Annan Athletic 1-4 Aberdeen (AET): Jim Goodwin's side labour past League two opponents
- Published
Annan captain Steven Swinglehurst forced extra-time with a powerful header at Galabank
Aberdeen avoided one of the biggest upsets in their history as they laboured past League 2 Annan Athletic in extra-time to reach the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals.
Vicente Besuijen bundled in a scrappy opener for the Premiership side, before Annan captain Steven Swinglehurst planted a header past Kelle Roos with nine minutes left to force extra-time.
But Luis Lopes, Besuijen and Leighton Clarkson killed their resistance as Aberdeen eventually got the job done after an unconvincing 90 minutes.
It was a brave effort from Annan, who are second bottom of League 2, but despite giving their top-flight opponents a real scare, it is Jim Goodwin's side who are in Wednesday's last-eight draw.
It was the first competitive meeting between these clubs and Goodwin will be relieved to complete the 440-mile round trip to Galabank still in the competition.
Annan made it a tough night and had the best chance in the first half when Tommy Muir's header came back off a post, before Aberdeen emerged stronger in the second and went in front when a low cross by Jonny Hayes found Besuijen, who tapped in.
Swinglehurst's powerful header stunned the Premiership visitors and forced an extra 30 minutes, but any hopes Annan had of a famous win were quickly killed off.
Clarkson whipped in a corner for Lopes to glance home and, after Roos saved brilliantly from Benjamin Luissint to deny the hosts another equaliser, Hayes teed up Besuijen's second.
Clarkson rounded off the win with a smart finish after a sweeping long pass into the box.
Annan Athletic manager Peter Murphy: "I'm delighted with my players, they gave me absolutely everything. The biggest complement I can pay my players is when we score at 1-1, Jim Goodwin is telling his players to sit in to get to extra-time."
Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin: "It turned into a more difficult game than we anticipated, but not due to a lack of respect to the opposition. I don't want to make any excuses for our performance tonight I want to give all the credit to Annan Athletic.
"As with any round of the cup, it's about getting through to the next round."