Stand in captain Warren O’Hora praised the travelling Hibs supporters after yesterday’s “difficult” 2-0 defeat to Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Grant Hanley’s early dismissal, promptly followed by Kevin Nisbet’s spot-kick opener, set the hosts on the path to securing victory.
Head Coach David Gray opted to quickly shift to a back four following the red card — keeping Hibs attacking shape in place while maintaining defensive solidity.
Hibs continued to seek an equaliser despite going behind, though Nisbet would thrash in a second goal of the afternoon on 75 minutes to ensure all three points remained in the Granite City.
“It was difficult for us. First of all, the playing conditions were difficult for both teams. Then, obviously, going down to 10 men, making it hard for ourselves,” O’Hora told Hibs TV after the final whistle.
“But I didn’t feel like we gave up or anything like that. The effort was fully there. We probably could have been a little bit more threatening. I don’t feel like we put the ball in the box enough, don’t feel like we got enough shots away.
“It was ultimately a difficult task after going down to 10. But I still think we tried to be ourselves. We tried to be aggressive still. Obviously, we had to make some subs to tweak the shape a bit.
“First of all, the fans coming up in numbers. They did not deserve to watch a 2-0 [loss]. The effort they made there was unbelievable. Everybody in the dressing room and the club appreciate that, no doubt about it.
“Even the way they reacted after the game to us, it was really nice for us to see. They stick by us always. It was a difficult one to take today.
“Obviously, the second goal kind of kills it off for us a bit,” the centre-back added. “But I don’t think there was a lack of effort.
“I think everybody ran harder today because we had to and we wanted to for each other. But ultimately, yes, it’s a disappointing way to go out.”
It was a first defeat in seven for Hibs who will now turn their attentions to the upcoming Edinburgh Derby at the end of this month.
Looking ahead to the final Derby of the season, which will be played at Easter Road, O’Hora insists the team will relish the occasion and be prepared for the clash in two weeks time.
“I think everybody knows exactly what it means for this Club to win a Derby.
“I’ve been there and played in a few now and it is the best game to play in as a Hibs player, in my opinion. So, to look forward to that is unbelievable for us, especially at Easter Road.
“That is a game that everybody in that dressing room and their building will be definitely looking forward to. And, of course, we know the atmosphere has got to be there. “We know the fans will be right behind us.”
