Report: Aberdeen 2 Hibs 2

Emiliano Marcondes' first goal for the Club ensured the points were shared in what was an entertaining 2-2 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Both teams went into this contest with virtually identical league records so, it was hardly surprising that there would be little to separate us this afternoon.

We struck first with Martin Boyle grabbing his customary goal against his hometown team, before Aberdeen hit back to lead through goals from Nicky Devlin and Jamie McGrath, either side of half-time.

Emiliano restored parity in a contest that could have gone either way and both teams ended up settling for a point at Pittodrie.

As it happened...

Nick Montgomery made two changes to the side following our Scottish Cup victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Cup last weekend.

Dylan Levitt replaced Luke Amos in midfield, whilst Elie Youan was restored to attack at the expense of Eliezer Mayenda.

We welcomed Rocky Bushiri back into the matchday squad for the first time since late December following his participation in the African Cup of Nations and he was amongst the substitutes today.

The game started at a frenetic pace, with all the determination and purpose of a cup-tie, such was the significance both clubs placed upon its outcome.

The deadlock was broken in the 12^th minute when a poor clearance from Kelle Roos was pounced upon by Joe Newell who quickly found Myziane; he held off Stefan Gartenmann before setting up Boyle who rounded the goalkeeper to net.

Having made a dream start, unfortunately, our lead lasted only three minutes as Aberdeen hit back. Miovski hooked a wonderful volley goalwards - that was met by an equally impressive save from David Marshall - only for Devlin to slide in and convert the rebound.

Inspired by that equaliser, Aberdeen pushed for another goal and had a good chance soon after, when Jack MacKenzie took advantage of a slip from Lewis Miller to drive inside off the left flank before shooting for the near post where Marshall saved.

Both defences were playing a high line and on 24 minutes we almost profited when Boyle’s dink over the top released Miller on the right. The full-backs low delivery flashed across the goal before being hooked clear by Devlin at the back post.

At the other end, a headed clearance from Will Fish was turned over quickly as Duk released Miovski clean through on goal. Nectar Triantis did well to put the striker under pressure and Marshall again came to our rescue with a big save to deny The Dons striker.

The pace of the game was relentless as play raged from end-to end and on the half-hour mark Aberdeen’s Devlin survived a VAR review for a potential handball. The footage appeared to show we had a good case, however, the match resumed following a decision that no infringement had been made.

Moments later Nathan Moriah-Welsh picked the pocket of Gartenmann on the edge of the Dons box allowing Youan a shot at goal, but Roos made a comfortable save diving to his left.

Aberdeen would finish the first half strongly and after McGrath had shot over from 20 yards they almost took the lead in the final moments before the break. Miovski’s cross was turned goalward by Leighton Clarkson on the stretch only for his effort to strike the crossbar.

Half-time: Aberdeen 1 Hibs 1

The hosts started the second period positively and went ahead five minutes after the restart. Duk did well on the left to find Clarkson, his cut back was blocked, however, McGrath reacted quickest to slot it away.

Now that they had themselves in front, Aberdeen looked to put the game to bed and it took a fine save from Marshall to keep out an angled Duk drive that was arching towards the top corner.

Moments later Graeme Shinnie tried his luck on the edge of our box and again Marshall was there to make the save.

It would prove crucial and we levelled shortly after on 66 minutes. Jordan Obita played a wonderful, lofted pass over the Dons defence for Newell to race onto, he held his nerve as Devlin challenged before picking out Emiliano who slotted it home with an excellent finish.

The offside flag immediately curbed any celebrations however, following a lengthy VAR review, the goal was eventually given, and the on-loan Bournemouth player had his first goal in green and white.

The equaliser gave us a lift and we were in the ascendancy now. In the moments that followed Roos was twice called into action to save from Miller and Myziane as we turned up the pressure on the hosts.

As the game headed towards the final ten minutes of normal time Aberdeen made a double change and it almost paid off immediately as a ball into our box caused panic and Marshall had to save from Miovski at his near post.

The goalkeeper hurt himself in the process and was unable to continue as Jojo Wollacott replaced him for the closing stages.

The game was firmly in the balance and on 86 minutes Emiliano drew a save from Roos as he headed Newell’s cross towards goal.

Ten minutes of additional time were signalled and in the first of those MacKenzie had a good opportunity following a break of the ball inside our area only to blast it over the top of Wollacott’s goal.

Aberdeen could have won it in the 96^th minute when MacKenzie’s cross flashed across the face of our goal and found Miovski at the back post; but Wollacott got across in time and made a comfortable save.

That was the last action of not as both sides had to settle for a point in what was a thoroughly entertaining 90 minutes in the Granite City.