Aberdeen are up to fourth in the Scottish Premiership after recording their fourth win in a row.
Lewis Ferguson’s first half penalty was enough to give the Dons all three points at second-placed Hibernian as Aberdeen went into the international break with a spring in their step.
It has been a terrific response from the Aberdeen players who have recorded three straight league wins and a resounding European victory since returning to action following the their two-week break due to a coronavirus breach of protocol by eight players.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes made two changes to the side which beat NSi Runavik 6-0 in the Europa League with Dylan McGeouch and Curtis Main dropping to the bench while Tommie Hoban and Ryan Hedges, who came off the bench to score a second half hat-trick, were named in the starting 11.
The game was also given the go-ahead this morning after Hibernian’s Cypriot midfielder Alex Gogic returned a positive result during coronavirus testing.
Further tests were negative but with Gogic forced to self-isolate for 10 days regardless he missed out on the visit of the Dons.
Gogic was one of two changes made following last week’s 1-0 win at St Johnstone with Daryl Horgan also dropping out. Melker Hallberg and Drey Wright were the replacements while new signing Jamie Murphy, who joined from Rangers on Saturday, was named on the bench.
Hibs started brightly, forcing Dons goalkeeper Joe Lewis into two saves in the opening 20 minutes.
The Dons captain tipped over a powerful 30 yard drive from Hibees full back Josh Doig before also saving another well-struck Martin Boyle effort as Hibs pushed for an opener.
But the Dons settled into the game it was the turn of Hibs goalkeeper Ofir Marciano to get his gloves dirty as he blocked a Ryan Hedges effort before tipping a Marley Watkins effort past the post.
But Aberdeen did get the goal they craved before the break when Watkins was tripped by Boyle in the box to concede a penalty.
Lewis Ferguson stepped up to convert the spot kick which gave the Dons a half-time lead.
All the action came in the first 45 minutes with the entertainment value dropping substantially for the second half.
That was of no concern for the Dons who held that valuable lead and they comfortably held firm against a Hibs side which struggled to get a clear sight of Lewis’ goal, let alone muster an effort to test the Aberdeen captain.
It was the Dons who looked more likely to score again and Marciano was called into action twice in the final 10 minutes to deny the visitors as he made saves to keep out efforts from Curtis Main and Dylan McGeouch.
