March 9 2024 Matchzone: Aberdeen (A)
Kilmarnock’s Scottish Cup journey came to an end at the hands of Aberdeen.
The Ayrshire side found themselves two-down via goals from Jamie McGrath and Graeme Shinnie, Danny Armstrong fired one back before the break to the delight of the 1500-strong away end.
However McGrath then restored the two-goal lead to secure a spot in the semi-final for the Dons.
Aberdeen fired themselves in front after just 12 minutes as McGrath took advantage of a Will Dennis save which was parried into his path six yards from goal.
Liam Donnelly did well to get a free header from a corner in the 22nd minute, he couldn’t get the connection he was hoping for though as it hit the ground and went wide.
A few minutes later another chance from a corner fell Killie’s way, this time Stuart Findlay jumping highest, but his header flew over the crossbar.
The Dons’ lead was then doubled through their captain Shinnie who smashed an effort into the top corner from the edge of the box just after the half-hour mark.
Five minutes before half-time Killie sparked into life when Armstrong was at the back post to fire home and reduce the deficit to one heading into the break.
McGrath then doubled his money in the 66th minute as his effort from inside the area took a wicked deflection and eluded Dennis in the Killie goal to restore Aberdeen’s two-goal lead.
Bojan Miovski looked sure to make it four as he latched on to a snap-shot inside the area, but Killie No 1 Dennis saved well in the 80th minute.
Score: Aberdeen 3-1 Kilmarnock
Team: Dennis, Wright, Mayo, Findlay, Ndaba, Armstrong (Mackay-Steven 75), Donnelly, Watson (Murray 45), Polworth (Balagizi 75), Watkins (Cameron 84), Vassell (Stewart 75)
