Hibs dump dismal Dons

Franck Sauzee fires Hibs in front from the penalty spot

Hibernian 2-0 Aberdeen

Hibs recorded their first three points of the season with a comfortable triumph over Aberdeen at Easter Road.

Franck Sauzee slotted home an early penalty and Tam McManus added another goal in the 45th minute in a match dominated by Alex McLeish's side.

Hibs were guilty of missing numerous good chances and Aberdeen goalkeeper David Preece produced some fine saves.

With three games of the season played, the visitors are still pointless and goalless. Ebbe Skovdahl's men offered little in the way of attacking football and gave away possession far too easily.

For the home side Alen Orman replaced right wing-back Ulises de la Cruz, who was away on international duty with Ecuador, while Gary Smith and Paco Luna were relegated to the bench. Paul Fenwick and McManus were the players to benefit.

Calum Bett earned a starting place for the Dons and Hicham Zerouali was among the substitutes having recovered from a broken leg sustained almost a year ago.

Hibs were given a dream start when John O'Neil was upended in the penalty box by Thomas Solberg in the 4th minute.

Sauzee drove the spot kick down the middle to put his side in front.

Craig Brewster and Derek Whyte tussle

Craig Brewster blew a glorious chance in the 11th minute when he completely missed the ball right in front of goal following a great run and cross from McManus.

Soon after, Preece had to race from his line to block the advancing Grant Brebner as Hibs pressed for another goal.

The Dons keeper then had to look smart to smother an errant defensive header from Derek Whyte.

An excellent turn and shot from O'Neil in the 36th minute produced another good save from the busy Preece.

Another chance for Hibs was wasted when McManus knocked the ball wide after pouncing on a slack headed back pass from Whyte.

McManus was rewarded for an industrious display right on the stroke of half time when he slammed the ball high into the net, having been released by a defence splitting pass from Brewster.

Zerouali was thrown on at the start of the second half as the Dons went in search of their first goal of the season.

The lively McManus went close with an angled drive before being replaced by David Zitelli.

With 15 minutes remaining Darren Young saw his drilled shot tipped wide by Nick Colgan as the visitors made a rare sortie towards the Hibs goal.

A great turn on the edge of the box gave Brewster room to shot but his goal-bound effort was blocked by the body of Whyte.

The impressive Orman should have put Hibs further ahead but was wide of the mark with a free header from a corner.

Orman was later denied by the feet of Preece after some neat footwork inside the penalty area.

Hibernian: Colgan, Fenwick, Sauzee, Laursen, Orman, Brebner, Jack, O'Neil, Murray, McManus, Brewster.

Subs: Caig, Townsley, Zitelli, Luna, Smith.

Aberdeen: Preece, McNaughton, McGuire, Whyte, Bett, Bisconti, Darren Young, Solberg, Thornley, Derek Young, Winters.

Subs: Esson, McAllister, Zerouali, Mackie, Tiernan.

Referee: J Rowbotham