Hibernian 1
Dundee Utd 1
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Dundee United arrived at Easter Road with an impressive record of nine points from their last five games. Hibs faced the prospect of overcoming the effects of successive defeats on the home and European fronts.

Hibs kicked off and United were pushed back immediately. McAlpine was startled by a Rae shot that went wide. Seconds later Hutchison shot past. Hegarty cleared a dangerous cross with a fine header moments later.Hibs then broke with Smith who was able to provide MacLeod with an opening. However, Herbert forced him over the line. He was not put off by this though and MacLeod sped down the right and let loose a hard shot on the turn which flew just inches wide. It was Gordon Rae who opened the scoring for Hibs with a fine goal in 36 minutes. A United defender kicked the ball out of a goalmouth mix-up and Rae raced up and cracked it into the net. Hibs began to increase the pressure and United found it hard to escape their own half. Fleming did have a chance before the interval but fired high over the bar.

Early in the second half, McAlpine had to look lively to scoop up headers from both Higgins and McNamara. As the second half progressed United seemed to be a little more courageous and Hibs found themselves hemmed in. Graeme Payne took advantage of the United pressure to equalise with only 15 minutes to go. He chipped a free-kick over the Hibs wall and into the net. For a short period after the goal, both teams had a go at getting the clincher but as the clock ticked closer to full time, United dropped back to defend. A Callachan corner on the whistle stopped a few hearts, but McAlpine had it covered. A good recovery by United gave them a richly deserved equaliser, an accurate reflection of an exciting game.