Hibernian 2
Dundee Utd 2
League (SPL)

Match Report

On the face of it, a decent point given injuries, suspensions and lack of match practise ~ but with United having created the platform for a comfortable win - this felt like two points dropped. For their first outing in almost six weeks, United were forced to utilise striker Jon Daly as a stand-in centre-half in place of suspended Garry Kenneth. Johnny Russell continued wide right in a five-man midfield with Goodwillie playing as a lone striker. Hibs also played with five in midfield, but following a poor sequence of results made five changes: De Graaf, Galbraith, Stevenson, Dickoh and Bamba all returning to the starting eleven.

United made a dream start with David Goodwillie coolly slotting home after being put through on the keeper by Russell. The visitors had opportunities to drive home their advantage with Daly unlucky to see a header rebound from the post, and Russell heading over from a good position. Hibs seemed very low on confidence, but battled back with Galbraith and Riordon looking dangerous Riordon drawing a fine diving save from Pernis. However, the best move of the match saw United deservedly extend their lead. After a clever switch of play Dixon swept past Hart on the left and crossed for David Goodwillie to send a delightful flick into the net despite being sandwiched between keeper and defender. As half time approached, only a last ditch Bamba tackle stopped Douglas adding a killer third after Goodwillie had robbed Dickoh at the corner flag. Crucially, and with just seconds to go until the interval. Sol Bamba pulled one back with a header after Pernis had done well to parry Riordon's free-kick.

Having looked dead and buried, Hibs started the second half much more positively though creating few clear cut chances - until a Riordon shot was deflected wide by Dixon from close range. With half an hour remaining Swanson replaced Russell and before the substitute had even touched the ball he found himself yellow carded for a lunge at Galbraith. Just seventeen minutes later he picked up a second yellow for a completely needless handball on the goal-line, leaving his colleagues mounting a desperate rearguard action with Hibs adding Duffy as an extra striker. Galbraith's low cross again saw the ball deflected by Riordon off a defender and narrowly wide. Then Duffy's 25 yard shot never really troubled Pernis. With two minutes left, Watson deflected a Riordon through-ball inches passed his own goal as the pressure increased. From the resulting comer, De Graaf blasted back across goal where Paul Hanlon prodded it home from close range. Hibs almost grabbed a winner in stoppage time but a tremendous diving save from Pernis stopped Riordon's 20-yard free-kick from completing a remarkable turnaround. On the face of it, a decent point given injuries and suspensions - but if United had carried their first half performance into the second, it should really have been all three.

Man of the match: A fine goalkeeping performance from Dusan Pernis was beaten only by David Goodwillie's first half master-class in finishing, and all round work-rate.