Morton vs Aberdeen. Premier Sports Cup Semi Final.
Hampden ParkAttendance16,183.
Saturday 22 October 2016 14:56, UK
Adam Rooney and Kenny McLean both scored to help Aberdeen book their place in the Scottish League Cup final with a 2-0 win over Greenock Morton at Hampden Park.
The Dons hit the woodwork twice in the first half and had 11 corners but were unable to break the deadlock.
Morton improved after the break and had a number of chances to score until Rooney netted his seventh goal of the season while McLean put the icing on the cake for the Dons.
Aberdeen made a blistering start, coming close to scoring with McLean's volley forcing Andy McNeil into a fine reflex save, while Jonny Hayes' header hit the bar following a corner.
Derek McInnes' side continued to dominate with James Maddison firing a shot wide from outside the area from a short free-kick from Niall McGinn and minutes later the same player blazed an effort over the bar.
Morton rarely threatened in the first period and their best opportunity fell to Thomas O'Ware who headed over from a corner.
It was Aberdeen who continued to threaten with McGinn shooting wide after a corner was cleared while Anthony O'Connor headed over a bar.
The Dons struck the woodwork again in the closing stages of the half through a Rooney header.
Jim Duffy's side nearly made them pay seconds later when Jai Quitongo was put through on goal but Joe Lewis did well to block his effort.
The second half was a different story with Morton carving out the better opportunities.
Quitongo headed over the bar before rifling an effort from inside the box inches wide, while Kudus Oyenuga's long-range drive trickled wide.
But it was Aberdeen who eventually broke the deadlock on 68 minutes when Andrew Considine's knock down found Rooney whose looping header found the top corner.
And the Dons went close to doubling their lead when Hayes' pinpoint cross found Maddison who blazed his effort over the bar.
As Morton chased an equaliser they left more gaps at the back and Aberdeen exploited them on 88 minutes when McGinn's strike was well saved but McLean was on hand to tuck in the rebound to seal a place in the final on Sunday, November 27 against the winners of the second semi-final between Celtic and Rangers.
