Hibernian comfortably booked a spot in the League Cup semi-finals after dispatching Ross County 3-0 at the Inverness‑based venue in Dingwall. The fixture evoked memories of the club's past triumphs, recalling the 2010 victory and the dramatic 2016 final win, yet the Highland side could not replicate that magic this evening.
Early pressure paid off for the visitors, with Thibault Klidje finding the net inside the first seven minutes and Adam Mayor adding a second just seven minutes later, both goals coming from set‑piece situations that highlighted Hibs' preparation and composure. The opening salvo gave manager David Gray a comfortable platform, and the momentum continued when Ante Suto tapped in a third six minutes before the interval, effectively sealing the tie. While Ross County, known as the Staggies, never looked embarrassed, they struggled to mount any serious comeback and eventually accepted defeat as Hibs saw out the remainder of the match with confidence.
The match began at a lively tempo, with both teams exchanging passes and testing each other's defenses. It was Hibernian who broke the deadlock in the seventh minute when Klidje rose above the County defenders to meet a cross and direct a powerful header into the bottom corner of the net. The early lead was quickly reinforced when a penalty was awarded seven minutes later after referee adjudicated that Akil Wright had pulled down Jason Kerr inside the box 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 penalty conversion underscored Hibs' discipline and clinical finishing. The third goal arrived just before the break, stemming from a well‑worked move in the middle of the park. Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright combined with quick, incisive passing that eventually found Ante Suto making a late run into the box.
Suto met a low cross from Jack Iredale with a well‑timed header that flew past the County goalkeeper, making the score 3-0 and putting the tie beyond doubt. Although Suto missed a chance to add a fourth when he headed over from a second cross, the goal was enough to settle the contest. In the second half, Ross County attempted to alter the dynamics by switching to a three‑man defensive line, hoping to create space for counter‑attacks. However, Hibernian continued to dominate possession and create opportunities, particularly from set‑pieces.
Jason Kerr headed narrowly over the bar from a dangerous delivery, and later, Adam Mayor found Nathan Lowe with a cross in the 75th minute, but the Hibs substitute failed to convert, sending the ball wide. The final minutes saw Ross County push forward in search of a consolation goal, yet Hibernian's defense held firm, and goalkeeper Brad Foster made a series of sharp saves to preserve the clean sheet. As the referee blew the final whistle, the scoreboard read 3-0, confirming Hibernian's progression to the semi‑final stage where they will join the likes of Aberdeen and Hearts.
In a separate quarter‑final encounter, Aberdeen's manager Stephen Robinson celebrated a dramatic penalty‑shootout victory that propelled his ten‑man side into the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals. Aberdeen had endured a goal‑dry spell in the league, failing to score in their previous four matches, which had increased scrutiny on Robinson's tactics. The quarter‑final against Kilmarnock turned tense when Tyreece John‑Jules equalised shortly after Kevin Nisbet had given the Dons the lead, following a red card for Daniel Happe that reduced Aberdeen to ten men.
The match proceeded to extra time, during which both teams created several chances but failed to find a decisive goal. The deadlock was finally broken by a penalty shootout. Aberdeen's goalkeeper Marius Müller proved decisive, denying attempts from John‑Jules, Mark O'Hara and Aaron Tshibola.
Jack Milne then stepped up to convert the final spot‑kick, sealing a 3‑1 shootout win for Aberdeen. The victory sparked jubilant scenes as Aberdeen supporters spilled onto the pitch, celebrating their club's entry into the semi‑finals alongside Hibernian and Hearts.
Kilmarnock fans, on the other hand, expressed frustration, aware that the defeat added pressure on their manager Neil McCann. Key moments in the Aberdeen‑Kilmarnock tie included Nisbet's early header from a Connor Ronan cross, which gave Aberdeen the first lead, and John‑Jules' equaliser that came after Happe's dismissal. The match highlighted Aberdeen's resilience under adversity and their ability to maintain composure in high‑pressure situations such as penalty shootouts.
Both Hibernian and Aberdeen now look ahead to their semi‑final fixtures with confidence. Hibs will aim to replicate their dominant performance against Ross County, while Aberdeen will seek to build on the mental toughness displayed in the shootout. The upcoming matches promise to deliver further excitement as the clubs vie for a place in the League Cup final, where a trophy will be at stake and the chance to add another chapter to their storied histories.
Fans of both clubs are encouraged to stay engaged, as the competition continues to provide memorable moments and opportunities for players to showcase their talent on a national stage. The tournament also offers a platform for emerging talents to gain experience and for seasoned professionals to add silverware to their resumes. As the semi‑finals approach, anticipation builds across Scotland, with supporters eagerly awaiting the next round of high‑stakes football.