CIS Insurance Cup winners Livingston gave themselves another chance of Hampden glory when they beat 10-man Aberdeen 1-0 in their Tennent's Scottish Cup quarter-final replay at Almondvale.

A first-half goal by midfielder Burton O'Brien, who smashed a David Preece clearance right back over the Dons keeper's head from 35 yards, was enough to set up a semi-final against Celtic at the national stadium next month. That match could be worth anything up to £400,000 for cash-strapped Livi.

Dons defender Alexander Diamond was sent off in the second half for two yellow cards to add to the visitors' misery on a night when they were the better side but just could not break the hosts down.

Despite the home side's terrific cup victory at the weekend, the Dons went into this game secure in the knowledge that they had yet to be beaten at Almondvale by Livingston in six visits.

The Aberdeen players sportingly applauded Livi onto the pitch before the game but right from the kick-off the Pittodrie men looked intent on some cup glory of their own.

The visitors looked the more eager in the early stages, taking control of the midfield and in the sixth minute defender Scott Morrison had a snapshot from 25 yards which Livi keeper Roddy McKenzie did well to save on his line.

The home side, conversely, were looking rather sluggish and struggled to get their passing game together as the energetic Aberdeen players nipped around their feet.

In the 24th minute Livingston striker Derek Lilley had his first effort of the game from 30 yards but his shot sailed over the bar.

It was in the 26th minute that the home side took the lead with a somewhat bizarre goal.

Preece rushed from his goal to beat David Fernandez to the ball but instead of putting the ball into touch, his clearance went straight to O'Brien.

The Livi midfielder steadied himself before sending his well-struck shot back into the unguarded goal.

The Dons were stunned but continued to dominate with efforts from Morrison and midfielder Markus Hekkinen but still they could not force the equaliser and went into the interval feeling frustrated.

Determined Aberdeen again pressed after restart and Morrison had another effort two minutes into the second half but his shot went high over the bar.

The Pittodrie men were back on top and Livingston were on the back foot, desperately trying to fight their way back into the game although Fernandez was at last beginning to show some appetite for taking the ball to his feet.

In the 55th minute the visitors came close again when midfielder Paul Sheerin played in striker Leigh Hinds on the left hand side of the Livi penalty area and the clever moved ended with youngster Chris Clark getting a shot in on goal which was only blocked by sheer numbers of Livingston defenders.

The home side were all over the place now, defending with more brawn than brain but still Aberdeen, despite their possession, could not get that elusive goal.

In the 62nd minute Livingston substitute Scott McLaughlin, on two minutes earlier for Stuart Lovell, made a dashing run from inside his own half but his left footed shot from 25 yards went well wide.

In the 64th minute the Dons chances were dealt a further blow when defender Diamond, booked earlier for a silly foul on Fernandez, was shown a second yellow and consequently a red for a challenge on David McNamee.

Despite being down to 10 men, Aberdeen continued to battle gamely but as the second half wore on, Livingston began to look like they could perhaps snatch a second goal on the break.

As the game entered its closing stages, the Dons became increasingly desperate, throwing all three substitutes on, but the Almondvale side held on for their second great victory this week.

Teams

Livingston: McKenzie, Dorado, Andrews, Rubio, McNamee, O'Brien, Lovell (McLaughlin 60), Makel, McAllister, Fernandez, Lilley.

Subs Not Used: McMenamin, Pasquinelli, Brittain, Main.

Booked: McAllister.

Goals: O'Brien 26.

Aberdeen: Preece, Hart, McGuire, Diamond, Morrison, Hinds, Sheerin, Clark (Foster 78), Heikkinen, Zdrilic (Prunty 78), Muirhead (Tiernan 79).

Subs Not Used: Stewart, Esson.

Sent Off: Diamond (64).

Booked: Diamond, Muirhead, Morrison.

Att: 4,485

Ref: D McDonald (Scotland).