Hibernian Build on Derby Success with Convincing Win Over Aberdeen

Following their Edinburgh derby triumph, Hibernian eased past Aberdeen with a 2-0 win at home, courtesy of second-half goals from Thibault Klidje and Junior Hoilett. This victory allowed the fifth-placed Hibernian to stay in touch with Motherwell and Rangers, while also opening up a six-point gap over Aberdeen, who dropped to seventh place. The only setback for Hibernian was the injury to captain Martin Boyle in the first half. The match saw Hibernian create the first opportunity in the seventh minute, with Warren O'Hora's pass releasing Boyle, whose lob narrowly cleared the crossbar. Aberdeen's Alexander Jensen then headed Stuart Armstrong's cross over from six yards. Hibernian suffered a blow when Boyle was forced off due to injury, with Elie Youan replacing him. As the first half drew to a close, Aberdeen's Jesper Karlsson saw his angled shot beaten behind by goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger. In the second half, Hibernian started with renewed intent and created a promising chance in the 47th minute when Klidje played the ball through to Campbell, whose square ball across the six-yard box was scrambled behind by Jensen. Youan then thumped an angled effort just wide of the far post, while Josh Mulligan saw a rising shot beaten out by Dimitar Mitov as Hibernian increased the pressure. The breakthrough came on the hour mark when Klidje forced the ball home from six yards after Youan played a one-two with Jamie McGrath. Hibernian continued to push forward, with Kanayo Megwa heading over from a McGrath cross and substitute Hoilett blasting over after being set up by Youan. Aberdeen had been largely absent as an attacking force until the 84th minute, when substitute Kevin Nisbet turned in Jensen's cross from six yards, only to be deemed offside following a lengthy VAR check. Hibernian capitalized on this reprieve by adding a second in stoppage time, as Dons goalkeeper Mitov allowed Hoilett's low angled shot to squirm beneath him.