Rocky Bushiri delivers knockout blow as Hibernian squeeze past Ayr in Scottish Cup

Rocky Bushiri scored a late winner as Hibernian saw off a gallant effort from Championship leaders Ayr in the William Hill Scottish Cup.

The Congolese defender steered home a fantastic diving header with three minutes remaining to shatter the Honest Men’s cup dream.

An end-to-end contest brought chances for both teams, the best of which fell to Martin Boyle, who spurned two glorious opportunities for Hibs.

With the tie looking destined for extra-time, a long throw-in eventually dropped into the path of Bushiri to clinch a place in the last eight for David Gray’s men.

The smoke from the pre-match pyrotechnics had barely cleared when Hibs midfielder Nectar Triantis picked up a yellow card after flying into a challenge on George Oakley.

Hibs had a good opportunity to open the scoring in the fifth minute. Warren O’Hara leapt highest to meet Nicky Cadden’s corner, but his header sailed harmlessly over the top.

A powerful effort from Mykola Kukharevych worked Harry Stone in the Ayr goal, while at the other end Connor McLennan’s curled effort was confidently claimed by Jordan Smith.

The hosts looked to be struggling to find their rhythm, although they almost found themselves in front with 13 minutes on the clock when Oakley was sent clear following great work from Jay Henderson.

Bearing down on goal, United’s top-scorer found the angle just too tight, allowing Smith to make a crucial block.

The Premiership side were controlling possession for long spells without finding a way through the stubborn home backline.

Boyle spurned a huge chance with seven minutes of the first half remaining, sending his header into the turf and spinning over the crossbar.

Ayr responded immediately, a lightening quick counter-attack causing panic in the visitors’ defence, only for Mark McKenzie’s delivery to let him down at a crucial moment.

Scott Brown’s hosts were quick out of the traps at the beginning of the second half. A deep cross into the penalty area was only cleared as far as Ben Dempsey, who fired his shot into the arms of Smith.

Just before the hour mark, a positive run from Nicky Cadden ended with a low cut-back across the face of the Ayr goal.

The ball fell the way of Josh Campbell, who hit the ground under the challenge of Paddy Reading, but referee Kevin Clancy was unmoved.

The first change of the evening came in the 61st minute, Kukharevych replaced by Kieron Bowie.

However, the better of the chances continued to fall to the Honest Men.

A neat turn from McLennan allowed him to work the Hibs keeper with a powerful drive, then Cole McKinnon’s cross was just too high for Oakley.

Chris Cadden strayed inches offside when latching on to Bowie’s neat pass, lifting his attempt inches past a post.

A defensive lapse from Lenny Agbaire almost proved costly for United in the 82nd minute.

The Celtic loanee misjudged Bushiri’s long ball and Boyle should have at least found the target after finding himself with only Stone to beat.

An entertaining encounter looked set for extra-time before a late goal broke United hearts.

Jack Iredale’s long throw was nodded on by Bowie and brilliantly guided into the net by the head of the diving Bushiri to send the 3,500 visiting fans wild.

Brown’s side were far from finished, though.

Marco Rus brought out a superb stop from Smith and the Hibernian keeper was at it again in the final action of the game, throwing himself across his goal to deny Jamie Murphy.