LOLLEY POPS IN A FOREST WINNER

DIOGO GONCALVES was controversially sent off but Forest still fought off a dramatic late Stoke rally to progress. Forest got a lucky break to open the scoring when Adam Federici’s clearance ricocheted in off Ben Osborn in the 19th minute. Daryl Murphy made it 2-0 five minutes before the break. The striker burst into the box before burying a rising left-foot shot into the roof of the net for his fourth goal of the season. The lively Joe Lolley made it 3-0 in the 50th minute for rampant Forest with a fine left-foot shot from the edge of the area which went in off the post.

But Stoke eventually got their act together in the second half after making changes. They pulled a goal back in the 60th minute when sub Benik Afobe shot in from Charlie Adam’s pass.

Afobe also hit the bar from Bojan Krkic’s cross as Stoke attacked towards their own fans.

The visitors were given further hope by a straight red for Goncalves for thundering into Tom Edwards in the 77th minute.

Saido Berahino then scrambled in his third of the season to make it 3-2 with seven minutes remaining but Forest held on to secure victory. HEARTS (1) 4 MacLean 35 Haring 64, Lee 89 Naismith 90 RANGERS (2) 4 Katic 16 Middleton 31, 70 Morelos 49 ST J’STONE (0) 0 5,635