Hibernian reached the Scottish Cup semi-finals for the seventh time in 10 seasons after a thrilling shootout win over Motherwell at Easter Road.
Ryan Porteous took advantage of two Well misses to win it from the spot.
A Christian Doidge header and a suspiciously offside Jackson Irvine gave Hibs a deserved lead after the break following a quiet first half.
But a Ricki Lamie volley and Tony Watt header levelled, with Hibs’ Alex Gogic sent off seconds before penalties.
Hibs await the winners of two quarter-finals on Sunday and one on Monday all involving rival Scottish Premiership sides.
Third-top Hibs lead Motherwell by 18 points in the top-flight, but with a win apiece and a draw between them this season, it was always likely to be a tight contest.
Indeed, with Motherwell unbeaten at Easter Road in their two earlier visits – and without a defeat in four outings – they arrived with justified confidence.
It was Hibs, though, who had the better of a stodgy first half, although a drive from Motherwell midfielder Allan Campbell, pushed away by Matt Macey, was the only test for either goalkeeper.
It was no surprise when the home side took the lead when Paul McGinn’s cross found Doidge climbing above on-loan Blackburn Rovers defender Tyler Magloire to power a header past exposed goalkeeper Liam Kelly.
Doidge somehow scooped the ball over Kelly and crossbar from only four yards moments later, while Devante Cole was denied by Macey’s big toe at the other end.
Suddenly, we had a game on our hands and, when fit-again striker Watt replaced Magloire, the change in the visitors’ formation forced Hibs deeper into their own half.
It looked all over, though, when Martin Boyle’s cut back was prodded on by Kevin Nisbet and Irvine poked it home with one Well defender on the line.
However, defender Lamie’s cross-come-shot looped into the far corner and, with Hibs visibly wilting in the Edinburgh sunshine, Watt rose above Boyle to meet a looping Stephen O’Donnell cross.
Boyle had the best chance to win it in extra-time, but the winger’s low drive was blocked by Kelly’s knees and the drama continued with Hibs midfielder Gogic receiving a second yellow card after tempers began to fray.
Goals having dried up in extra-time, misses from the spot from Mark O’Hara and Steven Lawless gave Nisbet the chance to be Hibs’ hero, but when the Scotland’s striker had his effort saved, it was down to centre-half Porteous to settle a thriller.
More to follow.
Line-ups
Hibernian
Formation 4-4-2
- 33Macey
- 6McGinn
- 5Porteous
- 4Hanlon
- 25DoigSubstituted forStevensonat 105′minutes
- 10BoyleBooked at 88mins
- 13GogicBooked at 120mins
- 11NewellSubstituted forHallbergat 102′minutesBooked at 120mins
- 36IrvineBooked at 115mins
- 9DoidgeSubstituted forWrightat 102′minutes
- 15Nisbet
Substitutes
- 1Marciano
- 2Gray
- 7Magennis
- 8Wright
- 16Stevenson
- 20Hallberg
- 24McGregor
- 43Bradley
Motherwell
Formation 3-5-2
- 13Kelly
- 40MagloireSubstituted forWattat 68′minutes
- 31Gallagher
- 4Lamie
- 33O’Donnell
- 6CampbellSubstituted forMaguireat 120+2′minutes
- 8CrawfordSubstituted forLawlessat 78′minutes
- 7O’HaraBooked at 112mins
- 5McGinleyBooked at 120mins
- 44Cole
- 9Long
Substitutes
- 3Carroll
- 11Hastie
- 14Lawless
- 15Maguire
- 16Mugabi
- 18Dunne
- 32Watt
- 36Chapman
- 37Foley
Live Text
Match ends, Hibernian 2(4), Motherwell 2(2).
Penalty Shootout ends, Hibernian 2(4), Motherwell 2(2).
Goal! Hibernian 2(4), Motherwell 2(2). Ryan Porteous (Hibernian) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom right corner.
Goal! Hibernian 2(3), Motherwell 2(2). Chris Long (Motherwell) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner.
Penalty saved! Kevin Nisbet (Hibernian) fails to capitalise on this great opportunity, right footed shot saved in the bottom left corner.
Penalty missed! Still Hibernian 2(3), Motherwell 2(1). Steven Lawless (Motherwell) hits the right post with a left footed shot.
Goal! Hibernian 2(3), Motherwell 2(1). Paul McGinn (Hibernian) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner.
Penalty missed! Bad penalty by Mark O’Hara (Motherwell) right footed shot is just a bit too high. Mark O’Hara should be disappointed.
Goal! Hibernian 2(2), Motherwell 2(1). Melker Hallberg (Hibernian) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner.
Goal! Hibernian 2(1), Motherwell 2(1). Devante Cole (Motherwell) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the top left corner.
Goal! Hibernian 2(1), Motherwell 2. Martin Boyle (Hibernian) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the centre of the goal.
Penalty Shootout begins Hibernian 2, Motherwell 2.
Second Half Extra Time ends, Hibernian 2, Motherwell 2.
Substitution, Motherwell. Barry Maguire replaces Allan Campbell.
Second yellow card to Alexander Gogic (Hibernian).
Melker Hallberg (Hibernian) is shown the yellow card.
Nathan McGinley (Motherwell) is shown the yellow card.
Melker Hallberg (Hibernian) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Nathan McGinley (Motherwell).
Attempt missed. Kevin Nisbet (Hibernian) right footed shot from the centre of the box is just a bit too high.
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