By Laurie Finlayson

It was a hard fought victory at Rugby Park (Image: Getty Images)

Kilmarnock have secured their place in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup after a 2-0 victory over League One side Cove Rangers. Here’s what stood out from the action at Rugby Park:

Killie battle to beat Cove

Armstrong sealed the victory with the second goal (Image: Getty Images)

A goal in each half secured Killie’s progression to the Scottish Cup quarter-final in Derek McInnes’ 100th match in charge of the Rugby Park side.

Despite the home side’s tag of overwhelming favourites, Cove fashioned the best chance in the early exchanges. Rumarn Burrell, who previously had a loan spell in East Ayrshire, hit a half-volley, which Fraser Murray was forced to block on the line. Kilmarnock came close with chances for Kevin van Veen, Marley Watkins and Matty Kennedy. However, as the first half wore on, the home support started to grow impatient.

Just before the break, the home side found a way through, thanks to Welsh striker Watkins, as he found the net for the second time in just four days, flicking it into the goal off of a corner.

In the second half, the hosts exerted more control but needed to turn to their bench to secure the victory. Danny Armstrong got on the end of Rory McKenzie’s cross in the 81st minute to double Killie's lead and secure their place in the hat for the quarter final draw.

Cove Rangers can be proud of their performance

The League One side put in a spirited performance (Image: Getty Images)

Paul Hartley can take considerable pride in his team’s performance. The Toonsers currently sit third in League One but held their own against the team who are fourth in the Premiership. At some points in the match, the sides couldn’t be split, and it could be argued that Hartley’s side were the better of the two.

It would have felt like a bit of a sucker punch to concede right on the stroke of half-time. It was one of those moments that changes games. If Watkins hadn’t scored, the game could've played out very differently.

Could Kilmarnock be Scottish Cup dark horses?

McInnes hopes to lead Kilmarnock to cup glory (Image: Getty Images)

With this result, Kilmarnock find themselves in the hat for the quarter-finals, and only one win away from a trip to the national stadium.

The Kilmarnock manager has made no secret of wanting to bring cup glory to Rugby Park having previously said: “I want us to have a reputation of being a good cup team and we have a team that is capable. I think I have a team and a squad that can meet the demand to get to a cup final.”

Killie will travel to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen in the quarter-final.

The other ties are as follows:

Greenock Morton vs Heart of Midlothian
Hibernian vs Rangers
Celtic vs Livingston

Quarter-final ties will take place on the weekend of March 9.

Kilmarnock 2-0 Cove Rangers: Three things we learned