Hibs debrief: Easter Road side within touching distance of greatness

In the wake of last night’s victory over Aberdeen, and what it meant in terms of finishing third and ending the Pittodrie hoo-doo, it would be easy to overlook the fact that this was one of the team’s most complete performances of the season.

Hibs forward Martin Boyle gets the better of former team-mate Florian Kamberi of Aberdeen

So often Hibs teams have headed north and been run ragged by efficient Aberdeen XIs but it was fitting that at the end of a campaign in which their away form has at times been scintillating, the Easter Road side finally smashed the mini-curse that had left them winless in the Granite City since May 2012.

The last trip came in the wake of Hampden disappointment and the Dons ran out easy winners. This time, the tables had turned.

Buoyed by their semi-final success Hibs picked up where they had left off. It feels like the team senses that they are within touching distance of greatness.

We know all about the Easter Road methodology: deal with games in six-match segments, don’t get carried away, it’s not over ‘til it’s over.

Last night was different. Hibs scrapped their way to a 1-0 win in the back yard of the team that has so often done the same to them.

There was a chill in the air after the rain but nothing was going to dampen the Hibs players’ spirit as they deservedly cavorted on the pitch at full time.

Player of the match

Everyone played their part but Alex Gogic often seemed to be in two places at once, playing a huge role in the victory.

Defining moment

Callum Hendry spooning the ball over the bar from close range just before the opener gave Hibs a spring in their step, and belief that a rare Pittodrie win and securing third was within reach.

Referee watch

John Beaton waved away a couple of half-hearted penalty claims and tried to let the game flow. Only got his cards out towards the end when things got a little towsy.

In case you missed it…

The roar from the Hibs bench and those on the pitch when Martin Boyle tracked back in injury time to usher the ball out of play was the perfect illustration of how desperate this Hibs team are to meet their targets and deliver a memorable season.

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