Date: 2026-07-23 | Competition: Scottish League Cup | Venue: Palmerston Park, Dumfries

Aberdeen stormed into the knockout stages of the Scottish League Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over Queen of South at Palmerston Park. The Dons, heavy favourites heading into the Group Stage clash, lived up to their billing with a ruthless performance that left the Doonhamers with little answer.

First Half Dominance

From the opening whistle, Aberdeen controlled the tempo. Midfielder Graeme Shinnie pulled the strings in the centre of the park, and it was his driving run that led to the opener in the 18th minute. A neat one-two with Bojan Miovski allowed Shinnie to slide the ball past the home goalkeeper. Queen of South, to their credit, briefly levelled just before the half-hour mark. A defensive lapse from the Aberdeen backline allowed winger Lee Connelly to nip in and slot home a well‑worked corner routine.

But parity lasted only four minutes. Aberdeen responded immediately when Miovski turned his marker inside the box and fired low into the bottom corner to make it 2-1 at the break.

Second Half Ruthlessness

The Dons put the game beyond doubt early in the second period. A slick passing move down the right flank ended with a pinpoint cross from Jonny Hayes, which was headed home by new signing Ester Sokler in the 53rd minute. The visitors continued to press, and the fourth goal arrived in the 71st minute when substitute Dante Polvara swept home from the edge of the area after Queen of South failed to clear a corner.

Aberdeen manager Barry Robson was able to rotate his squad in the closing stages, handing minutes to several youngsters as the Dons cruised to a comfortable win.

Key Stats & Performance

• Possession: Aberdeen 61% – Queen of South 39%
• Shots on target: Aberdeen 8 – Queen of South 3
• Man of the Match: Bojan Miovski (Aberdeen) – one goal and countless intelligent link‑up plays

Competition Context

The victory puts Aberdeen top of their League Cup group with maximum points. Queen of South, now with just one point from two matches, face an uphill battle to progress to the quarter‑finals. For the Dons, the performance offers encouraging signs ahead of the new Premiership season, particularly the fluidity of their attacking combinations.

“We knew Queen of South would be tough to break down, but our movement in the final third was excellent,” said Robson post‑match. “We’re building momentum at the right time.”