Hibernian vs Aberdeen. Scottish Premiership.
Easter RoadAttendance17,292.
Match report as Aberdeen went ahead early on through Luis 'Duk' Lopes; However, Liam Scales was sent off for two quick first half bookings; Martin Boyle equalised with a penalty before Josh Campbell scored twice in a dominant Hibs second half
Saturday 17 September 2022 20:30, UK
Josh Campbell struck two second-half goals as Hibernian came from behind to beat 10-man Aberdeen 3-1 at Easter Road.
The visitors went in front early on through Luis 'Duk' Lopes but had Liam Scales sent off for two bookings in quick succession late in the first half.
Martin Boyle equalised from the penalty spot before Campbell landed a double as Hibs dominated the second half.
The home side made just one change from the team that defeated Kilmarnock a fortnight ago as they handed a debut to Ukrainian striker Mykola Kuharevych. Ewan Henderson dropped to the bench.
Aberdeen, similarly, made just one alteration from the line-up that had drawn with Ross County. In came Lopes who took the place of Leighton Clarkson.
It was a first start for the player known as Duk and he made an instant impact with the opening goal after just four minutes.
Hayden Coulson sent in a great ball from the left and the forward was able to glance a header beyond David Marshall for his third goal in as many games.
Hibs looked certain to equalise when Ryan Porteous shot after a corner fell to Paul Hanlon but he could not steer it in. The offside flag spared his blushes in any case.
The home side then appealed for a penalty when Ross McCrorie appeared to meet Marijan Cabraja's cross with his arm but referee David Dickinson was not convinced.
Joe Newell's long-range free-kick was then comfortably held by Kelle Roos in the Dons goal before the goalkeeper stretched to help Elie Youan's drive over his crossbar.
Hibs' pressure finally paid off a minute before the interval. Scales and Porteous tangled as they contested a corner and the referee this time awarded the penalty.
The on-loan Celtic defender had been booked moments earlier and was soon shown a second yellow card to end his involvement. Boyle stuck away the penalty.
Hibernian started the second half on top and Campbell should have done better than shoot at Roos after being played in on goal.
The Dutchman then made a brilliant double save to keep out Porteous' effort and the rebound attempt from Newell.
But Hibs kept up the pressure and moved in front after 62 minutes. A brilliant run and pass from Chris Cadden set up Campbell and he finished well from just inside the box.
Cadden was also involved in his side's third goal, his cross nodded down by McCrorie but only as far as Campbell who stabbed in his second of the game.
Hibernian manager Lee Johnson: "I'm very pleased, it was a really accomplished performance. We had a difficult start, conceding so early. It was a poor set-up and the sort of thing that frustrates you as a manager.
"You do all the work but there was a lack of communication and naivety there, although it was a great finish.
"But I have to be honest - we were convincingly the better side in the first half.
"We lacked a little bit of quality and composure in the final third. But we certainly earned the opportunity for the penalty and I felt we could have had one earlier for a handball.
"I thought our general play was on the front foot, we stayed high and pressed. Second half we had complete control and arguably could have scored a few more."
Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin: "I don't know how many times the boy Porteous can get away with that kind of stuff.
"We're telling our players in midweek to be careful with him in the box, be careful with him at set-plays and don't touch him as he will go over.
"I actually had a laugh and a joke with the referee prior to the game to make him aware of it. Unfortunately, just before half-time he was sucked in hook, line and sinker.
"We showed our players a number of instances when Porteous has won penalties like that in the past. People will say he's good at it and he's clever, but it's blatant cheating as far as I'm concerned and it has cost my team points.
"I told Porteous to his face after the game what I thought of him. I don't care what he reads in the paper on Sunday and Monday. He knows. He's laughing about it. He celebrates winning penalty kicks like he's scored a goal."
Hibernian return from the international break with a trip to Ross County on October 1.
Aberdeen are at home to Kilmarnock on the same day. Both matches kick-off at 3pm.
