Football: Highs and lows of Scottish League Cup

JORG ALBERTZ scored one of the goals of the season as Rangers romped into the fourth round of the Scottish League Cup on Tuesday. His 20-yard free-kick on the hour at Ibrox ripped into the net beyond the disbelieving Alloa keeper, Mark Cairns. Eight minutes from time, the German midfielderscored a second in the 4-0 victory with another sizzling effort from just outside the box.

Albertz said: "Alloa tried to play football against us, and that helped me. I had a lot of space to work in. All goals give me confidence, and I enjoyed being given a roving role tonight. It was fun out there."

The Rangers central defender Colin Hendry is expected to face Kilmarnock at the weekend even though he limped off with an ankle injury after eight minutes.

The Motherwell manager, Harri Kampman, was angry about the display of his side, who were beaten by First Division Ayr United. Glynn Hurst fired Ayr ahead after just 23 seconds, steering an Andy Lyons cross in off the underside of the bar, and a Shaun Teale own-goal midway through the second half sealed Motherwell's fate.

After the match, Kampman snapped: "If you lose or win, you can always take something positive from the game, but that was not the case tonight."

The Kilmarnock manager, Bobby Williamson, singled out Ally McCoist for praise after his side's 3-1 win over Second Division Livingston. The former Rangers striker McCoist came off the bench to score a crucial extra- time goal at Rugby Park.

Williamson said: "Ally McCoist just keeps on writing new chapters, and you always have a chance when you have `Superman' in your side."

Paul Kane grabbed a spectacular last-minute winner to send St Johnstone through to the last eight.

When a Falkirk clearance dropped invitingly, the midfielder let fly from 30 yards. The ball looped over Falkirk keeper Paul Mathers into the top right-hand corner, and was swiftly followed by the final whistle.