Hibernian comfortably booked their place in the League Cup semi‑finals after a dominant 3‑0 win over Ross County at the Inverness‑based venue in Dingwall. The match evoked memories of Hibs' triumphs in the 2010 final and the unforgettable 2016 victory, but this time the Highland side were unable to replicate those celebratory moments.
From the outset, the visitors imposed their will, with Thibault Klidje finding the net inside the first ten minutes and Adam Mayor adding a second shortly thereafter, giving David Gray’s men a firm grip on the game. A third goal, courtesy of Ante Suto six minutes before the interval, effectively put the tie beyond any realistic comeback hopes for the home side. While Ross County never completely collapsed, they never truly threatened to overturn the deficit, allowing Hibernian to see out the match with relative ease.
The opening exchanges were lively, with both teams pressing aggressively and trading possession. It was Hibernian who struck first, however, when Klidje rose above the County defence in the seventh minute and powered a header into the bottom corner of the net.
Seven minutes later the visitors were presented with a golden opportunity to double their lead when a penalty was awarded after Akil Wright was judged to have pulled down Jason Kerr from a corner delivered by Felix Passlack. Full‑back Adam Mayor stepped up without hesitation and sent the ball cleanly to the back of the net, extending Hibs’ advantage to 2‑0.
The third goal arrived just before the break, the result of a well‑crafted move in midfield. Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright combined effectively in the centre of the park, creating space for Ante Suto to meet a low cross from Jack Iredale.
Suto rose to meet the ball, and despite a brief moment where his header drifted just over the bar, he soon found the back of the net with a decisive finish that left Ross County trailing 3‑0 at the half‑time whistle. In the second half County attempted to alter their tactics, switching to a three‑man defensive line in an effort to stem the tide, but Hibernian continued to generate the more dangerous chances. Jason Kerr headed over from a set‑piece, and later, with just under fifteen minutes left, Mayor delivered a cross that found Nathan Lowe, whose shot was narrowly wide.
The final minutes saw Hibernian maintain possession and control, ensuring no late consolation goal for the home supporters. The match concluded with Hibernian securing a comfortable victory and a place in the semi‑finals, joining the likes of Hearts and the other successful side from the day’s fixtures.
In a separate tie, Aberdeen’s manager Stephen Robinson celebrated a dramatic progression to the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals after his ten‑man side survived a nerve‑wracking penalty shoot‑out against Kilmarnock. Aberdeen had been under pressure following four league games without scoring, and the cup match seemed to add to their woes when Tyreece John‑Jules equalised after Kevin Nisbet had opened the scoring. The turning point came when Daniel Happe was sent off, reducing the Dons to ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Aberdeen held firm, forcing the game into extra time.
Neither side could find a winner in the extra period, leading to a penalty shoot‑out. Goalkeeper Marius Müller proved decisive, making crucial saves from John‑Jules, Mark O’Hara and Aaron Tshibola. Ultimately, Jack Milne stepped up and converted the winning penalty, giving Aberdeen a 3‑1 triumph in the shoot‑out. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations from the Aberdeen faithful, who spilled onto the pitch alongside supporters of Hearts and Hibernian, all reveling in their clubs’ advancement.
Kilmarnock fans, on the other hand, expressed disappointment as the result intensified the scrutiny on their manager Neil McCann. Key moments in the Aberdeen fixture included Nisbet’s early header from a Connor Ronan cross, which put the Dons ahead, and the subsequent equaliser from John‑Jules following Happe’s dismissal. The match demonstrated Aberdeen’s resilience under pressure and highlighted Robinson’s ability to motivate his squad despite the odds. Both matches underscored the unpredictable nature of cup football, where a single goal or a red card can dramatically shift momentum.
Hibernian’s clinical finishing and Aberdeen’s composure in a penalty shoot‑out ensured they both moved forward in the competition, setting up intriguing semi‑final encounters that will capture the attention of Scottish football fans across the country. Fans are now looking ahead to the upcoming semi‑finals, eager to see which clubs will continue their cup runs and potentially lift the trophy.
The excitement generated by these fixtures reflects the enduring appeal of knockout tournaments, where every match can produce moments of drama, skill, and unforgettable celebration.