Aberdeen FC made a flying start to their Premier Sports Cup campaign as striker Kevin Nisbet fired a brace in a 2-0 away win over Brora Rangers on 16 July 2026. The victory, part of a league standing of 8th in the Premiership with 33 points from 33 games, gave the Dons a clean sheet and three points to begin their cup run.
What happened?
Nisbet, who spent part of pre-season training in the United States with former Hibs and Scotland teammate Ryan Porteous, opened his account early and added a second midway through the second half. The 28-year-old striker admitted he’s come through pre-season without the niggles that blighted his last two summers.
He said: “The big thing for me in pre-season was staying fit. The last two seasons I’ve picked up an injury in pre-season that has hampered me going into the season. I have a good pre-season now. I trained for a good few weeks in the United States, myself and Ryan Porteous who is my mate. I did one-to-one sessions over there to keep me ticking over and ready for the season.”
Why it matters for Aberdeen FC
Nisbet’s fitness drive has come at a crucial time as Aberdeen FC, sitting 37 points behind league leaders Heart of Midlothian, look to push for a top-six finish. Manager Barry Robinson has revamped the squad with 10 new signings and an attacking intent that was on show against Brora.
Nisbet added: “The gaffer wants to see runners in behind. You can see there were a lot of runners in behind against Brora. Maybe we should have played the ball in a bit quicker but that’ll come. It has been good - even the buzz and environment the gaffer has created.”
Who’s making the difference?
Robinson’s summer signings include wingers Tony Yogane and Lewis Smith, who provided the ammunition for Nisbet against Brora. The former Millwall striker also played a role in bringing Smith to Aberdeen from Livingston.
Nisbet said: “Two direct, quick wingers with good deliveries who are a little bit different. Tony is maybe more one-v-one strong and Lewis makes good runs in behind and has real quality. There is a bit of variety on both wings which is obviously good for me.”
What comes next?
Nisbet won’t set any personal targets yet, joking that his Christmas form has been poor in recent years. But with Aberdeen FC’s Premiership form standing at 9 wins, 6 draws and 18 losses from 33 games and a goal difference of -15, every clean sheet and goal matters.
He said: “Ask me at Christmas. The last two Christmases haven’t been great to be honest and the boys give me a wee bit of stick and say I just turn up in January. Hopefully it starts earlier this season.”
Aberdeen FC’s next challenge comes against a tougher opponent as they look to build on their strong start to the cup campaign.
