Scottish football as it happened

"I thought we were very comfortable. We scored a very good goal."

Please join us on Sunday for live coverage of Inverness Caledonian v Celtic, the second Scottish Cup semi-final which will decide who faces Falkirk in the final.

So, another busy day of Scottish football action draws to a close but there's more to come tomorrow...

Second-place Rangers open up a four-point lead over Hibernian, who play their game in hand against Livingston on Wednesday.

Queen of the South are not quite assured the final play-off place following their draw with Alloa Athletic. Queens lead Falkrik by five points with two rounds of fixtures remaining.

At the bottom, second-bottom Alloa are now four clear of Livi and within a point of Cowdenbeath.

It's all set up for a fabulous finale in the third tier, with just one point separating Stranraer, Morton and Forfar in the top three places.

Annan Athletic 2-1 East Fife

Arbroath 1-1 Queen's Park

Clyde 2-3 Albion Rovers

East Stirlingshire 0-4 Berwick Rangers

Montrose 2-1 Elgin City

Airdrieonians 2-0 Ayr United

Brechin City 3-0 Dunfermline

Peterhead 1-0 Forfar Athletic

Stirling Albion 0-2 Greenock Morton

Stranraer 3-2 Stenhousemuir

Albion Roversare the League Two champions, coming from 2-0 down at Clyde to win. Closest challengers Queen's Park drew 1-1 at Arbroath.

Alloa Athletic 2-2 Queen of the South

Dumbarton 1-3 Rangers

Hearts 2-1 Raith Rovers

Aberdeen ensure European football next season with victory over Dundee United, courtesy of Adam Rooney's first-half goal.

The Doonhamers lose goalscorer Mark Millar for the last few minutes as the midfielder is sent packing for pushing his head into Alloa's Michael Doyle.

Forfar are still trailing at Peterhead and they will drop from first to third if they don't find a way back. Stranraer are on their way to top spot, with a 3-1 lead over Stenhousemuir but Morton, who are beating Stirling Albion, will be level on points.

Aberdeen have a breakaway and Adam Rooney is in on goal following Jonny Hayes' pass but John Souttar makes a superb saving tackle.

Jamie McGilchrist: "Looks likely 4th will get a European place. Utd don't deserve it. Give it to Falkirk for their heroics in the cup #bbcscotfootball"

Time running down now...

Dougie Kinnear: "I pity the groundsman who has to repair the dents left in the turf by ciftci throwing himself to the deck all day! #bbcscotfootball"

Hearts strike the frame of the goal again as Gary Oliver's shot hits the foot of goalkeeper David McGurn before spinning against the post.

Albion Rovers have come from two goals down to lead Clyde 3-2 with Gary Fisher netting. Rovers will be champions if they win and Queen's Park, who are currently losing to Arbroath, drop points.

The home side go close to restoring their earlier two-goal cushion as Jamie Walker rattles the post with a curling shot.

Sportscene will start shortly on BBC Two Scotland with a round-up of today's results. You can watch it here via the 'Live Coverage' tab.

The home side are down to 10 men as Barry Robson is sent off after catching Calum Butcher with a stray elbow.

Albion Rovers are now level at Clyde after trailing 2-0. A win for the Coatbridge side could see them wrap up the title today.

Morton don't take long to double their lead at Forthbank thanks to Declan McManus, who does well to turn and find the bottom corner with a shot.

United doing their best to make the Aberdeen lead look fragile at Pittodrie. Moments ago, Chris Erskine weaved his way into a promising position before testing goalkeeper Scott Brown.

The title race is really heating up as Jamie McCluskey fires Morton ahead at already-relegated Stirling Albion.

For those interested in horse racing, 25-1 shot Wayward Prince won the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

tom and 20 others: "Heading back 2 Edinburgh from Hampden. Can u confirm hibs lost, cos i can't quite believe what i just saw? #bbcscotfootball"

Matches resuming around the country.

You can now watch highlights of Falkirk's win over Hibernian in the Scottish Cup semi-final using the 'Highlights' tab. There, you can also access post-match interviews with both managers.

