Mcinnes targets third spot after ‘tough spell’

Aberdeen boss Derek Mcinnes is backing his side to overcome Hibernian in the battle for third place in the Scottish Premiership after a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock eased the gloom around Pittodrie.

The Dons had failed to score in their previous six games but Callum Hendry – on loan from St Johnstone – powerfully headed home the only goal against a Kilmarnock side who have now suffered eight straight defeats.

Mcinnes admitted: “It’s been my toughest spell as manager here.

“We’re the fourth best team in the country at this moment in time and to be the third best we have to start winning games and score more goals.

“It’s only one win, but it’s a win that’s been badly needed.”

Kilmarnock gave new signing Kyle Lafferty his debut as a half-time substitute, and manager Tommy Wright felt the former Rangers and

Hearts striker showed promising signs that he will help the Rugby Park side between now and the end of the season.

He said: “I’m happy in terms of the performances. I’m not happy that we haven’t picked up any points but quite easily we could have picked up four points from these three games.”

● Martin Boyle was the key protagonist in Hibernian’s 2-0 win over 10-man Hamilton at Easter Road.

Accies were reduced to 10 men in the 11th minute when defender Jamie Hamilton was shown a straight red card by referee Craig Napier for a studs-up challenge on the Hibs attacker, who then fired the home side into the lead a minute later.

Boyle then saw a 33rdminute penalty saved by Accies goalkeeper Ryan Fulton.

And in the 69th minute his deflected cross was headed in by 18-year-old defender Josh Doig for his first goal for the Edinburgh side.