Hibernian booked their place in the League Cup semi‑finals with a comfortable 3‑0 triumph over Ross County on the far‑north pitch at Dingwall. The fixture evoked memories of the club’s historic cup victories in 2010 and the dramatic 2016 final, yet this time the Highland crowd were denied any cause for celebration. From the outset, the visitors imposed their will, with Thibault Klidje and Adam Mayor both finding the net inside the first 14 minutes, establishing a clear advantage for David Gray’s side.
Six minutes before the interval, Ante Suto added a third goal, effectively sealing the tie and leaving little doubt about the outcome. While Ross County never completely collapsed, they never truly threatened a comeback as Hibs calmly ran out the clock.
The opening exchanges were lively, with both teams battling for possession and creating chances. It was Hibernian who broke the deadlock in the seventh minute when Klidje rose above the County defence to head a ball into the bottom corner, showcasing his aerial prowess.
Just seven minutes later, the visitors were presented with a golden opportunity to double their lead when a penalty was awarded. Akil Wright was judged to have pulled down Jason Kerr from a Felix Passlack corner, and full‑back Mayor stepped up confidently, converting the spot‑kick without hesitation. The second half saw Ross County attempt to alter the dynamics of the match, even switching to a three‑man defence in an effort to stem the flow of Hibs attacks. However, the visitors continued to generate the more incisive chances.
Kerr headed over from a dangerous set‑piece, and later, Mayor delivered a low cross aimed at Nathan Lowe, but the Hibs substitute’s effort drifted wide. Suto, who had already scored, came close to adding a fourth when he met Jack Iredale’s low cross with a header that narrowly sailed over the bar, while Iredale himself forced a sharp save from Hibs goalkeeper Brad Foster, who dived to his left. The third goal was the product of a well‑crafted move in midfield, with Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright linking up to create space for Suto, who calmly slotted the ball past the County keeper. This strike, coming just before the break, cemented Hibernian’s dominance and left Ross County with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Despite a few attempts to revive their fortunes, including a series of set‑piece deliveries that tested the Hibs defence, the Staggies could not find a way through. As the final minutes ticked away, Hibernian maintained their composure, seeing out the match without allowing any late consolation for the home supporters. The 3‑0 scoreline reflected a performance in which the visitors controlled possession, created the majority of chances, and executed their game plan with precision.
In a separate quarter‑final, Aberdeen’s manager Stephen Robinson celebrated a dramatic victory that saw his ten‑man side progress to the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals after a nerve‑wracking penalty shoot‑out against Kilmarnock. The Dons had been under pressure following four league fixtures without scoring, and the match appeared to tilt in Kilmarnock’s favour when Tyreece John‑Jules equalised after Kevin Nisbet’s early goal, a response that came shortly after defender Daniel Happe was sent off. Aberdeen held firm through extra time, creating several opportunities but failing to convert them.
The deadlock was finally broken in the penalty shoot‑out, where goalkeeper Marius Müller proved decisive, making saves against John‑Jules, Mark O’Hara and Aaron Tshibola. Jack Milne then stepped up to clinch the shoot‑out 3‑1, sending the Aberdeen supporters into a frenzy as they spilled onto the pitch to celebrate joining Hearts and Hibernian in the semi‑final stage. Kilmarnock fans, on the other hand, expressed frustration, aware that the result added further strain on their manager Neil McCann.
Nisbet’s opening goal had come from a well‑timed header on a cross delivered by Connor Ronan, giving Aberdeen an early lead. However, the dismissal of Happe altered the balance, and John‑Jules’ equaliser restored parity, setting the stage for the tense penalty drama that ultimately decided the tie. Both Hibernian and Aberdeen now look ahead to their respective semi‑final encounters, buoyed by the confidence gained from these hard‑won victories.
Their performances underscore the unpredictable nature of cup football, where a single moment—whether a well‑taken header, a penalty conversion, or a crucial save—can shape the destiny of a club’s season. Fans of both sides will be hoping that the momentum from these wins can be carried forward, potentially leading to a memorable run in the competition. The upcoming semi‑finals promise to deliver high‑stakes football, as the surviving teams vie for a coveted place in the final and the chance to lift the trophy. With Hibernian and Aberdeen both demonstrating resilience and quality, the next round is set to be a showcase of Scottish cup drama, where tactical acumen, individual brilliance, and sheer determination will be on full display.