Annan Athletic 1-1 East Fife

Arbroath 1-0 Queen's Park

Clyde 2-1 Albion Rovers

East Stirlingshire 0-1 Berwick Rangers

Montrose 1-1 Elgin City

Airdrieonians 0-0 Ayr United

Brechin City 2-0 Dunfermline

Peterhead 1-0 Forfar Athletic

Stirling Albion 0-0 Greenock Morton

Stranraer 2-0 Stenhousemuir

Alloa Athletic 1-0 Queen of the South

Dumbarton 1-1 Rangers

Hearts 1-0 Raith Rovers

Haris Vuckic denied by the legs of Danny Rogers on the stroke of half-time. The Dumbarton keeper has played well but Stuart Findlay at the back is a stand-out for Ian Murray's team. Defensively very sound and comfortable on the ball too. Entertaining first half, pretty evenly balanced as reflected by the scoreline.

Adam Rooney's goal has given Aberdeen the lead at the break. the Dons have been the better side so far and are on course to go within five points of Premiership leaders Celtic.

We could have a new leader today because Forfar have fallen behind at Peterhead, James Redman on target for the Blue Toon.

After a bit of a hiatus in the goalmouth action, Danny Rogers produces another brilliant one-handed save to tip Nicky Law's shot away for a corner.

Simon Murray gives Arbroath the lead at home to Queen's Park. But Albion Rovers are messing up their attempt to wrap up the title since they trail Clyde 2-0.

It's all be pretty quiet at Tynecastle but the home side rumble into life with Soufian El Hassnaoui going down in the box and Jamie Walker's follow-up shot is blocked.

Dundee United goalkeeper Radoslaw Cierzniak completely misses the ball under pressure from some Aberdeen attackers but the Dons cannot net. However, the United keeper is then awarded a free-kick.

Hughie, Oban: "Summer football sounds good on day like this but it also means crucial title deciding, relegation deciding and play off games will be played in November Wouldn't feel so good then!"

Aberdeen forward Niall McGinn capitalises on a poor clearance by the United rearguard but loses his footing at the crucial moment, sending in a tame shot.

Willie Gibson gives Stranraer an early lead at home to Stenhousemuir, which moves them level on points with leaders Forfar.

Plenty endeavour but no clear-cut chances for Alloa or Queens yet. One interested spectator is St Johnstone assistant manager Callum Davidson. He tells BBC Scotland's Kenny Crawford there are a few players he has come to have a look at as potential recruits.

Aberdeen have started brightly at Pittodrie and the Dons fans are pleased with the attacking effort from the home side so far.

An acrobatic effort from Rangers skipper Lee McCulloch is brilliantly turned over the bar by Danny Rogers in the Dumbarton goal. Breathless start to this game.

Kenny McLean feeds off an Adam Rooney to get into a shooting position but lifts his effort over the Dundee United crossbar.

League action getting started...

Kick-off approaching around the country. Today could be decisive in the race for Europe and promotion places.

Remember, you can text 80295 or tweet using the hashtag #bbcscotfootball.

Albion Rovers can clinch the title and automatic promotion if they beat Clyde AND Queen's Park drop points at Arbroath.

Elsewhere, Annan Athletic host East Fife, Berwick Rangers visit East Stirlingshire and bottom side Montrose take on Elgin City.

Queen's Park know they will get at least a play-off place if they miss out on the title while third-place Arbroath and East Fife in fourth still have a bit of work to do ensure the sides below them do not pip them to the final two play-off spots.

It's tight at the top of the third tier with eight points separating leaders Forfar Athletic from Brechin City in fourth.

Forfar are at Peterhead today, while second-place Stranraer, who are two points off the pace, host second-bottom Stenhousemuir.

Greenock Morton, a point behind Stranraer, visit relegated Stirling Albion.

Airdrieonians and Dunfermline will look to maintain their fading play-off hopes when they face Ayr United and Brechin, respectively.

With Falkirk beating Hibs in the Scottish Cup semi-final earlier today, there are only three games in the Scottish Championship.

In Clackmannanshire, it's Alloa Athletic v Queen of the South with Queens looking for the win that would secure their play-off place.

