Hibs secure third for first time since 2005 with victory over Aberdeen
The Welshman beat Gary Woods with a fine half-volley four minutes before the break and the Easter Road side’s victory means they now cannot be caught in third, with one game remaining of the Scottish Premiership season as well as the Scottish Cup final.
It is Hibs’ first in in the Granite City since May 2012, and means the team has won a record number of games on the road this season.
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Hide AdAberdeen might have taken the lead just before Doidge’s goal but Callum Hendry sent his effort high over the bar and almost immediately, Hibs took the lead.
Darren McGregor’s long ball forward was headed by Dons winger Ryan Hedges, but only as far as Josh Doig. The youngster knocked it to Jackson Irvine, whose flick set up Doidge for the opener.
Hendry had a chance to level before the break but Matt Macey was equal to the on-loan St Johnstone man’s header.
Hibs could have had a second shortly after the break but Irvine’s close-range effort skimmed the bar before Hedges fired into the side-netting.
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Hide AdFlorian Kamberi also had an opportunity but sent his shot wide and even when Stephen Glass threw on Fraser Hornby and Niall McGinn, Hibs remained resolute in defence.
Hibs substitute Jamie Murphy tested Woods with a low drive late on but despite a late charge from the Dons, Hibs held on to seal a famous win and secure their target of third in the Scottish Premiership, sparking wild scenes at full time.
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Aberdeen v Hibs live
Key Events
- Win for Hibs would seal third place
- Easter Road side hasn’t won at Pittodrie in nine years
- Ross will assess key trio
Good evening from Aberdeen
The penultimate game of the season is upon us as Hibs face Aberdeen at Pittodrie. The Hibees haven’t won here since May 2012 - will that change tonight? Let’s find out...
Team news is in!
Macey; P McGinn, McGregor, Hanlon; Boyle, Hallberg, Gogic, Irvine, Doig; Nisbet, Doidge.
Subs: Dabrowski, Porteous, Gray, Stevenson, Magennis, Wright, Newell, Murphy
Well then. Just the two alterations as Newell and Porteous start on the bench after picking up knocks at Hampden so Gogic and McGregor come in to the midfield and defence respectively.
No place for youngster Ethan Laidlaw on the bench this evening but Kevin Dabrowski will take the back-up ‘keeper berth with Ofir Marciano not named in the matchday squad.
Aberdeen team
No Joe Lewis for the hosts tonight so Gary Woods takes the gloves.
Woods; McLennan, Hoban, Considine, MacKenzie; McGeouch, Ferguson; Hayes, Kamberi, Hedges; Hendry.
Subs: Ritchie, Hornby, N McGinn, Ross, Campbell, Gallagher, Ruth, Kennedy, Ramsay.
Aberdeen with an early sight of goal as Hayes’ cross is met by Hendry, but his header is straight at Macey.
Doidge does well to keep a long ball forward in play but under pressure from McLennan he knocks it out for a throw-in.
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