Edinburgh City win penalty shoot-out to knock Alloa out of Challenge Cup

Posted Sunday, November 18, 2018 by PA

Scottish League Two leaders Edinburgh City produced a stunning comeback to eventually beat Alloa 4-3 on penalties and book their place in the Scottish Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Alloa, the 1999 winners and two-time runners-up in this competition, cruised into a 2-0 lead inside 12 minutes.

Dario Zanatta, on loan from Hearts, put the Scottish Championship side in front after only two minutes with a shot into the corner and Alan Trouten doubled their advantage 10 minutes later with his eighth goal of the season.

But Blair Henderson pulled a goal back for Edinburgh – who had won 13 of their last 14 games going into this tie – on the stroke of half-time, heading in unmarked for his 18th goal of the campaign.

Scott Shepherd then levelled in the 57th minute which took the game into penalties, with Edinburgh prevailing after Scott Taggart and Andy Graham missed from the spot for Alloa.

Ross Stewart bagged a brace as two-time winners Ross County booked their place in the last four with a hard-fought 2-1 win over 10-man Motherwell Under-21s at Fir Park.

Barry Maguire headed against the post on the stroke of half-time for Motherwell, who were the first Colts side to make the last eight of this competition.

But three goals and a red card in the space of five minutes brought this game to life.

First Stewart poked home from a corner in the 51st minute before Adam Livingstone levelled two minutes later with a fantastic free-kick in off the bar.

Well then had Christian Mbulu sent off (54) and County took advantage moments later as Stewart grabbed his second.