Hibernian comfortably progressed to the semi‑final stage of the Scottish League Cup after dispatching Ross County with a dominant 3‑0 win on the far north coast in Dingwall. The match evoked memories of past cup triumphs for the Highland club, recalling their 2010 victory and the dramatic 2016 final, but this occasion offered no cause for celebration for the home side.
From the outset, the visitors imposed their will, with Thibault Klidje finding the net inside the first five minutes and Adam Mayor adding a second just nine minutes later, establishing a firm lead for David Gray's Hibs. A further strike from Ante Suto six minutes before the interval effectively sealed the tie, leaving Ross County with little chance of a comeback despite a respectable performance. The opening exchanges were lively, with both teams contesting possession and creating chances, but it was Hibernian who broke the deadlock in the seventh minute.
Klidje rose above the County defence to head a precise delivery into the bottom corner, giving the visitors an early advantage. Seven minutes after that, a penalty was awarded when Akil Wright was judged to have pulled down Jason Kerr from a corner taken by Felix Passlack.
Full‑back Mayor stepped up and calmly converted, extending the lead to 2‑0. The match report also included a series of unrelated football news snippets, ranging from Premier League referee analysis to Serie A highlights, but the focus returned to the cup tie as Suto nearly added a third before half‑time.
He met Jack Iredale's low cross with a header that skimmed over the bar, while Iredale later forced a fine save from Ross County goalkeeper Brad Foster, who dived to his left. The third goal arrived just before the break after a well‑crafted move involving Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright in midfield, culminating in Suto finding the back of the net and putting Hibs comfortably ahead at the interval. In the second half, County attempted to alter their tactics, shifting to a back‑three formation in an effort to stem the flow of Hibs attacks.
Nevertheless, the visitors continued to dominate, creating the better chances. Jason Kerr headed wide from another set‑piece, and further crosses troubled the Staggies' defence.
Mayor even tried to double the lead by delivering a cross to Nathan Lowe with under 15 minutes remaining, but the Hibernian substitute missed the target. The home side could not muster a consolation goal, and Hibs saw out the final minutes without difficulty, securing their place in the semi‑finals. Meanwhile, Aberdeen also booked a semi‑final berth, but their path was far more dramatic. Manager Stephen Robinson saw his ten‑man side advance after a tense penalty shoot‑out victory over Kilmarnock in the Premier Sports Cup.
Aberdeen had endured a barren spell in the league, failing to score in their previous four matches, which had heightened scrutiny on Robinson. The tie seemed to tilt in Kilmarnock's favour when Tyreece John‑Jules equalised shortly after Kevin Nisbet had given Aberdeen the lead, following a sending‑off for Daniel Happe. The match went into extra time, during which Aberdeen created several opportunities but could not find a decisive goal. The deadlock was finally broken in the penalty shoot‑out.
Goalkeeper Marius Müller proved decisive, making saves from John‑Jules, Mark O'Hara and Aaron Tshibola. Jack Milne then stepped up to convert the winning spot‑kick, delivering a 3‑1 shoot‑out triumph for the Dons. The victory sparked jubilant scenes as Aberdeen supporters flooded onto the pitch, joining Hearts and Hibernian as the trio of semi‑finalists. In contrast, Kilmarnock fans expressed frustration, aware that the defeat added further pressure on their manager Neil McCann.
Key moments for Aberdeen included Nisbet's header from a Connor Ronan cross, which gave them 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, setting the stage for the dramatic penalty climax.
Both matches highlighted the intensity and unpredictability of cup football in Scotland, where a single goal or a penalty decision can swing momentum dramatically. Hibernian's clinical finishing and defensive solidity ensured a straightforward victory, while Aberdeen's perseverance under adversity and composure in the shoot‑out underscored their fighting spirit.
As the semi‑finals approach, fans can anticipate high‑stakes encounters, with the remaining teams eager to add their names to the list of cup winners. The tournament continues to provide thrilling narratives, showcasing both seasoned veterans and emerging talents across the Scottish game.