Second-place Rangers could open up a four-point gap on Hibs if they beat Dumbarton while champions Hearts entertain Raith Rovers.

The sides finishing third and fourth will play off to decide who faces the league's runners-up in the play-off semi-final, the winner of which will play the Premiership's second-bottom side in the final.

Aberdeen: Brown, Logan, Taylor, Reynolds, Considine, Hayes, Flood, Robson, McGinn, McLean, Rooney. Subs: Langfield, Smith, Pawlett, Goodwillie, Jack, Shankland, Daniels.

Dundee Utd: Cierzniak, Fojut, Morris, Butcher, McGowan, Souttar, Telfer, Erskine, Dixon, Ciftci, Bilate. Subs: Dillon, Muirhead, Scott Smith, Spittal, Szromnik, Anier, Coote.

Referee: Bobby Madden.

There is one Scottish Premiership match today, with second-place Aberdeen hosting Dundee United, who are fourth.

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The Dons can move to within five points of leaders Celtic with a win today while United are looking to cut the gap on Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who occupy the last European place in the division.

Caley Thistle are six points in front of the Tangerines, who have played a game less.

Aberdeen lost 3-0 to Jackie McNamara's Dundee United at Pittodrie on the opening weekend of the Premiership season but Derek McInnes' Dons won 2-0 at Tannadice in December.

The sides also met in the Scottish League Cup semi-final in January, with United coming out on top 2-1.

For now though, let's turn attention to the rest of today's Scottish fixtures.

There'll be more reaction and some highlights from Hampden on the BBC Sport website later today, and also on Sportscene on BBC Two Scotland at 16:30 BST.

Roy from Dunfermline: "As a Hibs fan I have to disagree with the TV and radio, only 3 hibs players got pass marks today Stevenson, Allan and Cummings, the rest showed why we will still be in the Championship next season"

That's enough from me. Congratulations to the Bairns. Now I'm going to hand the controls over to Andy Campbell for the rest of today's action.

The winning goal at Hampden was a well-worked one it has to be said but will Falkirk be able to ride their luck like that again come the final? They will be major underdogs against either Celtic or Inverness CT and look destined to have a long break between the end of the Championship campaign and 30 May. A week in the sun before the big game might be just the ticket...

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"I'm disappointed for the lads. It's a real gut-wrencher when you put so much into a game and you don't get what you deserve from it. We created a lot of opportunities and they've had the luck that sometimes you need in a semi-final."

I don't want to put the boot in when a team is down but there is more bad news for Hibs since their final league match is away to Falkirk. On this evidence, there must be some kind of curse on this fixture since the Bairns have won three from four this season and came back from 3-1 down to get a draw in the other meeting.

Andrew Hall: "Onto 114 years then #Hibs. Which is about the age I feel watching us trying to end the #scottishcup hoodoo every year. #bbcscotfootball"

tom and 20 others: "I hope the fans keep their patience with this young hibs teams. #bbcscotfootball"

It will be a long journey home for Hibs supporters, who will have a hard time believing their team are not in a third final in four years. The men in green dominated for long spells but cannot afford to feel too sorry for themselves since they have important league and play-off games coming up.

Falkirk fans can start dreaming of a third Scottish Cup win, the last success coming way back in 1957. Who will they meet in the final? Celtic take on Inverness CT tomorrow.

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"It was a long afternoon if I'm being honest. Hibs put us under a lot of pressure. The goal probably came against the run of play but statistics are all about who scores the most goals in the end. We're delighted to be in the final. Just to be there is big for this club."

Hibs will be kicking themselves after spurning a hatful of chances at Hampden. Alan Stubbs' side twice hit the woodwork and there was a couple of dreadful miscues in front of goal from Dylan McGeouch and Lewis Stevenson, while Jamie MacDonald had a good day in goals for Falkirk.

Falkirk are into the Scottish Cup final thanks to a classic smash and grab. Peter Houston's men spent most of the game defending desperately around their own penalty box but got the all important goal when Craig Sibbald headed home on 75 minutes.

