Football: Aberdeen 1 - 0 Hibernian
Kevin Nisbet's superb strike handed former club Hibernian their first defeat in 18 Scottish Premiership matches
This drew Aberdeen level with the Easter Road side as the race for third place took another turn.
In a match that had struggled for quality, Nisbet provided a moment of real class in the closing stages, cushioning Graeme Shinnie's cross on his chest before sending a dipping volley over goalkeeper Jordan Smith and into the net.
The goal earned Scottish Cup finalists Aberdeen their first victory over Hibs this season and brought them level on points with David Gray’s side, with four games remaining.
Hibs still hold a significant advantage in goal difference and showed attacking threat at Pittodrie. Martin Boyle came close early on after Aberdeen’s defence faltered, while Josh Campbell and Rocky Bushiri also had opportunities.
Bushiri was involved at the other end too, making vital blocks to deny Pape Habib Gueye and Topi Keskinen.
However, the lack of meaningful saves in the first half told its own story of a frustrating 45 minutes.
Hibs started brightly after the interval, with Campbell and Bushiri both threatening with headers. Aberdeen thought they had taken the lead on 68 minutes when Nisbet found the net, only for the effort to be ruled offside.
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The Scotland striker was not to be denied for long. His stunning finish soon after broke the deadlock and would surely feature in discussions for goal of the season.
Aberdeen looked revitalised after taking the lead and almost added a second in added time when substitute Oday Dabbagh broke clear, only to be denied by Smith.
Smith was called upon again to push away a Dante Polvara shot as Jimmy Thelin's side secured a vital win that lifts them to fourth and tightens the chase for third.
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