Dundee Utd 1
Hibernian 0
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Thirty Vietnamese Boat People from the centre near Montrose were our guests for the visit of Hibs. Manager Jim McLean made two changes from the tough midweek European match in Belgium, with Billy Kirkwood back from suspension and Derek Murray coming in for Iain Phillip, who dropped to the bench after collecting a knock in Genk.

Hibs missed two good chances inside the first five minutes, with Ralph Callachan shooting high over from 18 yards, and then Gary Murray was gifted a golden chance when Gavin Rae dummied a Callachan cross, but his shot hit the top of the bar. Hibs defender Billy McLaren managed to scrape the post whilst trying to clear for a corner. Duncan shot in to the side netting before Milne found himself in a good position but shot over. The chances at both ends continued, with Davie Dodds mis-kicking in front of goal, and then Rae saw McAlpine pull off a fine save. Just before half-time, a Billy Kirkwood shot from the edge of the box skimmed just over.

McLean brought on former Youth international Maurice Malpas at the interval, and the young full-back impressed greatly in the second half. A mysterious no penalty decision when goalkeeper Jim McArthur barged Paul Sturrock off the ball angered the home fans, but justice was served when Eamonn Bannon did get the opportunity to score from the spot when Ally Brazil handled a harmless looking Dodds cross with 15 minutes to go. Although United had most of the play, Hibs always threatened, but despite that our narrow victory was well deserved. United's impressive League form had now hoisted them up to joint second in the table.