An Owen Coyle goal 17 minutes from time gave Motherwell a Tennents Scottish Cup fourth round home tie against Rangers.

But Third Division Dumbarton left the field to a standing ovation from the sporting home crowd after pushing the Scottish League Premier Division side all the way.

The plucky Sons took the game to Motherwell from the start but missed what proved their best chance of the match after only 15 minutes.

Rob Newman and goalkeeper Stephen Woods got into a mix-up and when Colin McKinnon crossed, Paddy Flannery had plenty of time but his shot was blocked on the line by Eddie May.

Motherwell, who missed a host of chances in the first match on Saturday, did so again with Tommy Coyne and May heading wide.

But they looked more determined in the second half and a chip from Coyne brought a good save from Ken Meechan, while a piledriver from Lee McCulloch was only inches off-target.

Dumbarton battled and it needed a brave save from Woods at Lee Sharp's feet to keep the scores level.

After 70 minutes, Motherwell sent on striker Dougie Arnott - and within three minutes, the move had paid off.

Newman found the little marksman with a cross and Arnott's header across the face of goal was met by inrushing Coyle, who, from just two yards, knocked home the winner.

Coyne had a chance to put the tie beyond doubt but tried to beat the goalkeeper himself when Arnott and Coyle were better placed.

Motherwell almost paid dearly for that miss as the Sons sought an equaliser in the closing minutes.

Substitute Hugh Ward went close to levelling with a cracking drive which rattled the post.

Then with just a minute left, a fine save from Woods denied a McKinnon header.

Motherwell: Woods, May (Sullivan 71), McMillan, Newman, Martin, Falconer, Weir (Arnott 70), McCulloch, Coyne, McSkimming (Davies 55), Coyle.

Booked: McCulloch.

Goals: Coyle 73.

Dumbarton: K. Meechan, Wilson, Brittain, Bruce, Gow, Mooney, Grace (Ward 81), J. Meechan, McKinnon, Flannery (Glancy 81), Sharp.

Subs Not Used: McCuaig.

Booked: Mooney.

Att: 4,204

Ref: B Tait (East Kilbride).