Jamie MacDonald stands strong at his near post to push away a shot from a tight angle from Dominique Malonga. Hibs keeper Mark Oxley is up for the corner.

Last chance for Hibs? The ball falls to Fraser Fyvie on the edge of the penalty box and the ginger-haired midfielder slams a shot over the top...

Into stoppage time now, with Falkirk simply thumping the ball anywhere...

Hibs appear to have run out of ideas as the clock ticks down. Farid El Alagui finds a glimmer of space behind the Falkirk defence but out comes Jamie MacDonald to make a good sliding block at the near post.

MBEHAN: "Never seen that goal for Falkirk coming #gameon #bbcscotfootball"

With less than five minutes to go, Hibs withdraw Jason Cummings and introduce fellow striker Dominique Malonga.

With Hibs pressing up the park, Falkirk forward Botti Bia Bi breaks away but in comes Paul Hanlon with a splendid sliding tackle. The Bairns are demanding a penalty but referee John Beaton thinks the defender got enough of the ball.

Hibs throw on forward Franck Dja Djedje in place of holding midfielder Scott Robertson. It's kitchen sink time for Alan Stubbs' side.

Hibs seem absolutely stunned by that goal and suddenly players who were zipping passes around are taking bad touches and hoofing the ball out of play.

The Falkirk shop is shutting up as defender Aaron Muirhead is on for striker Taylor Morgan.

How about that for a sucker punch? Falkirk have been on the ropes but Hibs have paid the price for not getting ahead when on top.

Tom and 20 others: "Hibs can be easy on the eye, but never on the heart. #bbcscotfootball"

A cross from Lewis Stevenson takes a deflection off a defender in white and the ball loops into the side-netting. The one-way traffic continues with Farid El Alagui heading over from a corner. Falkirk are hanging on...

Maybe a little frustrated after that near miss, Scott Allan is cautioned for a wild challenge.

Hibs playmaker Scott Allan surges into the penalty box with a trail of Falkirk players in his wake and his rising shot from 16 yards comes crashing back off the crossbar.

Falkirk midfielder Tom Taiwo is booked for hooking both legs round Fraser Fyvie in a sliding challenge.

Oh dear. Two absolute shockers in front of goal from Hibs, who are starting to turn the screw. Dylan McGeouch has a terrible mis-kick at the back post before recovering to chip a pass to Lewis Stevenson, who slashes a horrible volley over the top from 14 yards.

The officials get it wrong as Farid El Alagui is flagged offside when running on to a great reverse pass from Scott Allan. The Hibs striker was in the clear but took a very heavy touch, so might be glad of the decision.

Dylan McGeouch peels away to the right and knocks a cross in the direction of Farid El Alagui. The Hibs striker goes for a fancy flick but gets very little purchase on the ball and it dribbles into the hands of goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald.

It's all a bit scrappy at the moment as neither side are able to string more than a couple of passes together.

Hibs striker Farid El Alagui gets a talking to from referee John Beaton after stretching into a tackle with his studs up on David McCracken.

Jordon Forster is first to Scott Allan's driven corner but the Hibs defender can only skew a header high and wide from 15 yards.

Much better from Falkirk already as Blair Alston is able to turn and fire off a shot from 22 yards. Mark Oxley is a bit slow to react but manages to push it behind.

The action is up and running again...

Botti Bia Bi, who has been struggling with mumps in recent weeks, is on to beef up the Falkirk attack. David Smith is the man to make way.

Inverness CT and Celtic do battle in tomorrow's semi-final. The winner of that all-Premiership tie will be the strong favourite come 30 May.

"Hibernian began to look the more dominant aide as the first-half progressed. Allan and Fyvie in midfield were more prominent than Sibbald and Alston, so Peter Houston will have the more critical message to deliver at half-time."

Hibs have safely secured their place in the play-offs but Falkirk appear to have lost their chance of promotion to the top flight. If Queen of the South win at Alloa today, that closes the door on Peter Houston's team. But, with league games against Rangers and Hibs to come, the Bairns may yet have a big say in who finishes where...

