AFTER the big build up Hibernian gave their new dugout incumbent, Shaun Maloney, it was just as well the players delivered.
The Maloney era got off to a winning start, Ryan Porteous heading in the only goal of a tight contest against Aberdeen in the second half.
Aside from the significance of the former Belgium assistant coach enjoying the perfect start in his first ever game as a manager, there was also the added fillip of Hibs climbing from seventh to fifth in the Premiership.
The Leith club were keen to stress that Maloney would deliver ‘attacking’ football.
And while there brief glimpses that this might be the case, this game will not live long in the memories of both sets of fans.
To the former Scotland and Celtic winger’s defence, he only had two training sessions working with the players prior to this game.
“I’m very proud of the players because they played the way they did after two sessions, showing bravery,” said Maloney.
“The second half, the way they defended in the last 15 minutes was incredible, considering what had happened in the final against Celtic..
‘They were incredible, really, when you consider that they put in at Hampden.”
Maloney, suited and booted, made three changes to the team that was defeated in the Premier Sports Cup final to Celtic.
Scott Allan, Josh Doig and Chris Cadden came in as he opted for dynamic 3-4-3 formation. Off the ball it was more of a 5-3-2.
Aberdeen had to absorb the pre-match blow of being without captain Scott Brown through illness, one of two alterations. Declan Gallagher coming in for the suspended Ross McCrorie the other.
Hibs started brightly and got bodies forward as they looked to impress.
Aberdeen, however, were certainly not going to be compliant on what was meant to be Maloney’s night.
The first half opening fell to Jay Emmanuel-Thomas but the forward’s left-footed drive from the edge of the box was deflected over the bar by the leg of Josh Doig.
Aberdeen kept coming as they enjoyed a sustained spell of territorial possession.
Dean Campbell whipped a first time low left-footed effort just wide from distance before the Dons went even closer moments later.
A short free-kick fell to Lewis Ferguson and the midfielder’s stinging low drive was pushed behind by a fully stretched Macey.
This was the first test of Maloney’s stewardship as Hibs weathered a moderate storm. They eventually regained traction moving forward before the half was out.
Doig cut back for Martin Boyle and when his shot was blocked, Kevin Nisbet headed the rebound over.
Dons manager Stephen Glass turned to his bench at the break and handed a first appearance since the October 23 victory over Hibs to Calvin Ramsay, the talented right-back having recovered from a thigh problem.
But it was the hosts who took the lead in the 64th minute. After Boyle had a short free-kick saved by Lewis, the forward then turned provider for Porteous.
A teasing corner was met by the defender six yards out and Porteous powered a header high into the net.
Aberdeen stepped up the pressure but largely lacked invention in the final third.
Ramsay shot wide from 20 yards before Marley Watkins then had a header saved by Macey after connecting with Jonny Hayes’ cross.
Standing at the edge of his technical area as the minutes ticked towards full-time, Maloney would not have been unduly worried as his team repelled Aberdeen’s attacks with relative ease.
Glass said: “We looked like we lacked a bit of energy, which was the biggest disappointment.
“We should have been fresh off the back of three wins.”
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