Ross County 4 - 4 Aberdeen

After victories over Celtic and Falkirk, the Dons Reserves only needed to avoid a heavy defeat against Ross County Reserves to progress to the last four of the Reserve League Cup.

Paul Sheerin's team lined up with David Craddock in goal behind a back four of Miko Virtanen, Jordan McGregor, Sam Roscoe and Jack Mackenzie. Ahead of them were Greg Tansey and Seb Ross in the centre of midfield flanked by Connor McLennan and Ethan Ross with David Dangana and Bruce Anderson up top.

Aberdeen drew first blood after only six minutes when Bruce Anderson chased a McLennan pass into the box and an attempted clearance by a County defender rebounded off the striker into the net. A scruffy goal, but just the start the visitors wanted.
Fine interplay between several County players created an opening for full back Kelly but a great challenge from Mackenzie diverted the ball to safety. However, Kelly was not to be denied on 15 minutes when he moved on to a ball just inside the area and fired a fantastic angled shot high past Craddock to make it 1-1.
County had their tails up and Craddock had to look lively to deny Tony Dingwall as the action heated up on a bitingly cold Highland afternoon. Wallace missed a great chance on 24 minutes lifting the ball over the bar from six yards after being set up by Kelly.
Reid came close for County on 28 minutes as the home side threatened to take the upper hand. Five minutes later, centre back Murray was booked for a foul as McLennan threatened to break clear. Greg Tansey played a delightful ball in from the free kick and Jordan McGregor was perfectly positioned to head in his first Aberdeen goal.
The lead lasted only sixty seconds though as County raced back into attack and Dykes fired past Craddock to make it 2-2. Although the Staggies cannot progress in the Cup they were not going to make it easy for Aberdeen.
The Dons regained the lead on 39 minutes. Skipper Roscoe played a lovely ball forward to McLennan who raced down the right before cutting the ball back for Seb Ross whose shot was blocked.
Unfortunately for the home side the rebound fell perfectly for Anderson who wasted no time in smashing the ball past Munro for his second goal of the game.
An action packed first half with lots of good football and the Dons on course for the last four of the Cup.

Half time - Ross County Reserves 2 Aberdeen Reserves 3

Forty-five seconds after the restart Aberdeen went 4-2 ahead. A delightful ball forward by Anderson sent McLennan sprinting into the area and he gave the keeper no chance with an eight-yard finish. The perfect start to the second half for the Dons, Connor's strength and clever footwork were a source of constant danger to the home side.
County were back into the game on 58 minutes when Wallace headed a left-wing cross into the net, then drew level nine minutes later when Tony Dingwall scored form around the penalty spot with his left foot.
McLennan picked up a silly booking on 73 minutes for kicking the ball away just before Lloyd Robertson replaced Dangana in the Dons ranks. A second change on 81 minutes saw Linden replace the impressive McLennan.
Wright came on for County to take over from MacIver with five minutes left while Connor Barron replaced Ethan Ross three minutes later. Anderson nearly grabbed a winner in the 89th minute but a fine save from Munro deprived the striker of his hat-trick. Wallace came close for the Staggies with the final attack of an excellent game, so it finished all square after 90 minutes.

The rules of the competition dictate that a penalty shoot out takes place after drawn games and County picked up the bonus point with a 4-2 success in the shoot-out after Tansey and Seb Ross missed from the spot. Aberdeen progress to the semi-finals of the Cup where they will be joined in the draw by Hearts, Motherwell and St Johnstone.