Hibernian 1 Aberdeen 0:Gary Deegan scored his first ever goal for Hibernian as the Irishman's spectacular strike secured a win over Aberdeen which carried them into the quarter-finals of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

However, it was Easter Road goalkeeper Ben Williams who was the true hero for the hosts, producing five excellent second-half saves as well as plunging to parry away a late Scott Vernon penalty.

After a turgid first period, Hibs took control of the contest immediately after the interval, with Deegan producing a dipping swerving drive from distance to break the deadlock.

Aberdeen, roared on by a vociferous following from the north, produced a late rally, with Russell Anderson, Scott Vernon, Niall McGinn and Peter Pawlett all coming close, but Williams was in incredible form.

Even better was to follow from the big Englishman as he saved Vernon’s spot-kick with six minutes to play, his fourth penalty save this season, after Jonathan Hayes had been clumsily felled by Hibs skipper James McPake.