Reds on goal trail

Aberdeen silenced their critics at Pittodrie this lunchtime with a comfortable win over Hibernian. The scoring started in the 18th minute when Maguire collected a great cross field pass from Aluko and drilled the ball low past Brown. The advantage was doubled in the 32nd minute when a Vernon shot deflected off the arm of Bamba, wrong footing Brown in the Hibs goal and allowing the ball to trundle over the line. Vernon got on the score sheet five minutes after the break following good play from Maguire and Hartley made it four from the spot before late goals from Nish and Bamba gave Hibs some consolation. Aberdeen lost Considine in the warm up and midway through the first half Derek Young had to replace the injured Diamond, with Folly limping off in the second period. Manager McGhee will be hoping the injuries are not too serious as the Dons prepare for the League Cup quarter final tie on Tuesday.

After losing Andrew Considine in the warm up Jerel Ifil was back in the Dons defence as they kicked off. The home side won an early free kick when Folly was pushed, but the forwards were unable to control Hartley’s delivery. Vernon then broke in the 2nd minute and laid the ball on a plate for Maguire, but the youngster fired over with the goal at his mercy. Two minutes later Hibs won the first corner of the match, but Aberdeen comfortably cleared their lines as the rain steadily fell in the noon sun.

Maguire and Mackie combined well in the 10th minute when Mackie was set up with a neat back heel, but the striker screwed his shot wide of the target. Aberdeen won their first corner of the match in the 14th minute, but they failed to threaten and two minutes later causal defending forced Howard into a fine save from Nish. A series of Hibs corners followed before Aberdeen broke and opened the scoring. A great cross field pass from Aluko found Maguire on the right and he drilled the ball beyond Brown from a tight angle.

Two minutes later the pace of Maguire beat the eye of the stand side assistant as he looked to have broken clear. Aberdeen were getting a grip on the game now and were testing the Hibs back line. A Hibs corner in the 25th minute went close as Nish was given a free header, but he steered the ball well over. On the half hour mark Derek Young replaced an injured Zander Diamond and seconds later Vernon headed an Aluko cross inches over. Two minutes later Aberdeen doubled their lead when a Vernon shot took a wicked deflection off the arm of Bamba and trundled over the goal line.

Howard was the hero again in the 38th minute when he made another great save from Rankin. At the other end a Young cross was cut out by Brown as the Dons looked to put this one to bed. Hibs appeared to have woken up and they won a corner with two minutes of the half remaining. Fortunately Nish headed wide as he was once again given too much space. Deep in injury time Hibs had another chance as Miller screwed the ball wide, but Aberdeen maintained their lead and went into the break to the sound of cheers.

Aberdeen made the perfect start to the second half when they added a third in the 50th minute. Good work from Aluko started the move then Maguire fired a shot across the goal and Vernon pounced at the far post to score. A corner quickly followed as the Dons put Hibs under some sustained pressure. A cross from Ryan Jack was claimed by Brown in the 56th minute and two minutes later Paton replaced Folly. On the hour mark Aberdeen won a penalty when Aluko was taken down by Hogg. Hartley stepped up and did his usual excellent job from the spot.

Nish pulled one back for Hibs in the 63rd minute when he headed in a cross, but picked up an injury in the process. An Aberdeen corner five minutes later was wasted and seconds later Vernon looked to have scored, but Bamba made a great block to deny him. Howard was in action again in the 70th minute as he dived low to deny Riordan. A quick break by Vernon and Aluko ended with a booking for Bamba as he hauled the Nigerian International to the ground.

Maguire had a double opportunity in the 75th minute as he attacked on the left, but both chances were blocked. The second was created following a great turn. Three minutes later Young picked up a knock as he challenged Galbraith deep inside the Dons box. The game had now slowed and with five minutes remaining Ryan Fraser replaced Aluko. Seconds later Riordan fired well over as Hibs now looked well beaten team.

With two minutes remaining Fraser forced a corner from Hogg, but it failed to produce a fifth goal. Vernon was then ruled offside before Hibs won a late corner and scored a second goal through Bamba as Aberdeen once again failed to cope with Hibs in the air. It may have taken a bit of gloss off the scoreline, but they were comfortable winners over the piece and can now look forward to their quarter final tie in midweek.