Frank talk! Hibs hero compared to Lamps
HIBS 3
Boyle (pen 45), Campbell (62, 73)
ABERDEEN 1
Lopes (4)
Lee Johnson backed Josh Campbell to become Hibs’ answer to Frank Lampard as the midfielder claimed a second-half double to see off 10-man Aberdeen.
The visitors went in front early on through Luis “Duk” Lopes but it was all Hibs after that. Martin Boyle drew them level from the spot after Liam Scales had been sent off and the home side dominated the second period and got their just rewards when Campbell netted twice.
It was a second win in succession for Hibs, easing some of the pressure that had been building on Johnson after a slow start to the season. And he heaped praise on Campbell for taking his chances to make sure Hibs took all three points.
Johnson said: “Josh is trustworthy and one of the first names on the teamsheet. He trains well every day, is a very fit player and a great lad.
“I think simplifying his game is important so he can be that Lampard-type character. With less touches, more in the box and getting up with the front man.
“He is a very fit player, who can make a lot of runs in behind the back four. He’s been exceptional. He’s a young man who has come through the academy and that’s what we’re looking for.”
It had all started so positively for Aberdeen. Duk is quickly becoming a cult hero among the Dons faithful and he burnished his growing reputation by bagging his fourth goal of the season.
Handed his first start after eight appearances off the bench, the Cape Verde international needed fewer than four minutes to put his team in front. Jonny Hayes supplied an enticing ball from the left and Duk glanced it beyond David Marshall with the deftest of flicks.
Hibs had won their previous game against Kilmarnock but it hadn’t been a great display and their fans weren’t slow to show their frustration here with the early concession.
The groans grew even louder – this time at the officials – when their team was denied a penalty. It looked a decent shout with the ball appearing to strike Ross McCrorie on the arm but referee David Dickinson wasn’t convinced.
The game turned, though, on a crazy few minutes late in the first half. Scales appeared to wrestle Ryan Porteous to the ground as they contested a corner, just minutes after picking up a yellow card for a foul on Campbell.
The on-loan Celtic defender made the mistake of pursuing the referee to complain and was shown a second booking. Had he just slunk away he might have got away with it!
Boyle waited patiently for the commotion to die down and then slotted his penalty past Kelle Roos.
That set the tone for the second half as the home team looked to take advantage of the extra man but found goalkeeper Roos in inspired form.
The Dutchman was quick out of his goal to snuff out a Campbell chance before denying Porteous and then Joe Newell in quick succession with brave goalkeeping.
There was only so long the goalkeeper could bail his side out and Aberdeen’s resistance was broken again after 62 minutes.
It was a great goal from Hibs’ perspective, Chris Cadden darting forward before playing in Campbell whose drive was too accurate and powerful for Roos.
The Dons looked well beaten and gifted Hibs a third goal after 73 minutes. Cadden’s deep cross was nodded back towards his own goal by McCrorie and Campbell nicked in to net his second.