Ayr coach Calum Forrester believes an early injury and a red card were crucial elements in the 22-13 defeat to Glasgow Hawks in the Scottish Cup quarter-final.

The hosts took full advantage of the seasiders' double misfortune to book a home last-four tie against Boroughmuir, who beat Stirling County at Meggetland.

Forrester stated: "It was always going to be tough, playing with 14 men for 40 minutes, having already lost Kerr Gossman early on. His absence took pace away from our backline."

The pivotal moment came when scrum-half Dave Armstrong was dismissed for punching during a spat with Jack McFarlane.

Forrester added: "The boys tried their hardest, however Hawks defended well and did the clever thing by putting the ball into the corners in the later stages.

"Our eyes are now on the league and winning our remaining three games to secure a home play-off match is our mission."

Hawks assistant coach Peter Laverie said: "We had a few hairy moments, but I was very pleased with the performance.

"Sean Yacoubian came back and made some very good kicks which kept us deep in their territory late in the game."

"Our open play was good and we certainly covered well and chased well, which was key to the victory."

Hawks were boosted by tries from Paddy Boyer and Brendan Cullinane either side of the interval.

But it was a four-penalty volley by Jack Steel that really knocked the stuffing out of the seasiders.

Heriot's had to come from behind to edge past gallant Howe of Fife by 33-30 at Goldenacre.

They now travel to Hawick, who also had to work hard before seeing off the challenge of opponents from a lower division.

Touchdowns from John Coutts Rory Scott and Nick McLennan laid the foundations of the 19-13 success against local rivals Kelso.