Last update on.From section Scottish League Cup
After levelling, Ethon Varian rejoices in front Raith Rovers fans
Aberdeen was eliminated from the Scottish League Cup's 16th round. Raith Rovers came back from behind to defeat Stark's Park's Premiership team.
This was the Championship's first win over visitors in 11 years and their first home win since 1995.
Aberdeen led Jay Emmanuel Thomas's first goal for club.
Raith was a force, and second-half strikes by Ethon Varan and Dario Zanatta caused huge cup shocks for the Kirkcaldy club.
John McGlynn's team has won their first five-game win.
Aberdeen will be shaken by the defeat, but they now face the Europa League Conference playoff against Azerbaijan's Qarabag on Thursday. Stephen Glass will be concerned about the late injuries of Ryan Hedges and Jonny Hayes.
Aberdeen looked at first like they would have a breeze. They controlled possession and passed the ball around with ease.
Niall McGinn was able to knock a Jack Gurr crossing into the path of Emmanuel Thomas, who smashed it into the corner to open his Dons account.
Raith was on the back foot but should have twice put the ball past Joe Lewis, the visiting goalkeeper.
Ross Matthews took advantage Declan Gallagher's indecision to get a free ball. Lewis saved Lewis's close-range attempt, and Blaise Riley Snow failed to complete the follow-up.
Ross McCrorie was a weak opponent, and Zanatta won the battle but failed to score from close range.
The hosts would win the second half and were level within minutes. Varian made a fantastic run to the frontpost to take Reghan Tumilty’s free-kick and score the goal.
The chances just kept coming. Zanatta took a throw-in and turned the defender. Varian was only inches away when he sent a teasing cross.
After Riley-Snow had sent a try, Aidan Connolly broke through the middle of the field and tested Lewis with an impressive effort.
Aberdeen had made seven adjustments to the midweek win against Icelandic side Breidablik. But with 20 minutes left and his side working, Glass called for the cavalry, with Scott Brown and Lewis Ferguson all joining the fray.
They were behind in seconds. Gurr was unable to get Riley-Snow to shoot, so Zanatta took over and rifled Raith into the lead.
Aberdeen's efforts to level were hampered when they were reduced to 10 men by Hayes, who walked off with all five substitutes made. They finished the task with nine as Hedges fell clutching his leg in addition to time.
MacDonald, the home goalkeeper, had little to do when Raith breezed past their top-flight opponents to reach the final eight.
Dario Zanatta was named Man of the Match
Dario Zanatta was a great performer all afternoon and won a well-deserved award for Raith Rovers
What's next?
Aberdeen will travel to Azerbaijan for Qarabag's Europa Conference League play-off round on Thursday (17:00 BST). Then, they travel to Hearts in Scotland's Premiership on Sunday (15:00). Raith Rovers will face a Fife Derby at Dunfermline on Friday in the Scottish Championship (19:45).
