Highlights: Elgin City 0-3 Aberdeen

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

Aberdeen ended a run of 12 games without a victory as they survived an early scare to ease past fourth-tier hosts Elgin City and move into the Scottish Cup last 16.

But Elgin were left angered by the Premiership side's second goal, claiming that the first of Duk's second-half double had not crossed the line.

With Alexander Jensen having been given a first start since signing from Brommapojkarna and joining fellow January signing Kristers Tobers in the back line, the Dons defence made a shaky start.

Dajon Golding had a low drive from an acute angle cleared off the line and Lewis Hyde fired the follow-up low and wide from the edge of the penalty box, before the unmarked Ryan Sargent failed to make the most of a back-post header.

Aberdeen fans would have feared a repeat of their worst-ever cup exit, to sixth-tier Darvel two years ago.

However, moments after Aidan Glavin superbly turned over a close-range Peter Ambrose header, fellow forward Morris gave the on-loan Kilmarnock goalkeeper no chance with a 15-yard, side-footed finish from Dante Polvara's cut-back.

That eased the visitors' jitters and Ambrose, Morris and Nicky Devlin all missed chances before the break.

Ambrose fired another drive low and wide and Morris curled an effort off the outside of the near post before the latter was denied by a good Glavin save.

Elgin's brave challenge ended when Glavin was unable to prevent Duk's header from a corner crossing the line.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men following defender Lyall Booth's second yellow card and Duk curled in a late third.

What they said

Elgin City manager Allan Hale: "The players delivered the performance I knew they would. That was a typical Elgin performance - full of effort, commitment, work rate and a belief to try to get a positive result.

"The players have left everything on the pitch, so they can be proud of their efforts.

"There are a couple of moments that have gone against us. I thought we should have had a foul in the build-up to the second goal and the players are adamant the ball didn't cross the line."

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: "We have been through a difficult time and it is good to get that feeling with the fans.

"Elgin had a lot of energy and had a good performance in the first half and pushed us a lot. It was a difficult game and the first half was not strong and they were good.

"In the end, I saw some good things from our team also."

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