Hibernian comfortably booked their ticket to the League Cup semi-finals after a dominant 3-0 triumph over Ross County at the Inverness-based venue in Dingwall. The match evoked memories of the club's past cup successes – notably the 2010 victory and the unforgettable 2016 final – but this time the Highland side could not replicate those celebrations. From the outset, the visitors imposed their will, with Thibault Klidje and Adam Mayor both finding the net inside the first 14 minutes, giving David Gray's Hibs a solid foothold in the game.
Ante Suto added a third goal six minutes before the interval, effectively sealing the outcome and leaving Ross County with little hope of a comeback. While the Staggies never looked completely outclassed, they were unable to mount a sustained threat, and Hibernian saw out the remainder of the contest with ease.
The opening exchanges were lively, as both teams pressed hard and contested possession, but it was the visitors who struck first in the seventh minute. Klidje rose above the Ross County defence to direct a powerful header into the bottom corner, putting Hibernian ahead. Just seven minutes later, a penalty was awarded after referee adjudicated that Akil Wright had pulled down Jason Kerr from a Felix Passlack corner.
Full‑back Adam Mayor stepped up and calmly slotted the spot‑kick, doubling Hibs' lead. The early two‑goal cushion allowed the Scottish Premiership side to settle into a rhythm, controlling the tempo and dictating play across the midfield. The third goal came from Ante Suto, who capitalised on a well‑worked move involving Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright in the centre of the park.
After a series of quick passes, Suto met a low cross from Jack Iredale with a glancing header that looped over the goalkeeper's outstretched arms. He nearly added a fourth when a second header from the same cross drifted just over the bar, but the effort was enough to put the tie beyond doubt before the halftime whistle.
In the second half Ross County attempted to alter their tactics, switching to a back‑three formation in an effort to stem the Hibs onslaught. Despite the adjustment, the visitors continued to create the better chances. A dangerous set‑piece saw Jason Kerr rise to meet a delivery, only to head the ball over the bar.
Later, a promising cross found Nathan Lowe, but Hibernian substitute Adam Mayor, who had already scored, mistimed his finish and sent the ball wide of the target. Throughout the second half, Hibernian maintained a high press, forcing errors and limiting the home side's ability to build attacks. Brad Foster, the County goalkeeper, made a series of sharp saves, including a low effort from Jack Iredale that forced him to dive to his left. However, the relentless pressure eventually wore down Ross County, and the match concluded with Hibs comfortably seeing out the final minutes, securing a place in the semi‑finals alongside Aberdeen.
In a separate fixture, Aberdeen's manager Stephen Robinson celebrated a dramatic progression to the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals after his ten‑man side survived a tense penalty shoot‑out against Kilmarnock. The Dons had endured a goal‑dry spell in their previous four league matches, increasing the pressure on Robinson.
The tie appeared to be slipping away when Tyreece John‑Jules equalised shortly after Kevin Nisbet had given Aberdeen the lead, following a red card for Daniel Happe. The match moved into extra time, during which both teams generated several opportunities but were unable to find a decisive goal. The deadlock was finally broken by a penalty shoot‑out. Aberdeen goalkeeper Marius Müller proved the hero, making crucial saves from John‑Jules, Mark O'Hara and Aaron Tshibola.
Jack Milne then stepped up to convert the decisive spot‑kick, sealing a 3‑1 shoot‑out victory for the Dons. The win sparked jubilant celebrations among Aberdeen supporters, who spilled onto the pitch alongside Hearts and Hibernian fans, all reveling in their clubs' advancement to the semi‑final stage. Meanwhile, Kilmarnock supporters expressed frustration, as the result amplified the scrutiny on manager Neil McCann.
Kevin Nisbet had opened the scoring for Aberdeen by heading Connor Ronan's cross past Kilmarnock keeper Max Stryjek. After Happe's dismissal, John‑Jules restored parity, setting the scene for the extra‑time drama that ultimately culminated in the penalty shoot‑out. Both semi‑finalists now look ahead to their next challenges, with Hibernian aiming to build on their confident display and Aberdeen seeking to capitalize on their resilient performance. The upcoming matches promise to deliver further excitement as the clubs vie for a coveted place in the final, while fans across Scotland anticipate more thrilling cup action.
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