Martin Boyle's 62nd-minute penalty secured a 1-1 draw for Hibernian against Aberdeen at Easter Road, a result that offers temporary relief for a club facing significant fan discontent. The point leaves Hibs 10th in the Premiership with seven points from their opening seven matches, a position that shows the pressure on the club's hierarchy.
Kevin Nisbet had given Aberdeen the lead after 17 minutes, converting a cross from Gavin Molloy. The visitors were the better side for the first hour and might have extended their advantage, but the game turned when Jack Milne handled the ball from a Hibernian corner. Referee Nick Walsh pointed to the spot, and Boyle stepped up to send goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger the wrong way, slotting his kick into the bottom corner.
The equaliser sparked a more confident spell from the home side. Nathan Lowe won a free-kick on the left and delivered a cross that Ante Suto headed wide, while Josh Mulligan and Owen Elding also missed chances to complete a turnaround. Aberdeen had a goal from Toyosi Olusanya ruled out for offside, with assistant referee Frank Connor raising his flag.
Atmosphere of apathy
The match was played against a backdrop of clear frustration from the home support. The first half saw numerous empty seats and a subdued atmosphere, with the team booed off at the interval. During the game, fans chanted for sporting director Malky Mackay to 'Get To France' and displayed banners reading 'Mackay Out Now'. The calls for change come after the recent dismissal of former boss and club legend David Gray, a move that has yet to galvanise the squad or the stands.
Injury disrupted Hibernian's plans before a ball was kicked, with midfielder Jamie McGrath ruled out during the warm-up. His absence was felt in a midfield that struggled to impose itself early on. The team showed more resilience after the break, however, building on the confidence gained from Boyle's successful penalty. Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson saw his side's momentum from a midweek win at Motherwell stall, leaving them likely annoyed by the impending international break.
The table and what's next
For Hibernian, the draw provides a moment to regroup. The club's recent form shows just one win in their last five league outings, a sequence that includes losses to Kilmarnock, St Johnstone and Hearts. They have scored eight goals this season but conceded 11, leaving them with a negative goal difference. Top scorer C. Wright has two goals from five appearances. You can review the team's upcoming schedule on our fixtures page.
The international pause now gives the squad and staff a fortnight to reflect before a key trip to face Dundee United on 10 October. United currently sit two places above Hibs in eighth, making it a significant fixture in the early-season battle for position. The break is a chance to address the evident disconnect with supporters and find a formula that can excite a fanbase looking enviously at the progress of city rivals Hearts. The team's full squad details and current injury list are available on our squad page.
Hibernian's next opportunity to build on this result comes at Tannadice, where they will seek a first away win since their 2-1 victory at Dundee in late August.
Background and full detail: Daily Mail Sport
