Aberdeen Survive Raith Rovers Scare As Scottish Cup Drama Unfolds

Scottish football fans were treated to a dramatic weekend as the Scottish Cup’s fourth round brought both relief and anxiety to clubs across the country. Aberdeen, the defending champions, managed to narrowly escape an upset at Pittodrie, while lower-league hopefuls and Premiership giants alike battled for a coveted spot in the last sixteen. The business end of Scotland’s most storied cup competition is shaping up to be every bit as unpredictable as the league title race itself.

At Pittodrie, the tension was palpable. Aberdeen, still reeling from a seven-game winless streak and the recent sacking of manager Jimmy Thelin, entered their tie against Raith Rovers with more questions than answers. Interim boss Peter Leven was once again at the helm, trying to steady a ship battered by six defeats in seven and a worrying lack of goals—just two in their last seven matches and a mere 20 in 22 league games this season. The Dons’ faithful, growing impatient with sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel’s search for a new manager, could only hope for a spark to reignite their campaign.

Raith Rovers, meanwhile, came into the clash sitting sixth in the Scottish Championship and brimming with quiet confidence. Their defensive solidity has been a hallmark this season, with six clean sheets in their last nine outings. Add to that a squad packed with seasoned professionals, and it was clear the Kirkcaldy side fancied their chances of causing a cup shock—something they’ve achieved in three of the past four seasons by reaching the fifth round.

But Pittodrie proved a fortress once more, if only just. Aberdeen edged past Raith Rovers 1-0, avoiding the embarrassment of an early exit but hardly dispelling the gloom that’s settled over the Granite City. The Dons’ lack of firepower remained a concern, as did their discipline; both teams were expected to receive at least two yellow cards each, a testament to the match’s combative nature. Raith’s Scott Brown—no relation to the Celtic legend—continued his card-collecting ways, picking up his eighth booking of the season, at least three more than any of his teammates.

The result sees Aberdeen into the fifth round, but the manner of the victory left much to be desired. Four consecutive games without scoring had set alarm bells ringing, and while the clean sheet will please Leven, the Dons’ attacking woes persist. Raith Rovers, for their part, left with heads held high, having pushed the holders to the limit and shown once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in knockout football.

Elsewhere, the Scottish Cup’s reputation for drama and upsets was well and truly upheld. Rangers were the first to book their place in the next round, dispatching Annan Athletic 5-0 at Ibrox in a performance that underlined their credentials as cup contenders. Dunfermline produced one of the shocks of the round, knocking out Hibernian with a 1-0 win at the death, while Hearts—top of the Premiership—fell to Falkirk on penalties in another seismic result. League One leaders Stenhousemuir stunned Morton with a 4-0 thrashing, further proof that anything can happen in this competition.

The action wasn’t confined to the pitch at Pittodrie. Over at Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park, Auchinleck Talbot were preparing for a romantic showdown with Celtic. The match, moved from Auchinleck’s traditional ground, saw the Junior giants doing their utmost to make Rugby Park feel like home. Both teams lined up in familiar 4-3-3 formations, with Tommy Sloan at the helm for Talbot and Martin O’Neill taking interim charge of the Hoops.

O’Neill, speaking to BBC Scotland ahead of the tie, made no secret of his respect for the occasion and for his opposite number. "It’s certainly an awkward tie for us. The competition has a phenomenal history and it’s just nice to be involved again," O’Neill remarked. "A home tie at a tight ground... as Celtic manager I’m delighted they’ve shifted it, but as a neutral I’d rather the game was there because it evokes all sorts of things and Cup upsets are part of the game."

O’Neill also stressed the importance of treating the competition with respect and using the opportunity to assess his squad. "I want to have an opportunity to see some of the players. I’m loathe to think about the competition that we’re treating it lightly. These are professional players, Scottish internationals, playing. Callum [McGregor] wanted to play, so I wanted to go with him. It’s great credit to Tommy for all the things he’s done at junior level. He’s managed the one team, while as I’ve been round the block and then around again."

With the stage set for potential upsets and the draw for the fifth round looming, attention turned to the remaining fixtures. The Scottish Cup fifth round draw was scheduled to take place immediately after the Auchinleck Talbot vs Celtic match, with fans across the country tuning in via Premier Sports or the Scottish Cup’s official YouTube channel. The draw promised to be a must-watch event, especially after a weekend that had already delivered its fair share of surprises.

Not every game went ahead as planned. Stranraer’s clash with Queen’s Park was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Stair Park, rescheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The rest of the ties, however, ensured that the cup’s magic was alive and well, with penalty shootouts, late winners, and underdog triumphs keeping supporters on the edge of their seats.

Looking ahead, the fifth round will be played over the weekend of February 7-8, with some matches potentially spread from February 6-9 to accommodate television coverage. With defending champions Aberdeen still in the hunt—albeit by the skin of their teeth—and giants like Rangers and Celtic progressing, the stage is set for another round of high-stakes drama. And if this weekend is anything to go by, fans can expect the unexpected as the Scottish Cup continues to captivate a nation.

As the dust settles on a weekend of narrow escapes and giant-killings, all eyes now turn to the fifth round draw. With so many storylines in play and the promise of more twists to come, the Scottish Cup remains one of football’s most unpredictable—and beloved—competitions.