national cup final. 

"Rangers have been strong at home all season and will be favourites to go through. However, we are going there boosted by a fantastic last minute goal at Raith Rovers in midweek.

"We also have players who are capable of producing on a big stage so we have a chance."

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LINE-UPS

Rangers: Foderingham, Tavernier, Kiernan, Danny Wilson, Wallace, Holt, Halliday, Zelalem, Waghorn, Miller, McKay. Subs: Ball, Oduwa, Clark, Aird, Shiels, Kelly, Hardie. 

St Mirren: Langfield, Reid, Webster, Baird, Kelly, Carswell, McMullan, Agnew, Mallan, McLear, Gallagher. Subs: Thompson, Howieson, Morgan, Cuddihy, Shankland, Wilks, Stewart. 

Referee: Bobby Madden

Rangers striker Martyn Waghorn

"The prospect of getting to a final is a huge thing for me. If we could win it would be my first finals that I have played in, so I'm really looking forward to it.

"It just sets a marker down for where we want to go as a club and what we want to achieve."

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Previous contests

Mark Warburton's men have won both previous matches against the Buddies in the Championship this season.

Lee Wallace fired a double in a 3-1 win at Ibrox on the opening day of the season; a game in which St Mirren striker Steven Thompson missed a penalty.

Jason Holt scored the only goal of the game when the sides locked horns in Paisley in October.

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Rangers changes

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Don't hit the high street yet...

Forget the Christmas shopping and stick on the kettle - there's a cup final place at stake.

Rangers host St Mirren in our lunchtime offering at 12:15. 

The sides are vying to secure a place against Peterhead in the Challenge Cup final. 

Later, we have four top-flight games getting under way at 15:00 GMT, with Hearts and Aberdeen aiming to narrow the gap on league leaders Celtic.

Plenty to whet the collective appetite...  

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Rangers host St Mirren at Ibrox with a cup final place up for grabs