Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin admitted that their comfortable 3-0 Scottish Gas Scottish Cup win over 10-man Elgin had been a long time coming.
The Dons headed to Borough Briggs having gone 13 games without a win but, after a shaky start, Shayden Morris’ low finish settled their nerves.
Duk netted twice late in the game, the first a header that only just squeezed over the line, to seal the win, while Elgin’s Lyall Booth was booked for contesting the second goal and saw a second yellow just three minutes later for a foul on Duk.
Thelin said: “Elgin City had a really good start of the game. They pushed us a lot and were dangerous in situations around our box and we were a little bit in trouble then.
“The second half started quite similar but we began to get more rhythm and created more and more chances. But still Elgin were dangerous on the transition and I liked their spirit.
“It was a tough game but I’m happy with the chances and the way we created those chances. We are through to the next round and are finally able to celebrate with our supporters again – it was a nice feeling.
“I like the cups because it’s always the same, you feel the passion of teams from different levels playing. It’s always a special atmosphere in these games and it’s always tricky”.
Elgin boss Allan Hale was delighted with the effort of his players.
Hale said: “The players delivered the performance I knew they would and I didn’t expect anything less. For me, that was a typical Elgin performance – full of effort, commitment, work rate and a belief to try to get a positive result.
“The players have left everything on the pitch so they can be proud of their efforts.
“There are a couple of moments that have gone against us, I thought we should have had a foul in the build-up to the second goal and even in the dressing room the players are adamant the ball didn’t cross the line.
“Lyall gets the booking for protesting the goal and then is sent off a few minutes later which gave Aberdeen the opportunity to go and kill the game, which they did.”
