Hibernian eased the pressure on head coach David Gray with a convincing 3-0 victory over third-tier Ross County, securing their place in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals.
Gray had faced growing criticism following consecutive defeats by Edinburgh rivals Hearts and Premiership newcomers St Johnstone.
However, his much-changed side showed no signs of uncertainty as they established a commanding three-goal lead before half-time in Dingwall.
Thibault Klidje opened the scoring after seven minutes, rising above the County defence to head home Felix Passlack’s cross for his first goal of the season.
Hibs doubled their advantage from the penalty spot after Akil Wright was penalised for pulling Jason Kerr’s shirt.
Adam Mayor stepped up and confidently fired his effort into the top-left corner.
The visitors added a third in the 39th minute when another flowing attacking move ended with Callum Wright’s deflected strike being turned into the net by Ante Suto.
Hibernian remained in control after the break and could have extended their lead.
Suto sent a glancing header wide before seeing another driven attempt miss the target, while Kerr and substitute Nathan Lowe also headed narrowly off target.
The victory sends Hibs into their first cup semi-final in three years, where they will join Edinburgh rivals Hearts in the draw following their win over Stenhousemuir.
It was a composed, clinical and professional performance from Gray’s team after a difficult run.
Wing-backs Passlack and Mayor were particularly influential, repeatedly causing problems for the County defence.
Although the level of the opposition means supporters may remain cautious, the result gives Hibs an opportunity to rebuild confidence ahead of consecutive home league matches against Kilmarnock and Aberdeen.
Ross County entered the tie having won 10 of their previous 13 matches and were unbeaten in their past five home meetings with Hibs.
They started confidently, but their belief appeared to disappear after Klidje’s early opener.
Stuart Kettlewell’s side struggled to create meaningful opportunities and failed to seriously test their Premiership opponents.
However, County’s season will not be defined by this defeat.
Sitting three points off the top of the third tier with a game in hand, their attention will now return to the promotion battle when they host Queen of the South on Tuesday.
