Aberdeen earn season-saving Scottish Cup win as under-fire Neil Warnock books Hampden trip - 3 talking points

Neil Warnock claimed the biggest result of his short Pittodrie career to guide Aberdeen into the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

The under-fire Englishman hasn’t won a game in the league but has continued his 100 per cent record in the cup. His team ripped up the form book and Kilmarnock to ensure they won this quarter-final tie at Pittodrie.

Jamie McGrath, Graeme Shinnie - who MISSES the semi final after a booking late on - and a Stuart Findlay own goal were enough to give Aberdeen a much-needed win, with Danny Armstrong replying for Killie. Warnock admitted the day he was unveiled in the Granite City that his dream was to win a cup in Scotland.

That dream is still a reality as he booked his first visit to Hampden. He can now look forward to seeing what Monday night’s draw will bring. Can Aberdeen land their first Scottish Cup since 1990? Warnock will now be hoping it is the spark to the Dons' season and they can also now use it to take into the Premiership.

The home side hadn’t scored against Kilmarnock this season but that changed after 11 minutes. Stuart Findlay slipped and failed to deal with a long ball over the top from Stefan Gartenmann. Bojan Miovski gathered and with a clever back heel released Junior Hoilett, who saw his shot saved by Will Dennis but the ball fell at the feel of Jamie McGrath who knocked it into the empty net.

Killie claimed for a handball from Gartenmann inside the box but nothing was given as they went on to miss a couple of half chances. Aberdeen then doubled their lead.

The impressive Junior Hoilett crossed from the left and Jamie McGrath laid it back for Shinnie and his shot flew past Will Dennis with the aid of a deflection in the 33rd minute.

It looked to be game over but Killie never give