A young Rangers side battled to a 3-1 win at First Division leaders Dundee at Dens Park to secure their place in the semi-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

Steven Whittaker headed the Gers 1-0 up after 15 minutes but Dundee's highly-rated youngster Leigh Griffiths curled a superb free-kick past Neil Alexander 14 mintues later to bring the First Division leaders back onto level terms.

Walter Smith's SPL champions survived a spell of pressure in the second half before taking the lead against the run of play, former Gers youngster Gary MacKenzie heading into his own net.

17-year-old John Fleck rounded off the win, slotting into the net after good work by Nacho Novo.

It was a bad night for the City of Discovery with Dundee Unied also going out of the competition after a 2-1 defeat to Tayside rivals St Johnstone.

A dull game was heading for extra-time until an own goal from Sean Dillon put Saints ahead in the 72nd minute.

The tie looked over four minutes later when Darren Dods deflected a free-kick from the excellent Liam Craig past his own goalkeeper, but Prince Buaben's goal set up a grandstand finish.

St Mirren swept into the last four with a comfortable 3-0 win over Motherwell.

Michael Higdon headed home his first goal at St Mirren Park midway through the first half and Jack Ross added a deflected second just after the hour.

Motherwell had come from two down to draw in Paisley on Saturday but their comeback attempts ended when Stephen Craigan netted an 80th-minute own goal.

The Buddies have now knocked Well out of a cup competition three times in five seasons.