Hibernian comfortably booked their place in the League Cup semi‑finals after a dominant 3‑0 triumph over Ross County on the far‑north pitch in Dingwall. The fixture evoked memories of the club's cup victories in 2010 and the dramatic 2016 final, yet this time the Highland side could not replicate those glories.
From the first whistle, the visitors imposed their will, with Thibault Klidje and Adam Mayor both finding the net inside the opening 14 minutes, establishing a firm lead for David Gray's Hibs. A further strike from Ante Suto six minutes before the interval effectively sealed the outcome, leaving Ross County with little realistic chance of a comeback. Although the Staggies never disgraced themselves, they never truly threatened to overturn the deficit, and Hibernian saw out the remainder of the match with confidence.
The match began at a lively tempo, the two teams trading possession and pressing high up the field. It was Hibernian who broke the deadlock in the seventh minute when Klidje rose above the County defence to head the ball into the bottom corner of the net. The goal gave the visitors a psychological edge and set the tone for the rest of the half. Seven minutes later, a penalty was awarded after referee adjudicated that Ross County defender Akil Wright had pulled down Jason Kerr from a corner delivered by Felix Passlack.
Full‑back Adam Mayor stepped up and calmly slotted the spot‑kick, extending the lead to 2‑0. The second half saw Ross County attempt to alter their tactics, switching to a back‑three formation in an effort to stem the flow of Hibs attacks.
However, the visitors continued to create the better chances. Suto, who had been a constant threat in the box, nearly added a third when he met Jack Iredale's low cross with a header that sailed just over the bar. Iredale later forced a fine save from Hibernian goalkeeper Brad Foster, who dived to his left and kept the scoreline intact. The decisive third goal arrived just before the break.
A period of clever interplay between midfielders Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright in the centre of the park produced a neat opening for Suto, who finished cleanly to make it 3‑0. The goal left Ross County with a mountain to climb, and despite a few late attempts – including a header from Jason Kerr that went wide and a cross that saw Mayor miss a chance for a fourth – the home side could not find a way back into the contest. Hibernian managed the final minutes with composure, ensuring their semi‑final berth was secured without further drama.
In a separate quarter‑final tie, Aberdeen also progressed to the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals, but their route was far more dramatic. Managed by Stephen Robinson, the Dons endured a tense encounter against Kilmarnock that ultimately required a penalty shoot‑out to decide the winner. Aberdeen entered the match under pressure, having failed to score in their previous four league games, and the early stages of the cup tie reflected that anxiety. Kilmarnock took the lead when Tyreece John‑Jules equalised after Kevin Nisbet had opened the scoring, the latter goal coming from a header off a Connor Ronan cross that beat Kilmarnock keeper Max Stryjek.
The turning point arrived when Aberdeen defender Daniel Happe was sent off, reducing the visitors to ten men. Despite being a man down, Aberdeen held firm and forced the game into extra time. The extra period saw both sides create opportunities, but neither could find a decisive goal, leading to the inevitable penalty shoot‑out.
Aberdeen goalkeeper Marius Müller proved the hero, making crucial saves from John‑Jules, Mark O'Hara and Aaron Tshibola. The shoot‑out concluded with Jack Milne converting the decisive penalty, giving Aberdeen a 3‑1 victory on penalties.
The win sparked jubilant celebrations among the Aberdeen faithful, who spilled onto the pitch to join Hearts and Hibernian in the semi‑final lineup. Meanwhile, Kilmarnock supporters expressed frustration, as the result added further pressure on manager Neil McCann. Overall, the quarter‑finals delivered a mix of dominant performances and nail‑biting drama.
Hibernian's clinical display in Dingwall demonstrated their attacking potency and defensive solidity, while Aberdeen's resilience under adversity highlighted their capacity to thrive in high‑pressure situations. Both clubs now look ahead to the semi‑finals, where they will aim to continue their cup runs and potentially add another trophy to their respective cabinets. The upcoming matches promise to be compelling, as the remaining teams vie for a coveted place in the final and the chance to lift the League Cup.