Resilient Dons through to cup semi final

Motherwell 0 |

Aberdeen 2 | Considine 82′. Hayes 90+2′ (Shaughnessy sent off 13′)

SPFL League Cup Quarter Final | Fir Park | Kick off 7.45pm | FT

Aberdeen produced a fantastic display of resilience this evening at Fir Park to reach the Scottish League Cup Semi Finals.

The game was goalless at half time after an eventful first period. After Motherwell had a goal chalked off for offside, the Dons were dealt an early blow when Joe Shaughnessy was sent off for a tackle on Francis-Angol after just 12 minutes. That forced Derek McInnes into an early change with Andrew Considine replacing Calvin Zola in a tactical reshuffle that saw Niall McGinn move up front. Despite dominating possession with their numerical advantage, the home side failed to trouble Jamie Langfield. The visitors- backed by a large travelling support- were dealt another blow just before the break when Clark Robertson landed awkwardly and was stretchered off. He was replaced by Scott Vernon.

After the break the Dons continued to defend superbly when under pressure although Langfield was forced into a good save on the hour mark from Stuart Carswell’s effort from 16 yards. Ainsworth then tried an effort which went just over the bar before Shaun Hutchinson smashed a header off the crossbar on 71. Despite all the Motherwell possession the Dons did look dangerous on the break and on 81 minutes they sent the huge travelling support into raptures when Andrew Considine headed home from a corner kick to give the Dons the lead.

Motherwell went in desperate search of an equaliser in the final few minutes but the 10 man Dons held firm and doubled their lead in the final minute when Johnny Hayes scored to confirm their place in Thursday’s semi final draw which takes place at Hampden at 3pm. Aberdeen join Inverness Caley Thistle, Hearts and St Johnstone in the hat.

Aberdeen team | Langfield, Shaughnessy, Anderson, Reynolds, Robertson (Vernon 45+1′), Flood, Jack, Pawlett (Robson 84′), Hayes, McGinn, Zola (Considine 20′)

Substitutes not used | Weaver, Wylde

RedWeb match report | please click here

RedImages | please click here

Quotes from the press room | please click here

RedTV |

match highlights | please click here

the goals | please click here

Derek McInnes | please click here

Andrew Considine | please click here

Russell Anderson | please click here