Hasney Aljofree scored twice in the second half for Dundee United to end any hopes of a Scottish Cup giant-killing.

Midfielder Charlie Miller added a third with four minutes remaining to send the Tannadice side through to the fourth round.

But the Highland League side were a credit with goalkeeper Mark McRitchie making a string of fine saves.

United started well and tested Forres McRitchie in the first minute. Jim Hamilton latched onto a through-ball by Jim Paterson, spun his defender and managed a shot on target. The ball held up on the sticky surface and McRitchie managed to stoop low and gather.

Forres created their first chance in the fifth minute after a foul by Jamie Fullarton.

The United player pushed Neil Whyte off the ball and gave away a needless free-kick. Forres launched everyone into the area and caused confusion but Jim Lauchlan managed to get a header in and cleared at the second attempt.

United squandered a wonderful chance in the 20th minute when Hamilton once again contrived to miss a good chance.

Paterson picked him out at the back post with a deep cross from the left but the striker, despite showing good control in bringing the ball down on his chest, blasted wildly over from six yards.

It was one-way traffic at this stage and Forres had McRitchie to thank for keeping the scoreline level.

The goalkeeper added to his list of good saves by stopping a Craig Easton drive, after the United player took on two defenders at the edge of their own box.

The Highland League side had their best chance of the game so far when Charlie Brown drove into the United half and unleashed a drive towards goal.

United keeper Paul Gallacher was taking no chances and palmed the ball over the bar to safety.

Forres should have opened the scoring in the 25th minute when McLeod found himself unmarked in the box but he was unable to connect fully with Brown's header.

McRitchie was again the saviour for Forres in the 30th minute when he managed to palm away a Lilley header.

The United forward connected with a Paterson cross from the left and looked to have scored until McRitchie scrambled across his goal and knocked the ball to safety.

Then McCunnie once again produced a fantastic cross for Lilley. The youngster used his pace to break free from his marker and sent over a high ball for Lilley but again the striker was unable to get the header on target and saw his effort trundle past the post.

McRitchie finished the half in style with two fine saves from Lilley.

He was again the hero at the start of the second half as Craig Easton broke free 20 yards out and, with a clear sight of goal, unleashed a low drive destined for the bottom corner. Fortunately for the visitors McRitchie was able to get down low and turn the ball round the post.

United broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute through Aljofree, who hit an unstoppable drive after Steven McLean fouled Hamilton.

The United man stepped up and struck the dead ball from 30 yards straight into the top corner of the net, giving the on-form goalkeeper no chance.

United should have doubled their lead in 55 minutes when Steven Carson found space in the box. Hamilton and Lilley were lined up on the six-yard line to stab the ball into the net but Carson's ball somehow caused confusion and both players hesitated and it allowed Forres to clear.

United doubled their lead through Aljofree in the 59th minute after a one-two with Lilley.

The United player collected the ball on the edge of the box and smashed it past McRitchie and into the left-hand corner of the net.

Gordon Connelly received the first booking of the match for persistent fouling after the referee judged his foul on Paterson to have been one too many.

Forres made an immediate substitution and replaced Connelly with Peter Maguire.

Miller then put the tie beyond any doubt in the 86th minute with a wonderful strike from 30 yards.

The former Rangers man cut in from the left, steadied himself and launched an unstoppable drive past the despairing McRitchie.

McRitchie's reflexes prevented Miller from his second a minute later when the little midfielder latched onto a cross by Carson. The midfielder's point-blank effort was saved instinctively by the goalkeeper as he pushed the ball over for a corner.

Teams:

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, McCunnie, Wright, Lauchlan, Aljofree, Carson, Easton, Fullarton (Wilson 81), Paterson, Lilley (McIntyre 61), Hamilton (Miller 70).

Subs Not Used: Combe, Thompson.

Goals: Aljofree 52, 60, Miller 86.

Forres Mechanics: McRitchie, Grigor, Main, Bradshaw, McLean, McIntosh (Cameron 60), Whyte, Macleod (Murphy 78), Brown, Connelly (Maguire 82), Ross.

Subs Not Used: Ali Ridgers, Bellshaw.

Booked: Connelly.

Att: 5,904

Ref: C Richmond (Scotland).