Hibernian comfortably booked their spot in the League Cup semi-finals after dispatching Ross County 3-0 on their own turf in Dingwall. The fixture evoked memories of the club's previous cup triumphs in 2010 and the dramatic 2016 final, yet the Highland crowd witnessed a very different story this evening. The match got off to a blistering start, with the visitors taking the initiative and forcing the home side onto the back foot within the first quarter of an hour.
Thibault Klidje opened the scoring in the seventh minute, rising above the County defence to direct a powerful header into the lower corner of the net. Just seven minutes later, Hibs were awarded a penalty after Akil Wright was judged to have pulled down Jason Kerr from a corner delivered by Felix Passlack.
Adam Mayor stepped up and coolly slotted the spot‑kick, doubling the lead and putting David Gray’s men firmly in control. The early dominance continued as the half‑hour mark approached. A well‑worked move in the centre of the park saw Josh Mulligan link up with Callum Wright, who threaded a precise pass to Ante Suto. The striker met the ball with a clean header that flew past the goalkeeper, giving Hibernian a comfortable 3-0 advantage just six minutes before the interval.
Although Ross County never looked out of the contest, they were unable to generate any serious threat and the scoreline reflected the one‑sided nature of the encounter. In the second half County attempted to alter their approach, switching to a back‑three formation in an effort to stem the flow of Hibs attacks. Despite the tactical shift, the visitors continued to create the better chances. A late‑stage set piece saw Mayor find Nathan Lowe with a well‑timed cross, but the substitute’s effort drifted wide of the post.
Hibernian saw out the final minutes without further incident, sealing a comprehensive victory that sends them into the semi‑final round. Meanwhile, Aberdeen also celebrated a hard‑won progression to the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals after a tense penalty shoot‑out against Kilmarnock. The Dons had endured a goal‑dry spell in their previous four league fixtures, and the pressure on manager Stephen Robinson was mounting.
The tie turned dramatic when Daniel Happe was sent off, reducing Aberdeen to ten men. Kilmarnock’s Tyreece John‑Jules equalised shortly after, nullifying Kevin Nisbet’s earlier strike and forcing the match into extra time. During the extra period both sides created opportunities, but neither could find a decisive goal.
The deadlock was finally broken in the shoot‑out, where Aberdeen’s goalkeeper Marius Müller proved the hero by saving attempts from John‑Jules, Mark O'Hara and Aaron Tshibola. Jack Milne then stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, delivering a 3‑1 shoot‑out win for the Dons. The victory sparked jubilant scenes as Aberdeen supporters poured onto the pitch to celebrate alongside Hearts and Hibernian, while Kilmarnock fans expressed disappointment, aware that the result adds further strain on manager Neil McCann.
Key moments for Aberdeen included Nisbet’s header from a Connor Ronan cross, which gave the visitors an early lead before Happe’s dismissal. The subsequent equaliser from John‑Jules highlighted the resilience of the visitors, but the composure of Aberdeen in the penalty round ultimately decided the tie.
Both Hibernian and Aberdeen now join the semi‑final lineup, setting up intriguing match‑ups as the competition moves toward its climax. Their performances underscore the importance of early aggression, clinical finishing, and mental toughness in knockout football. The upcoming semi‑finals promise high‑stakes drama, with the remaining clubs eager to emulate the success of the 2010 and 2016 cup winners and secure a place in the final.