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 past cup triumphs, notably the 2010 victory and the unforgettable 2016 final, but this time the Highland side could not replicate those celebratory moments. From the outset, Hibs asserted their superiority, with Thibault Klidje opening the scoring within the first seven minutes by rising above the County defence and directing a precise header into the lower corner of the net.
Just seven minutes later, the visitors were awarded a penalty after referee Akil Wright judged that County defender Jason Kerr had pulled down Adam Mayor from a corner delivered by Felix Passlack. Mayor stepped up confidently and slotted the spot‑kick home, giving Hibernian a two‑goal cushion before the half‑hour mark. The early onslaught continued as Ante Suto, who had been a constant threat in the attacking third, doubled the lead six minutes before the break.
The third goal came from a well‑crafted move in midfield involving Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright, whose quick interchanges opened space for Suto to meet a low cross from Jack Iredale with a powerful header that found the back of the net. County’s attempts to respond were sporadic; they switched to a back‑three after the restart in a bid to tighten up defensively, but Hibernian’s relentless pressure and superior aerial presence meant the visitors continued to dominate. A late chance for Ross County arrived when Nathan Lowe found himself on the receiving end of a cross from Mayor, but the Hibs substitute’s shot went wide, sealing the final scoreline.
Throughout the game, Hibernian’s goalkeeper Brad Foster made several sharp interventions, notably a reflex save from a low cross by Iredale that forced the ball out for a corner. Despite a few moments when County threatened to get back into the contest, they never truly looked capable of overturning the deficit, and the match concluded with Hibs seeing out the remaining minutes comfortably, securing their semi‑final berth. In a separate quarter‑final, Aberdeen also earned a place in the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals after a dramatic penalty shoot‑out victory over Kilmarnock.
Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson had been under considerable pressure following a goalless run in their first four league fixtures, and the cup tie presented an opportunity to restore confidence. The match was tightly contested; Kevin Nisbet gave the Dons an early lead by heading Connor Ronan’s cross past Kilmarnock keeper Max Stryjek. However, the game took a turn when Aberdeen defender Daniel Happe was sent off, reducing the visitors to ten men.
Kilmarnock seized the moment, with Tyreece John‑Jules equalising shortly after the dismissal, sending the encounter into extra time. Both sides created chances in the additional period, but neither could find a decisive goal, leading to a penalty shoot‑out.
Aberdeen’s goalkeeper Marius Müller proved the hero, denying attempts from John‑Jules, Mark O’Hara and Aaron Tshibola. Jack Milne then stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, sealing a 3‑1 shoot‑out win for the Dons.
The victory sparked jubilant scenes as Aberdeen supporters spilled onto the pitch, joining Hearts and Hibernian as the three Scottish clubs heading to the semi‑final stage. Meanwhile, Kilmarnock fans expressed frustration, aware that the defeat added further scrutiny on their manager Neil McCann.
Both semi‑finalists now look ahead to the next round with optimism. Hibernian will aim to build on their fluid attacking display, while Aberdeen will hope to capitalize on the resilience shown in the shoot‑out drama.
The upcoming matches promise to deliver high‑stakes football as the clubs vie for a coveted spot in the League Cup final, a competition that continues to provide memorable moments for Scottish football fans.