'Huge amount to play for as Dons look to break incredible winless run'

There was a sense of relief from Jimmy Thelin on Sunday as Aberdeen made their way through to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup for the seventh time in nine seasons.

The 3-0 win over Dunfermline has set up a last-eight clash with Rangers' conquerors Queen's Park who will make the trip to Pittodrie for a second time this season having lost out narrowly in the League Cup groups last summer.

The timing of the Dons' first two goals was crucial to the outcome as, despite dominating, it didn't look as though a goal was coming before Pape Gueye's header broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time.

Once again, there can be no underestimating the importance of the Scottish Cup this season given the guarantee of Conference League football for the winners, unless strong favourites Celtic go on to lift it yet again.

Thelin said before kick-off that his team "had to win" and there was no question the pressure was on but the Dons ultimately took their place in the draw with minimal fuss, and focus now returns to trying to end the incredible run of 14 league games without a victory when they travel south to face Dundee.

The last time Aberdeen won a league game was against this weekend's opponents, three months ago. The last time Aberdeen won an away league game was against this weekend's opponents, almost five months ago.

Tony Docherty felt aggrieved on both occasions that his side ended up empty handed and given they have lost their past two Premiership matches 6-0 it is safe to say there will be huge motivation from the hosts.

Facing Aberdeen when on a poor run has been the perfect fixture for out-of-sorts sides recently - just look at Motherwell and St Mirren - and it's up to Thelin and his players to break that cycle. It will be interesting to see how the new-look Dons fare in this next batch of league matches with a visit from Kilmarnock to come before a daunting trip to Celtic Park.

The bottom line is that, despite the run, there remains a huge amount for Aberdeen to play for on two fronts with third place and a first Scottish Cup triumph in 35 years still there to be shot at.