Dundee United progressed to the quarter-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup with a hard-fought victory over 10-man Ross County.
The visitors were in front after 36 minutes, captain Lee Wilkie heading into the net from a corner.
Steven Craig twice hit the woodwork as County pressed for a leveller before substitute Johnny Russell grabbed United's second on 77 minutes.
Martin Scott was red-carded for a professional foul late in the match.
There were few chances in the early stages with Michael Gardyne's long-range effort in the 17th minute sailing wide of the United goal.
At the other end, a counter-attacking move by the Scottish Premier League side ended with Michael Kovacevic slicing his shot wide.
Scott Morrison's cross troubled Steve Banks with the Dundee United goalkeeper having to clear the ball from under the crossbar.
Banks then had to stretch to prevent Gardyne's powerful shot crossing the line.
Craig failed to connect properly when presented with a chance on 33 minutes before United's Danny Cadamarteri headed wide from Craig Conway's corner.
But from Conway's next delivery, Wilkie towered above the Ross County defence to power a header past keeper Michael McGovern.
The visitors were beginning to turn the screw and Scott Robertson's shot from the edge of the box was blocked by Steven Watt.
The First Division side almost levelled on two occasions early in the second half.
First, Craig took advantage of a slip by Andy Webster to fire in a rising shot that clipped the top of the crossbar.
And, after United failed to clear, Craig hammered against the post from eight yards out.
As the match passed the hour mark, Dundee United's Jennison Myrie-Williams was booked for simulation inside the penalty area.
Paul Dixon made an important block from Richard Brittain's attempt for County before the visitors sealed victory.
Cadamarteri's replacement Russell capitalised on slackness in the County defence and, after racing in on goal, slipped the ball past McGovern.
And the home side's misery was complete seven minutes from the end when Scott was dismissed for a challenge on Conway.
Russell drew a save from McGovern as United finished strongly.
Dundee United manager Craig Levein:
"It was a bit tight but I'm delighted to get through.
"Ross County have got a lot of players on top form just now, the whole team's on top form.
"All credit to the lads, I thought they worked extremely hard. We probably just edged it overall.
"This was a real test for us tonight."
Ross County manager Derek Adams:
"It was a tough game for us. I felt we acquitted ourselves well. We hit the bar and the post but Dundee United are an SPL side and good luck to them in the next round.
"It was a confident performance, it's the way we have been playing throughout the season.
"But the ball just didn't go for us at 1-0. We didn't pick up at the corner kick and lost the goal and the second one killed the game.
"The players learned from tonight, they enjoyed it and it was a good occasion for them, they'll just have to look forward to the games ahead in the First Division."
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