Ross County 0
Hibernian 1
Scottish Cup (Fourth Round)

Match Report

Source unknown.

Danny Handling's low first-half drive was enough for the visitors after good footwork from Liam Craig set him free in the box.

Hibs had to play the last 20 minutes a man down after Paul Cairney picked up a second yellow card for simulation.

The result was Terry Butcher's first win since taking over the Easter Road club.

Despite the fast pace of the opening exchanges, neither side was able to take control of the game and it took until 23 minutes for the first real test for either goalkeeper; Cairney firing a vicious shot into the hands of former Hibee Mark Brown.

Hibs opener was almost rugby-esque, with the home side thundering into challenges to keep pushing play further back. However, Craig eventually battled his way through, finding Handling free on the right and he fired low past Brown.

County suffered a further blow before half-time when Swiss defender Branislav Micic was carried off after going over on his ankle.
Hibs remained the more likely side in the second period, with a solid defence rarely being tested by their hosts.

They could have been 2-0 ahead when a mistake by Brittain gifted Scott Robertson the opportunity to have a free strike at goal, but his shot lacked any real power.

That sparked life into Adams' men. Rocco Quinn almost squeezed the ball into the net as County raced forward on the counter attack before Kevin Luckassen rattled the post with a header from Graham Carey's cross. The game was turned in its head when Cairney was given a second yellow card.

After drifting by two blue shirts, he only had the goalkeeper to beat but hit the deck with the referee deeming it was a dive without contact.