Dundee’s Ashcroft gives no quarter
DUNDEE edged through to the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup with a 1-0 win over Motherwell at Dens Park.
Both teams had numerous opportunities in what was a pulsating tie but it was the Dark Blues who struck late on with defender Lee Ashcroft netting the only goal of the game.
The hosts had an opportunity when Jason Cummings was played in on goal but his low, angled shot was gathered at the second attempt by Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly.
Kelly had to be alert once more when Dundee’s Paul McMullan sprayed a pass into the feet of Christie Elliott who was rampaging down the right in acres of space but his shot was comfortably dealt with.
The Steelmen finally tested home keeper Adam Legzdins in the 24th minute but Connor Shields’ 20-yard drive was straight at the stopper who easily snuffed out the danger.
The same Motherwell player then spurned a gilt-edged chance to take the lead in the 38th minute when Steven Lawless capitalised on a defensive error before bursting down the left and squaring the ball to Shields but with the goal at his mercy, the striker smashed his shot off the crossbar.
Dundee had the ball in the net in the 58th minute but Cummings’ effort was ruled offside.
The game was on a knife edge but the deadlock was broken in the 78th minute when McMullan swung a corner in with centre-half Ashcroft powering a header past Kelly.
Dundee United and Livingston went through on penalties after both playing out 1-1 draws – with Ayr United and St Mirren respectively.