Moses Ebiye was the hero for Motherwell as they required extra-time against 10-man Kilamrnock to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup.
It was far from a classic at Fir Park but Motherwell fully deserved their win as they showed more intent even before Stuart Findlay was dismissed for the visitors in the 50th minute and substitute Ebiye decided the encounter with a rare moment of quality six minutes into extra-time.
Debutant Tawanda Maswanhise’s cross picked out Ebiye unmarked in the box and he brilliantly arrowed a header into the bottom corner beyond Kieran O’Hara.
There was almost zero threat of Kilmarnock equalising and they looked visibly tired as the game progressed after their stunning European triumph over Tromso in midweek.
Derek McInnes made nine changes from that win as he clearly prioritised their trip to Copenhagen on Thursday night but preparations were far from ideal after playing 70 minutes one man down after Findlay’s dismissal.
After picking up a booking on the stroke of half-time for pulling back Zach Robinson, Findlay dived in on Paul McGinn and referee Nick Walsh showed no hesitation in brandishing a second booking.
Motherwell dominated possession and territory with their man advantage but they struggled to break down a resolute Kilmarnock defence, who battled valiantly despite their excursions in midweek.
The build-up to the encounter was dominated by Tony Watt’s return to Fir Park after his acrimonious exit two-and-a-half-years ago.
But the suggestions that he could receive a hostile reception due to his strained relationship with the Motherwell support were allayed when he was largely cheered as he entered the fray on the hour mark.
Watt scored 19 goals in 70 appearances in his first spell with Motherwell and he spurned a great chance to endear himself to the Steelmen supporters when he headed over from close range with just eight minutes remaining.
It was a first 45 minutes devoid of any clear chances but the highly-rated Lennon Miller grew in influence as the half progressed, forcing O’Hara to divert a dangerous cross to safety before Robinson failed to connect properly with a header.
Motherwell started the second half in the ascendancy with Ewan Wilson’s powerful effort almost catching O’Hara out as he fumbled the ball narrowly past the post after 47 minutes.
Minutes later, Robinson stung the hands of O’Hara and they gained complete control after Findlay’s dismissal.
Former Leicester youngster Maswanhise was announced as a new arrival less than two hours before kick-off and he really impressed after his introduction.
The 21-year-old added some much needed pace and trickery to the Motherwell attack and he saw a goalbound effort deflected wide after 78 minutes.
