Russell Latapy's fourth-minute penalty set Hibernian on their way to a 2-0 victory at Aberdeen that keeps them top of the Premier League table.

Mark Perry was red-carded for handling in the area and Latapy stepped up to send keeper Ryan Esson the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Robbie Winters had a few good chances for Aberdeen but the former Dundee United star couldn't find the killer touch to bring the Dons back into the game.

And when Mixu Paatelainen fired home Hibs' second 12 minutes from time, it was enough to put the game beyond the Dons.

Latapy, looking for his second goal, went on a good run, but his shot deflected off Phil McGuire after 25 minutes.

Six minutes later, Winters had another great opportunity to drag Aberdeen back into the game when his thunderbolt effort forced keeper Nick Colgan into a superb one-handed save.

But 10 minutes before the break, Hibs were threatening the Dons defence again when Paatelainen flicked on to Agathe, but the former Raith Rovers hitman hesitated too long and, when he did pull the trigger, the shot barely troubled Esson.

Right on the half-time whistle, skipper Darren Young sent in a great cross to brother Derek, in the box, but he smashed the ball over the crossbar.

Seconds later, Arild Stavrum tested Colgan, with a close-range effort, from a Winters cross but it was Hibs who had last chance of the half when debutant David Zitelli replaced Mathias Jack, and came close with an opportunist strike within seconds of being on the park.

John O'Neil came close with Hibs' first chance after the break in the 53rd minute. Zitelli found the former St Johnstone midfielder in the box and O'Neil produced a lovely flick but it was easily held by Esson.

A couple of minutes later, Martin McIntosh hit the crossbar for the Easter Road side before Aberdeen decided to have a go.

Aberdeen were looking to be stronger in the second period and the combination of Winters and Mackie was proving to be lethal once more as the former Dundee United star slid the ball through to Mackie on the six-yard line but Colgan was alert and dived low to cover the ball.

Hicham Zerouali replaced Stavrum just after the interval and the Moroccan hitman made his contribution with a low drive but the shot came off Sauzee.

Latapy should have doubled Hibs' advantage after 64 minutes when he rifled a shot which deflected dangerously and Esson was only just able to turn it past the post to keep the scoreline down.

Promising Dons youngster Kevin McNaughton squared to Zerouali, who had a gilt-edged chance to level the scoreline after 77 minutes, but he sent the shot straight into the hands of Colgan.

But the sucker punch came 12 minutes from time, when Aberdeen found themselves two goals behind.

Scott Bannerman had a go and, when his shot deflected off McGuire and back off the crossbar, Paatelainen was on hand to ram home the rebound.