Hibernian comfortably booked their place in the League Cup semi-finals after delivering a dominant 3-0 performance against Ross County at the Inverness-based venue in Dingwall. The match evoked memories of the club's previous cup triumphs in 2010 and the memorable 2016 final, but this time the Highlands crowd witnessed a one-sided affair rather than a celebratory showdown.
The visitors took control early, with two goals coming inside the first 14 minutes. Thibault Klidje opened the scoring in the seventh minute, rising above the County defenders to meet a cross and power a header into the bottom corner.
Just seven minutes later, a penalty was awarded when Akil Wright was judged to have pulled down Jason Kerr from a corner delivered by Felix Passlack. Adam Mayor stepped up and calmly slotted the spot‑kick, extending the lead to 2-0 and leaving Ross County scrambling for a response.
The third goal arrived six minutes before the interval, courtesy of Ante Suto, who capitalised on a well‑worked move involving Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright in midfield. Suto's finish left the home side with a comfortable cushion heading into the break. Although Ross County never looked disgraceful, they never truly threatened to overturn the deficit, and Hibs managed the second half with composure, seeing out the contest without further drama.
The opening stages were lively, with both teams exchanging blows, but Hibernian's quality shone through. After Klidje's early header, the penalty gave them a chance to double their advantage, and Mayor's conversion was clinical. Suto nearly added a fourth when he attempted a header from Jack Iredale's low cross, only to see the ball sail just over the bar. Iredale later forced a fine save from Hibs goalkeeper Brad Foster, who dove to his left to keep the scoreline intact.
In the second half Ross County attempted to alter their tactics, switching to a back‑three formation in hopes of stabilising the defence. Despite this adjustment, the visitors continued to create the better chances. Jason Kerr headed over from a set‑piece, and further crosses kept testing the Staggies' back line. With just under 15 minutes left, Mayor delivered a cross that found Nathan Lowe, but the Hibernian substitute who arrived to finish the move sent his effort wide of the target.
The match concluded without any late consolation for the home supporters, and Hibernian walked away with a clean sheet and a place in the semi‑finals. In a separate quarter‑final encounter, Aberdeen's manager Stephen Robinson celebrated a dramatic victory as his ten‑man side progressed to the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals after a tense penalty shoot‑out against Kilmarnock. The Dons had endured four league games without scoring, increasing the pressure on Robinson.
The tie seemed to tilt in Kilmarnock's favour when Tyreece John‑Jules equalised after Kevin Nisbet's early strike, following a red card for Daniel Happe. Aberdeen held their nerve to force extra time, though they missed several opportunities to settle the match in regulation. In the shoot‑out, goalkeeper Marius Müller proved decisive, saving attempts from John‑Jules, Mark O'Hara and Aaron Tshibola.
Jack Milne then stepped up and converted the decisive penalty, delivering a 3‑1 shoot‑out win for the Dons. Fans of Aberdeen flooded the pitch in celebration, joining Hearts and Hibernian as the trio of Scottish clubs advanced to the semi‑final stage. Meanwhile, Kilmarnock supporters expressed frustration, aware that the defeat added further scrutiny on manager Neil McCann. Key moments for Aberdeen included Nisbet's header from a Connor Ronan cross, which gave the visitors the early lead, and the subsequent equaliser by John‑Jules after Happe's dismissal.
The dramatic penalty shoot‑out underscored the fine margins that often decide cup competitions. Overall, both Hibernian and Aberdeen demonstrated resilience and quality, securing their places in the next round of the League Cup and setting up intriguing semi‑final match‑ups that will capture the attention of Scottish football fans across the country.
The upcoming fixtures promise high‑stakes drama as the clubs vie for a coveted spot in the final and the chance to lift the trophy.