Scottish Championship promotion chasers Ayr needed a last-gasp equaliser before securing a 4-1 victory over Division Two side Elgin in extra-time to reach the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.

Kane Hester’s 26th goal of the season in the 41st minute gave Elgin the lead, and they held on to it until the 90th minute, when Fraser Bryden bundled the ball home.

Dipo Akinyemi nearly won it for Ayr in normal time, hitting the post, but the hosts did not have to wait long to move ahead, a foul on Akinyemi earning a penalty that was converted by Ben Dempsey.

And Akinyemi then struck twice in quick succession to end Elgin’s hopes of causing an upset.