A resolute defensive performance from Aberdeen kept Hibernian at bay as the Edinburgh club could not turn their forward forays into goals.

Chris Killen came close to breaking the deadlock in the eighth minute, but the striker's effort following uncharacteristically hesitant play from Russell Anderson and Jamie Langfield landed off-target.

The Dons were more of a threat up front in the second period, with two efforts from Steve Lovell the best they could offer, but Hibs will be frustrated that none of the chances they created found their way into the visitors' goal.

Hibernian were led out by new captain Rob Jones, taking over from Kevin Thomson, and the home side made a positive start to the game.

Killen should have given Hibs the lead early on when Anderson and Langfield were caught flat-footed, but the New Zealand international's lofted effort landed just wide.

The hosts continued to push forward in their trademark fashion and shortly afterwards Ivan Sproule profited from a slip by Richard Foster, which allowed the winger to advance unchallenged into the Dons' penalty area.

Sproule was able to find Scott Brown with a cut-back and from the forward's subsequent lay-off, Guillaume Beuzelin placed a left-footed shot over the crossbar.

Aberdeen finally threatened with an effort from Chris Clark that was comfortably gathered by Hibs goalkeeper Andrew McNeil, before a header by Killen drew a great save from Langfield, with Sproule blasting the rebound wide.

The home side's inspiration continued to come from the lively Sproule and from the Northern Irishman's cross, a mis-hit effort by Killen fell kindly for Thomson, who fired a disappointing shot over from 18 yards out.

Langfield was almost caught out by Killen four minutes before the break as the goalkeeper cannoned an attempted clearance into the striker and the ball rolled wide of goal, but Hibs had to be content with the first half ending goalless.

Aberdeen became more of an attacking force in the early stages of the second period and Lovell fired an 18-yard shot into the arms of McNeil, prior to glancing a header across the face of Hibs' goal.

In the 64th minute Dons manager Jimmy Calderwood opted to make his first substitution of the afternoon and replaced Lee Miller with Craig Brewster, giving the 40-year-old forward his Aberdeen debut.

However, Zander Diamond was soon caught in possession by Brown and the sprightly forward turned inside Foster before stabbing a shot off-target.

The home side maintained the pressure on Aberdeen's defence and with 18 minutes remaining, Brown made a poor connection on an attempted shot, only to see the ball reach the head of Beuzelin.

The Frenchman reacted instinctively to direct a header towards Langfield, but got too much purchase on his effort and the ball carried just wide.

Hibs substitute Dean Shiels must have thought he was going to get on the end of a cross from David Murphy late on, but thankfully for Aberdeen Foster was on hand to clear the danger with a timely header.

Teams

Hibernian McNeil, Whittaker, Jones, Martis, Murphy,Scott Brown, Stewart, Thomson, Sproule (Shiels 79),Killen (Benjelloun 67), Beuzelin.

Subs Not Used: Simon Brown, Glass, Fletcher, Hogg, Stevenson.

Booked: Beuzelin, Stewart.

Aberdeen Langfield, Diamond, Anderson, Severin, Considine,Dempsey, Clark, Foster, Mackie, Miller (Brewster 64),Lovell (Maguire 75).

Subs Not Used: Soutar, Touzani, Daniel Smith, Winter, Donald.

Booked: Clark.

Att: 16,278

Ref: B Winter (Scotland).