Falkirk have done a good job of keeping Hibs' wide players quiet, making it all rather congested in the middle, while Will Vaulks is sticking like glue to playmaker Scott Allan. However, the Bairns have provided no service for lone striker Taylor Morgan.

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Hibs have had the better of it in an open first half, with Jamie MacDonald by far the busier of the goalkeepers. He did well to stop a Farid El Alagui header on the line, although the striker didn't know too much about it. The Moroccan has also hit the side-netting but the closest we got to a goal was that shot from Fraser Fyvie that was touched on to the post.

Having a look at the replay of Fraser Fyvie's shot, it looks like Jamie MacDonald might have got a fingertip to it. In that case, good save...

Falkirk are stretched now as Fraser Fyvie finds room to drill in a shot from 20 yards. Jamie MacDonald, at full-stretch, is beaten but the ball cannons off the post and bounces back into the keeper's arms.

Hibs find a way through this time as Lewis Stevenson slips a pass in behind the Falkirk defence for Farid El Alagui and the striker's first-time effort on the angle slams into the side-netting.

Falkirk are packing men along the edge of their penalty area any time Hibs get forward and there is just no way through for Alan Stubbs' team.

Hibs keep coming but again the delivery into the box does not trouble Falkirk, with Jamie MacDonald plucking Dylan McGeouch's cross out of the air.

Lewis Stevenson pings a decent ball in from the left but it's slighty behind the two strikers in the box. Wait a minute, here comes Scott Robertson steaming in with a late run and Craig Sibbald does well to nick the ball away as the Hibs midfielder winds up to connect.

The possession stats are evenly balanced at 50-50, although Hibs look marginally more menacing. It's been compelling but the final ball is letting both sides down.

"Play has flowed from one end to the other, as both sides seem intent on attacking at will. No individual has dominated, although cameos from Allan and Sibbald have been impressive. There is no inhibition, which is making for an entertaining game but both defences need to constantly be alert. So far, in Cummings, Hibs seem to be sharper up front though."

Liam Fontaine gets his head to a deep corner from Scott Allan but it's an easy catch for Jamie MacDonald at his near post. That should calm his manager down a bit...

Falkirk boss Peter Houston is vexed on the touchline as a kick from goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald sails straight out of the park.

Hibs striker Farid El Alagui makes a nuisance of himself in the box as Jordon Forster heads on a Scott Allan free kick and hooks the ball across the face of goal with a Falkirk defender nodding clear.

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Here's the moment when Falkirk keeper Jamie MacDonald was able to stop Farid El Alagui's inadvertent close-range header...

Hibs defender Jordon Forster is the first player cautioned for a late lunge at former team-mate Tom Taiwo on the halfway line.

Oops! A member of the Hampden ground staff leans on the wrong button and sets off a sprinkler. Fortunately, the action was at the other end of the pitch.

Hibs midfielder Dylan McGeouch cuts in from the right to work a neat one-two with Jason Cummings but his shot from 20 yards is scuffed wide.

Falkirk skipper David McCracken is hobbling a bit and has taken a dunt to the face but the veteran defender is tough as old boots and should be able to soldier on.

Will Vaulks has a go from 22 yards for Falkirk and his fierce shot is deflected wide. A good spell of pressure from the Bairns with a couple of corners and David McCracken heading wide.

Remarkable! Dylan McGeouch crosses from the right and the ball is deflected off defender David McCracken forcing Jamie MacDonald into a good reflex save. Hibs striker Farid El Alagui is on the ground having thrown himself at the initial delivery and the rebound hits his head and rolls towards goal. However, MacDonald is alert enough to stop it again on the line.

David Smith makes progress on the right and flashes a good delivery into the box but cannot find a Falkirk team-mate.

Robbie Devenney: "I hope the first 45 minutes go better than last time #bbcscotfootball"

A peep of the whistle from referee John Beaton and we're off... Jason Cummings immediately hares in the opposition penalty box but his cutback just goes behind team-mate Farid El Alagui.

Both sets of players are wearing black armbands as we get applause for the memory of former Hibs player Tommy Preston and Falkirk Academy member Cameron Armstrong.

