Regan Charles-Cook goalSNS

Regan Charles-Cook's fine goal proved the difference between the sides

At a glance

  • Regan Charles-Cook's first goal for Motherwell wins Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Aberdeen

  • Both sides hit woodwork before Granada international breaks the deadlock

  • Nicky Devlin hits the bar late on as Aberdeen fail again in front of goal

  • Motherwell join St Mirren in semi-finals

Scottish Football Podcast

20/9/2025

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George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

Motherwell booked a Premier Sports Cup semi-final spot for the second season in a row after Regan Charles-Cook's fine strike piled further pressure on Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin.

Charles-Cook - who signed on a free transfer in the summer - smashed a first-time effort into the far corner from the edge of the box having been teed up by Emmanuel Longelo.

Aberdeen have now failed to score in five of their six domestic matches this season as well as being bottom of the Scottish Premiership with just one point.

Motherwell played out from the back confidently as they have all season under Jens Berthel Askou and almost went in front in the first half when Tawanda Maswanhise's powerful drive came out off the post.

Thelin's side also had chances in an entertaining contest, but failed to truly test Calum Ward in the Motherwell goal.

Kevin Nisbet and Jesper Karlsson both fired wide before the break, while centre-back Mats Knoester and substitute Nicky Devlin were both denied by the crossbar.

Despite nervy moments late on, Motherwell clung on for a confidence-boosting victory after a string of league draws.

Analysis: Aberdeen blank again as Motherwell find winning formula

Much has been made of Aberdeen's woeful form carrying over from last season into this, as the feel-good factor generated by May's Scottish Cup final victory dissipates.

They struggled to create and struggled to score in equal measure in the opening matches of this term.

Thelin signed Scotland midfielder Stuart Armstrong, Scotland striker Nisbet and Sweden winger Karlsson in the closing stages of the transfer window in an attempt to changes their fortunes in front of goal.

However, they were blunted by Livingston in a goalless draw last time out and were goal-shy again in this cup quarter-final.

Armstrong was largely anonymous on his first start, with Nisbet and Karlsson both failing to hit the target with decent first-half chances.

They didn't have the rub of the green against Motherwell, but they also didn't help themselves when chances did arise.

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For Motherwell, it was another impressive showing under Askou, but this time they found a way to convert that performance into a victory.

They were the better team for large stages, passing out from the back confidently with slick one-touch play.

A more clinical striker would have put this game to bed as Apostolos Stamatelopoulos spurned several chances, but Charles-Cook showed his quality with a superb strike that arced into the far corner via the post.

If he rediscovers the scoring form he showed in Scotland's top flight with Ross County in the 2021-22 season, plenty more wins will surely follow for the Fir Park outfit.

What they said

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin tells BBC Scotland: "Really disappointed. Motherwell did more than we did to deserve it, so that's really disappointing for everyone.

"The performance is not there. Everybody has to look in the mirror now to change the run we're on. It's the small things that make a difference in the end. What we're showing isn't acceptable or good enough for Aberdeen.

"It's not working the way we want. We have to do better, because if we keep doing it like this, it won't be good for us.

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou tells BBC Scotland: "Very delighted. Happy with the defensive performance and some of the attacking play.

"I don't think we played to our full capacity in terms of quality on the ball. We should have scored one or two more goals, but it was exactly the defensive performance we have been looking for. It was more of less flawless, which is what you need in big games away.

"We deserved it. You could feel how much it meant after the game and we are looking forward to the semi-final. It will be a big moment for us and we need to take it."

What's next for these sides?

Aberdeen and Motherwell go head-to-head again on Saturday (17:45 BST), this time in the Scottish Premiership.

Before then, Aberdeen travel to Dundee United on Tuesday (19:45 BST).

Where next?

Player of the match

Regan Charles-Cook
7.83
1 D. Mitov
4.60
2 N. Devlin
4.18
26 A. Dorrington
4.15
8 D. Polvara
4.06
77 E. Gyamfi
4.06
10 L. Clarkson
3.99
17 J. Karlsson
3.94
18 A. Palaversa
3.93
5 M. Knoester
3.88
27 M. Lazetić
3.83
7 A. Aouchiche
3.72
16 S. Armstrong
3.62
15 K. Nisbet
3.52
4 G. Shinnie
3.41
81 T. Keskinen
3.34
28 A. Jensen
3.33
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