Five talking points from Hibernian’s convincing cup win over Ross County.
Step too far for County.
Ross County enjoyed a brilliant run to reach the quarter-final stage, finishing top of the group phase, beating Dundee on penalties after a 1-1 draw, before beating Championship side Dunfermline in the Last 16, however, Hibernian proved to be too much for Stuart Kettlewell’s side. County did create more in the second period, however, the damage was done in the first period, as Hibs went into the interval three goals to the good. County can now turn their attention to league action, where they will look to continue their fine start to the season against Queen of the South on Tuesday night in Dingwall. Should the Staggies win, they will move level on points with league leaders Hamilton Accies.
Big win for David Gray.
With back-to-back league defeats, against Hearts at Easter Road in the Edinburgh Derby, then a 2-1 defeat against newly promoted St Johnstone in Perth, going into yesterday’s cup tie, it felt like a must win for David Gray, and his players delivered. The Hibees can now look forward to back-to-back home league matches against Kilmarnock, who go into that game on Tuesday night off the back of a defeat on penalties against a struggling Aberdeen side after over 120 minutes, before facing Aberdeen, who will go into it with confidence after also booking their spot at Hampden.
Strikers on the scoresheet.
Klidje and Suto both netted in Hibs’ 3-0 win over Ross County and having striker’s full of confidence is crucial, especially when you are struggling. Suto could have had a couple more, the striker did well to get to a cross from the left-hand side, but headed over and also found himself with space on the edge of the County box and had a shot, but his low effort was smartly saved by Foster. Lowe also came off the bench and could have had a goal himself, but his header from Mayor’s cross went wide. However, to have three of your four strikers fit and amongst the goals, and having Elding back available is a major boost for Hibernian.
Full-backs on fire.
Passlack and Mayor, who were Hibernian’s starting full-backs on Saturday, both had excellent games. Both were solid enough defensively, however, going forward, both looked threatening. The German played the cross in for Klidje, who gave Hibs an early lead, before whipping in a corner which resulted in a penalty, which was dispatched by Mayor, who found the roof of the net from 12 yards. That’s now 2 assists and a goal in 5 matches for Passlack and 2 goals and an assist in 6 games for Mayor.
Hibs are Hampden bound.
Hibs will be back at the National Stadium for the first time since 2023 as a result of their convincing cup win over County. The Hibees will face either Hearts, Aberdeen or one of Rangers and Celtic in the next stage. The draw will take place following the conclusion of the first Old Firm Derby of the 2026/27 campaign.