Falkirk gaffer Peter Houston is an old hand and has already had the pleasure of lifting the trophy when in charge of Dundee United in 2010. His opposite number Alan Stubbs is taking his first steps in management but has plenty of big game experience from his time as a player with Everton and Celtic, having won four trophies during his time in Scotland, although this one eluded him.

"It's a day where we have to be in control of ourselves. There's bound to be nerves, it's about controlling that. We know that if we play well, we've got a chance of progressing to the final. The pitch looks great. It should suit our style. We just need to try and take care of today and make sure we're back here on 30 May."

"Days like this are meant to be at this time of the year. I think it's got the makings of what could be a really good game and I'm really looking forward to it. We're at our best when we pass the ball quickly and that's what we'll try to do today. We've proven this season that we can beat them but I think we go into the game as underdogs."

"Perfect conditions at Hampden, with the stadium draped in sunlight. Hibs and Falkirk are capable of playing accomplished, composed football, but this semi-final will be decided by the side that best copes with the pressure, that handles the occasion, and that manages to perform on the big stage.

"Hibs look likely to be playing three at the back, Falkirk are missing their top scorer Rory Loy, but it is the latter side that have the upper hand this season, with two wins and a draw from the league meetings. A fascinating encounter awaits, and the midfield will be key, where Hibs are blessed with talent in Allan, Fyvie and McGeouch."

Falkirk may trail Hibs by nine points in the Championship but they have had much the better of the head-to-heads this season, winning twice and coming back from two goals down to draw 3-3 at Easter Road on the last meeting in January.

These sides met at this stage two years ago and served up one of the Scottish Cup's most memorable semi-finals, with the Edinburgh side recovering from 3-0 down at half time to win 4-3. So no leaving early this time if your team are behind.

As ever, we want to hear from you as the action unfolds. You can text via 80295 or use #bbcscotfootball if you use Twitter.

BBC Radio Scotland's coverage is just beginning. Use the coverage tab at the top of the page if you want to watch the action live from Hampden. BBC One Scotland's television action gets underway five minutes before kick-off.

The Bairns last reached the final in 2009, while Hibs are aiming for a remarkable third final in four years, having been runners-up on 10 occasions since their second triumph in the tournament.

I'll spare you the usual list of what was happening in 1902 when Hibs last won the Scottish Cup since I'm sure you can all work out that it was a very, very long time ago. It's been a while for Falkirk too but at least there will still be supporters who can remember their 2-1 replay win over Kilmarnock in 1957.

Hibs have an issue in the wide right position, with David Gray injured and Martin Boyle and Keith Watson cup-tied. It looks like a 3-5-2 formation for the team from Leith, with Dylan McGeouch perhaps the man to fill in on the opposite flank to Lewis Stevenson. We'll find out soon enough...

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Unsurprisingly, Falkirk top goalscorer Rory Loy has not been able to shrug off the ankle injury he picked up in the quarter-final win over Queen of the South.

Botti Biabi is on the bench after a bout of mumps, while John Baird is cup-tied. That means Taylor Morgan leads the attack. The towering English striker has yet to score since arriving in Scotland from Sweden in January.

Hibernian: Oxley, Forster, Hanlon, Fontaine, McGeouch, Fyvie, Robertson, Allan, Stevenson, Cummings, El Alagui. Subs: Craig, Cerny, Stanton, Djedje, Dunsmore, Malonga, Handling.

Falkirk: MacDonald, Duffie, McCracken, Vaulks, Taiwo, Alston, Smith, Sibbald, Grant, Leahy, Morgan. Subs: Bowman, Muirhead, Dick, Cooper, Blair, Biabi, O'Hara.

We'll keep on going for the league action later, with Aberdeen welcoming Dundee United to Pittodrie in the only top flight match, while it's another busy day in the lower reaches as teams jostle for the end-of-season prizes and booby prizes.

Good morning, yes it's still morning, and welcome to our Scottish Cup semi-final coverage. We'll have a Championship side in this year's final since Hibernian meet Falkirk at Hampden in 30 minutes.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle take on Celtic in tomorrow's big match at the national stadium.