Hibs 2 Aberdeen 2: Fletcher the star as Hibs stage a late show

HIBS staged a storming to claim a precious point after falling two goals behind to Aberdeen. Mixu Paatelainen's side looked destined for their third defeat in eight days, after Darren Mackie and Zander Diamond cashed in on weak defending to put the Dons on easy street.

Skipper Rob Jones gave Hibs some hope when he headed home Derek Riordan's corner with 28 minutes remaining but while the Edinburgh club charged forward in search of an equaliser, the Dons held firm to avenge their defeat at Pittodrie earlier in the season.

But with the game drifting away from them Steven Fletcher snatched a last-gasp equaliser, forcing the ball over the line with just seconds of the three added minutes remaining.

Hibs were almost presented with an early gift when Andrew Considine made a mess of intercepting a Steven Fletcher pass, the young Dons defender recovering just in time to prevent Riordan taking advantage.

With boss Mixu Paatelainen having opted for a 4-4-2 formation, Hibs did look much more in command, Ian Murray charging down the left before whipping in a delicious cross which evaded the head of Fletcher by inches.

A terrific pass from Dean Shiels allowed Riordan to dispatch a first time shot which beat Dons goalkeeper Jamie Langfield only for the ball to clip the outside of his right-hand post as Hibs continued to press for the openingn goal.

Given Hibs had gone into this match without a win in five outings there was an understandable nervousness at times, a Scott Severin free-kick landing at the feet of Darren Young handily placed just inside the home side's penalty area but he pulled his shot wide when he should, at least, have tested Andy McNeil.

Langfield was at full stretch to touch away a low effort from Shiels before Sol Bamba powered a header over.

But it was Aberdeen who took the lead in the 40th minute and again it was thanks to calamitous defending by Hibs. Skipper Jones appeared to have Sone Aluko's free kick from the right covered but inexplicably ducked under the ball, leaving Mackie the easiest of tasks to nod the ball in from inside the six yard box.

Hibs were in desperate need of a goal but matters went from bad to worse as Aberdeen doubled their lead in teh 53rd minute and again Mixu Paatelainen's players were the authors of their own misfortune, Murray conceding a corner after Jones had missed a ball in the air allowing Aluko to deliver an inviting cross which Diamond powered home as he rose above the home defence.

A sixth match without a win was staring Hibs in the face as the home support expressed their anger and frustration but Shiels gave them something to cheer with a shot which Langfield just managed to shovel round his near post.

Aberdeen, though, had the game within their grasp, determined not to let it slip but a major doubt was placed in their minds as Jones atoned somewhat for his earlier error as he headed home a Riordan cross after John Rankin's persistence had won Hibs a corner.

At leaat on this occasion Hibs had given themselvs enough time, with 27 minutes remaining to take something from the match and the supporters recognised that fact as they began to get right behind the team.

Alan O'Brien was introduced to the action to use his blistering pace and the move almost paid immediate dividends, the Republic of Ireland star thumping a cross deep to the back post where Fletcher was lurking. He got his head to the ball but somehow Langfield and Considine managed to keep his effort out.

Hibs had their tails up and Riordan was just off target as the Dons defence failed to deal with a Jones flick from a Bamba throw-in but the danger for Paatelainen's side was being hit on the break and Aluko almost did so, the youngster opting to try to staya on his feet despite O'Brien clipping his heels in the penalty area only to see hsi shot blocked by McNeil.

Hibs: McNeil, Bamba, Hogg, Jones, Murray, Rankin, Thicot (O'Brien 72), Chisholm, Shiels (Nish 79), Fletcher, Riordan. Subs not used: Ma-Kalambay, Yantorno, Stevenson, Pinau, van Zanten.

Aberdeen: Langfield, Foster, Diamond, Considine, Hodgkiss (Mair 72), Young (McDonald 76), Severin, Kerr, Aluko, Mackie (Maguire 46), Miller. Subs not used: Bateman, Mulgrew, De Visscher, Stewart.

Referee: Stevie O'Reilly.