Aberdeen 8 - 0 Airdrie

The Dons were in full flow in this 4th round Scottish Cup match. Airdrie were chasing promotion to the Premier League and their confi-dence must have been shattered by the result at Pittodrie before 11,000 supporters. Their cause was not helped by having McCulloch and March sent off.

It took the Dons only 11 minutes to power their way into the lead and settle any cup-tie nerves. Ian Scanlon flighted a perfect cross from the right, Derek Hamilton headed it on and Steve Archibald first-timed the ball into former Don, Ernie McGarr's net. 3 minutes later the home team increased the lead through Archibald again when he latched on to a Drew Jarvie pass and curled the ball round the advancing keeper as the Airdrie defence appealed in vain for off-side. The Airdrie players were rattled and, as a result of their lack of composure, bookings became inevitable. Eventually McCulloch was sent off for a retaliatory foul on John McMaster. The visitors were putting up a brave display but Jim Leighton was not seriously troubled. Aberdeen's domination was emphasised in the closing stages of the first half. Archibald brought his tally to four in a fabulous display of sharp shooting. In 43 minutes he turned on a McMaster pass and fired the ball into the net from 10 yards and, on the stroke of half time, he was left in space to send another drive flashing into the unfortunate McGarr's goal from 12 yards.
Thanks to this devastating performance the home side could safely book their place in the quarter finals.

Half Time 4-0

Airdrie substituted McGuire and Hamilton for Erwin and McKeown to provide fresh legs for the short-handed visitors and, shortly afterwards, Duncan Davidson replaced Hamilton. Airdrie warmed to their task with renewed vigour and instigated several attacks without having any luck. The visitors defended stubbornly but their cause was not helped when March clashed with Davidson and was shown the red card to go with the yellow he had received earlier. Andy Watson came on for Dougie Bell and then the "roof fell in" on the visitors when the Dons netted four goals in the last 11 minutes. Willie Miller scored a spectacular goal when he launched himself high in the air and netted with an amazing side scissors-kick. A minute later Gordon Strachan demoralised the visitors further when he hammered home a Watson cross. McMaster scored the seventh when his speculative long range drive was fumbled by McGarr. In the last minute Scanlon capped this great day for Aberdeen with a goal which seemed suspiciously offside, but it was allowed to stand. The final whistle brought a standing ovation for the home team and relief for the visitors.

Source: Match Programme, 9th March 1996

N.B. Bobby Clark had a back injury and that is why Jim Leighton managed a rare 79-80 appearance.