Sam Cosgrove’s extra-time goal edged Aberdeen into the quarter-finals of the Scottish League Cup, but only after a torrid 120 minutes against Dundee.
Three days after going out of the Europa League, Derek McInnes’ side were on the brink of being knocked out by their Championship hosts after Danny Johnson’s penalty.
But Andrew Considine’s equaliser right on the 90 minutes denied Dundee a Premiership scalp, and Cosgrove rose highest to set up a quarter-final tie against Hearts at Tynecastle.
It was desperately unlucky for James McPake’s side, who were the better team over the 90 minutes and looked set for their first quarter-final since 2017-18.
But for McInnes, it is a positive end to a tough week for Aberdeen, who had failed to score in their previous three games.
Considine takes centre stage
The last time these two teams met in the League Cup at Dens Park was 10 years ago and, in a five-goal thriller, it was the home side who crept through to the next round.
Aberdeen defender Considine played that day, and he had another uncomfortable afternoon on Tayside. He was harassed throughout the 90 minutes and never given a moment to settle thanks to the attentions of the impressive Dundee striker Johnson and he was culpable as Aberdeen fell behind.
Cammy Kerr floated a free-kick from distance into the box and, when Considine clattered into Jordan Foster, referee Willie Collum pointed to the spot. Johnson sent Joe Lewis the wrong way, and the Championship side had the lead.
Aberdeen looked lethargic following their midweek Europa League defeat by Rijeka, and it was only after the introduction of substitutes Dean Campbell, Connor McLennan and James Wilson they had an urgency about their game.
Dundee goalkeeper Jack Hamilton was having a much quieter afternoon than he probably expected but, just as it looked as if Dundee had booked their place in the last eight, Considine struck. Hamilton made a magnificent stop from a Greg Leigh header, but the cutback was straight into the path of Considine, who knocked home from close range.
Cosgrove’s header in extra time simply rubbed salt into the wounds.
Man of the match – Finlay Robertson
On the evidence of this 90 minutes, the Dundee fans are in for a real treat this season. From the opening blow of Collum’s whistle, McPake’s players looked up for the battle that lay in front of them.
The stand-out player was teenager Finlay Robertson. The 16-year-old belied his youthfulness with another composed performance that is sure to have scouts booking a trip to Dens Park.
