Hibernian comfortably booked their place in the League Cup semi‑finals after dispatching Ross County 3‑0 at the Inverness‑based venue in Dingwall. The match evoked memories of past cup triumphs – the 2010 victory and the dramatic 2016 final – but this time the Highland side could not replicate those celebrations.
Within the first 14 minutes, Thibault Klidje and Adam Mayor each found the net, giving David Gray’s Hibs a decisive early lead. Six minutes before the interval, Ante Suto added a third, effectively sealing the tie and leaving the Staggies with little chance of a comeback. While Ross County never completely collapsed, they were unable to mount any sustained threat as the visitors controlled the game from start to finish.
The opening exchanges were lively, with both teams testing each other’s defenses. Hibernian struck first in the seventh minute when Klidje rose above the Ross County back line and headed the ball into the bottom corner, giving the visitors an early advantage.
Seven minutes later, a penalty was awarded after referee adjudicated that Akil Wright had pulled down Jason Kerr from a corner taken by Felix Passlack. Full‑back Mayor stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, doubling Hibs’ lead. In the second half, Suto came close to a fourth goal when he met Jack Iredale’s low cross with a header that sailed just over the bar.
Iredale later forced a fine save from Hibs goalkeeper Brad Foster, who reacted quickly to his left. The decisive third goal arrived before the break, the product of a well‑worked move between midfielders Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright. Their interplay opened up space for Suto, who slotted the ball past the Ross County keeper to make it 3‑0. Ross County attempted to change the dynamics after the interval, switching to a back‑three formation in hopes of shoring up their defence.
However, Hibernian continued to create the better chances. A set‑piece delivery saw Jason Kerr head the ball over the bar, while further crosses caused problems for the home side. With just under 15 minutes left, Mayor delivered a cross to Nathan Lowe, but the Hibs substitute’s effort went wide.
There was no late consolation for the home crowd; Hibernian saw out the final minutes with composure, confirming their progression to the semi‑finals. In a separate fixture, Aberdeen’s manager Stephen Robinson celebrated a dramatic penalty‑shootout victory that sent his ten‑man side into the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals against Kilmarnock.
After four league games without scoring, pressure was mounting on Robinson, and the match seemed to tilt in Kilmarnock’s favour when Tyreece John‑Jules equalised after Kevin Nisbet’s early goal, following the sending‑off of Daniel Happe. Aberdeen held their nerve, forcing the game into extra time. Although they missed several chances to settle the contest in regulation, the match ultimately went to penalties.
Keeper Marius Müller proved decisive, saving attempts from John‑Jules, Mark O’Hara and Aaron Tshibola. Jack Milne then converted the winning spot‑kick, sealing a 3‑1 shoot‑out triumph for the Dons.
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations as Aberdeen supporters spilled onto the pitch, joining Hearts and Hibernian in the semi‑final lineup. Meanwhile, Kilmarnock fans expressed frustration, aware that the result added further scrutiny on manager Neil McCann. Key moments for Aberdeen included Nisbet’s header from a Connor Ronan cross, which gave the Dons the early lead, and the subsequent equaliser by John‑Jules after Happe’s dismissal.
The penalty shootout showcased Aberdeen’s resilience and composure under pressure. Both Hibernian and Aberdeen will now turn their attention to the upcoming semi‑finals, where they will aim to build on these performances and pursue a place in the final. Their respective victories underline the unpredictable nature of cup football, where early goals, tactical adjustments, and moments of individual brilliance can shape the outcome of a match.
Fans of both clubs will be hoping that the momentum from these wins carries them forward, while the rest of the competition remains wide open for other teams to challenge for the trophy. The semi‑finals promise to deliver further excitement, drama, and the chance for another memorable cup run.