Hibernian comfortably booked their place in the League Cup semi-finals after a dominant 3-0 triumph over Ross County on the far‑north pitch at Dingwall. The match evoked memories of Hibs' own cup glories – the 2010 victory and the dramatic 2016 final – but this time the Highland side could not replicate those celebrations. From the outset, the Edinburgh club imposed their will, with Thibault Klidje and Adam Mayor both finding the net within the first 14 minutes, establishing a clear lead for David Gray’s men. Six minutes before the interval, Ante Suto added a third, effectively sealing the tie and leaving Ross County with little hope of a comeback.
While the Staggies never completely collapsed, they never truly threatened to overturn the deficit, and Hibernian saw the remainder of the game out with confidence. The opening exchanges were lively, with both teams contesting possession and testing each other's defenses.
It was Hibs who struck first in the seventh minute when Klidje rose above the Ross County box and directed a powerful header into the bottom corner, giving the visitors an early advantage. Seven minutes later, a penalty opportunity arose when referee Akil Wright judged that Ross County defender Jason Kerr had been pulled down by Felix Passlack from a corner. Adam Mayor stepped up and calmly slotted the spot‑kick, extending the lead to 2-0.
The third goal came just before the break. A well‑timed interchange between midfielders Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright created space on the edge of the box, allowing Ante Suto to meet Jack Iredale's low cross with a precise header that found the back of the net. Suto nearly added a fourth when he attempted another header from a similar delivery, but his effort sailed just over the bar.
Iredale also forced a good save from Ross County goalkeeper Brad Foster, who dived to his left to keep the scoreline at three. In the second half Ross County attempted to alter their tactics, shifting to a back‑three formation in hopes of shoring up their defence.
Despite the change, Hibernian continued to generate the more threatening chances. A set‑piece delivery saw Ross County’s Jason Kerr head the ball over the bar, and later, with about fifteen minutes left, Hibs substitute Adam Mayor found Nathan Lowe with a cross, only for the striker to send the ball wide of the target. The final minutes saw Hibernian maintain possession and control, ensuring no late consolation goal for the home fans.
The match ended 3-0, confirming Hibs’ progression to the semi‑final stage of the competition. In the other quarter‑final, Aberdeen’s manager Stephen Robinson celebrated a dramatic victory as his ten‑man side advanced to the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals after a nerve‑wracking penalty shoot‑out against Kilmarnock. Aberdeen had endured a goal‑dry spell in their previous four league fixtures, and pressure was mounting on Robinson.
The tie appeared to tilt in Kilmarnock’s favour when Tyreece John‑Jules equalised shortly after Kevin Nisbet had given the Dons the lead, following a sending‑off for Daniel Happe. Aberdeen held their composure, forcing the game into extra time.
Both sides created several clear‑cut chances, but neither could find a winner before the dead‑ball drama began. In the shoot‑out, Aberdeen goalkeeper Marius Müller proved decisive, making crucial saves from John‑Jules, Mark O’Hara and Aaron Tshibola.
Jack Milne then stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, securing a 3‑1 shoot‑out triumph for the Dons. The victory sparked jubilant scenes as Aberdeen supporters spilled onto the pitch, joining fans of Hearts and Hibernian in celebrating their clubs’ semi‑final berths.
Meanwhile, Kilmarnock’s supporters expressed frustration, aware that the result added further scrutiny on manager Neil McCann. Key moments for Aberdeen included Nisbet’s header from a Connor Ronan cross, which gave the visitors an early lead, and the subsequent red card for Happe that forced the team to play with ten men. John‑Jules’ equaliser demonstrated Kilmarnock’s resilience, but ultimately Aberdeen’s composure in the penalty shoot‑out proved decisive. Both matches highlighted the intensity and unpredictability of cup football, where a single mistake or moment of brilliance can dictate a team’s fate.
Hibernian’s clinical finishing and defensive solidity earned them a straightforward win, while Aberdeen’s mental strength in a high‑pressure shoot‑out showcased their resolve. As the semi‑finals loom, Hibs and the Dons will look to build on these performances, aiming to reach the final and add another trophy to their respective histories. Fans of both clubs can now look forward to the next round, where the stakes will be even higher and the competition fiercer.
The semi‑finals promise to deliver more drama, skill, and the kind of memorable moments that make cup competitions a cherished part of Scottish football culture.