Last updated on .From the section Scottish League Cup

Forfar almost stunned their Scottish Premiership visitors

Livingston survived a late flurry to overcome Forfar Athletic and secure their spot in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals.

Lyndon Dykes put the Scottish Premiership side ahead of Scott Pittman doubling the advantage at Station Park.

But with just over half-an-hour to go, Dale Hilson took advantage of a mix-up in the middle to set up an exciting finale in Angus.

Gary Holt's Livi held on, though, to book their place in the last eight.

Changed days for lofty Livingston

The last time Livingston made a trip to Station Park had been way back in March 2011, when both teams were attempting to battle their way out of the fourth tier.

The gulf in class back then was mainly due to the scoring prowess of Kenny "The Doctor" Deuchar, who played a major part in Livingston's success.

Fast forward eight years and it may be the time for striker Dykes to show he can find a goalscoring vein of form that may not only help the West Lothian club retain their Premiership status but take them towards the latter stages of a cup competition they have struggled to make an impact in for some time.

He has the physique to trouble most defences in the league and, as he proved against Forfar, he knows his way to goal.

His movement and header for the opener was clinical as was his link-up play in general, and he kept the Forfar defenders busy, allowing Pittman time to drill home a second from 16 yards on the angle that eased thoughts of an upset.

Forfar may be playing two leagues below Livingston at present but they more than held their own at times and if they can maintain their spirit and form over the winter they look sure to be up towards the top end of the table come May.

And when the excellent Hilson pulled one back, the home fans' hopes were raised.

But there was to be no way back as Livingston held on to find their way into Sunday's quarter-final draw.

Man of the match - Dale Hilson

On a day when a strong southerly wind made silky football difficult for both sets of players there were still those who stood out.

Dykes led the Livingston line well and was ably assisted by the tireless work of both Stevie Lawless and Pittman.

But it was the part-time players from Forfar who must take great credit and belief from this game.

Marc McCallum made some excellent saves between the sticks but man of the match must go to the hard working midfielder Hilson.

The former Dundee United trainee gave as good as he got up against the likes of Pittman and Marvin Bartley and the 26-year-old will be a major player for the League One side this season.

'Is it acceptable? No' - Reaction

Forfar manager Jim Weir said: "I was pleased at half-time, but what I wasn't happy with was our 15-minute start after the break. It just felt as though they had stayed in the changing room.

"I told the players to go out and win the second half and they would have a real chance, but our start put us on the back foot."

Livingston manager Gary Holt said: "I'm pleased we're through. Is it an acceptable performance? No, it's not.

"You've got to kill teams off. We should have been 3-0 and then Al makes a mistake and it's 2-1 and it gives them a lift.

"We'll analyse it but we're in the hat for the quarter-finals, which is what I wanted at the start of the day."