Aberdeen beat Hearts to reach Scottish Cup final
Hearts 1 - 2 Aberdeen
Oday Dabbagh scored a dramatic winner in the 118th minute to send Aberdeen into their first Scottish Cup final in seven years, capitalising on Hearts being reduced to nine men late in extra time at Hampden Park.
Author - Chris Thomas
The Palestinian forward reacted quickest after Craig Gordon could only parry a low drive from Dante Polvara, firing into the roof of the net from close range to seal a 2-1 win in a tense semi-final.
Hearts had earlier clawed their way back into the match after falling behind to an unfortunate own goal. Papa Gueye’s header came off the underside of the crossbar, struck Gordon and bounced over the line.
Lawrence Shankland levelled with a well-taken strike before Hearts were dealt a blow just before half-time when Michael Steinwender was shown a straight red card for a last-man foul on Topi Keskinen.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Neil Critchley’s side dug in and appeared to be heading for penalties. However, Cammy Devlin picked up a second yellow card for a foul near the edge of his own box in the final minutes, leaving Hearts with nine men and unable to resist the growing pressure.
Dabbagh’s decisive strike ensured Aberdeen will contest the final on 24 May against either St Johnstone or holders Celtic.
READ MORE: News from across Scotland
READ MORE: St Johnstone 1 - 0 Celtic
Dabbagh delivers as Aberdeen outlast stubborn Hearts
The result continues a strong run of form for Jimmy Thelin’s side, who are now unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions. Although Aberdeen dominated much of the second half and extra time, they struggled to create clear openings against a resolute Hearts defence.
Hearts began the match with greater urgency despite coming into the tie without a win in three and having missed out on a top-six Premiership finish. Jamie McCart went close early on, dragging a shot wide from close range as Aberdeen took time to settle.
Gueye broke the deadlock when he was left unmarked at a corner, rising to meet the ball with a firm header. The ball struck the bar and rebounded off Gordon’s back before crossing the line.
Shankland equalised shortly after, powering a finish through Dimitar Mitov’s legs following a cross from James Penrice.
The match turned just before half-time when Steinwender brought down Keskinen as the winger broke through on goal. The referee, John Beaton, had little choice but to show a red card.
Critchley made two changes at the break, withdrawing strikers James Wilson and Elton Kabangu in a tactical reshuffle. His side held firm for long spells despite Aberdeen’s control of possession.
Gordon made a fine save from Dabbagh’s low shot in the second period of extra time, but the breakthrough came soon after Devlin’s dismissal. With space opening up, Dabbagh was on hand to send Aberdeen back to Hampden for the final.
Aberdeen eye silverware, Hearts reflect on missed opportunity
Aberdeen now have the chance to lift the Scottish Cup for the first time since 1990, a victory that would mark a high point in what has been an interesting campaign
For Hearts, the defeat brings another blow in a difficult campaign. While their resilience with ten, and later nine, men was admirable, the red cards proved decisive. With the league campaign winding down, focus will turn to regrouping ahead of next season.
