THAT'LL BE ODAY WHEN YOU MADE HEARTS CRY

ODAY Dabbagh's dramatie extra-time goal took Aberdeen a huge step closer to ending a 35-year wait for Scottish Cup glory.

- By Scott Burns

It wasn't pretty - and certainly not a classic - but no one in red and white will care a jot after breaking Hearts in Saturday's semi-final at Hampden.

The only thing that matters is Palestinian ace Dabbagh's goal has the Reds returning to the national stadium on May 24.

It's 11 years since the Dons last won a trophy - the League Cup but boss Jimmy Thelin could now deliver in his first season in the Pittodrie hotseat.

The Swede has kept calm through all the Reds' ups and downs this term - and may well be rewarded with a trophy and European group stage football.

It could still be a special season and not least for 26-year-old striker Dabbagh, who must now be in with a good chance of remaining at the Dons once his loan deal from Charleroi ends after coming on as a sub to send the Red Army wild with delight with his winner.

Yes, they will need to play better than they did at Hampden to see off treble-chasing Celtic, but they are back digging out results and that could well be vital for their final appearance as well as the Premiership run-in.

The Dons certainly made hard work of it in the semi-final before getting over the line.

Hearts dominated early on as there appeared to be no early hangover from missing out on the top six in the league.