Hibs and Aberdeen hoping that impressions don’t last at end of disappointing season

Although little left to fight for this season, both sets of players have a lot to consider ahead of next term.

Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin said he made a point of only selecting those who remain part of his plans, with those who have already been told they are surplus to requirements left on the bench.

But, at least the Aberdeen squad know who they have to impress in the final few outings of a disappointing and turbulent campaign.

Troubled by many of the same issues this season, Hibs have no idea who will be making the key footballing decisions come the summer, although the search for Shaun Maloney’s managerial replacement is heading towards a conclusion, with a shortlist expected this week.

In the meantime the players are doing all they can to make a positive impression on anyone looking in.

Against Aberdeen, that almost amounted to a victory but two quality saves from Joe Lewis foiled Elias Melkersen and then Joe Newell. There were a few brave blocks from the likes of Declan Gallagher as well. But, having gone behind, in the 56th minute, the home side created more opportunities than has been the case in recent times and, with seven minutes remaining, finally converted one.

Home advantage had counted for a lot whenever these teams met this term, with the Dons winning both of the head to heads at Pittodrie and Hibs looking to even the tally having already won one at Easter Road.

Hibs owner Ron Gordon had flown in for Monday’s board meeting and to oversee the latter stages of the recruitment process as the club try to identify who will become their third manager in a year and the man who they expect to haul them out of the doldrums and back into the higher echelons next season.

And, the Leith side had the better of the