10.30pm

Tonight's result: Motherwell 1, Aberdeen 0.

Motherwell are through to the semi-finals of the CIS Cup for the second consecutive year following a deserved 1-0 win over 10-man Aberdeen at Fir Park this evening. It wasn't the best of games, and our inability to find a second goal made for some nervous moments in the second half, but in the end we deserved the victory.

There were two changes to the side from the weekend, with Alan McCormack returning to replace the injured Phil O'Donnell and Paul Quinn favoured ahead of Martyn Corrigan, who found a place among the substitutes.

The only goal of the game came after just 4 minutes, when in-form Brian Kerr unleashed an unstoppable shot past the Aberdeen goalie. Shortly afterwards the visitors had a great chance to equalise when McCormack tripped Smith inside the box, but the resultant penalty was saved by Graeme Smith in the Motherwell goal. Sadly this was about as exciting as the game got. The remainder of the half saw Motherwell have the better of the opportunities, with Aberdeen restricted to a couple of speculative long range efforts.

This pattern of play continued in the second half, with Foran and Fagan both going close before McDonald missed an absolute sitter which would have sealed the win, but unfortunately he headed wide when it looked easier to score. Aberdeen were rarely seen as an attacking force, and any chance they had was surely lost when Diamond received a straight red card for deliberate handball.

This was probably a more comfortable victory than the scoreline suggests, and although Graeme Smith had very little to do throughout the 90 mins there was always a concern that we would be made to pay for all those missed opportunities, especially after what happened on Saturday! But this was a much improved performance compared to the Killie match, with the entire team far more up for the game, perhaps in part down to the rollicking they no doubt received from TB at the weekend.

With both Dunfermline and Livingston in the semi finals, here's hoping for a favourable draw.....and maybe another trip to Hampden?

Team (4-4-2): Smith, Quinn (Fitzpatrick 90), McLean, Craigan, Hammell, Fagan, Kerr, McCormack (Corrigan 83), Foran, McDonald (Clarkson 90), Hamilton.
Subs not used: Meldrum, Kinniburgh.

Goals: Kerr (4).

Booked: Smith, Kerr.

Attendance: 3,989.