Hibernian 2
Dundee Utd 0
League (SPL)

Match Report

United started brightly with McIntyre and Grady close to converting a Wilson free-kick. Then Mark Kerr sent a header over from 15 yards. But Hibs went in front after just 11 minutes. O’Connor got the better of Innes in the air to flick a header into the path of Riordon. His return pass was coolly slotted home by O’Connor from six yards. United almost bounced back straight away with Wilson and Grady close to carving out an opening, but not for the last time in the game, the final pass was to let United down. Both sides put together some decent passing moves. However, United seemed to lack a cutting edge, whereas the pace and movement of Hibs’ O’Connor and Riordon always looked menacing. After half an hour a Robson cross was headed inches wide by Chris Innes. Then at the other end, Hibs nearly doubled their lead when O’Connor’s ball over the top put Riordon clear of Wilson, and the striker’s clever chip only just missed the target.

The two teams emerged after half time unchanged. But the visitors were immediately on the back foot. Steven Fletcher’s header from 6 yards should have been on target, from a Riordan corner. Fletcher then set up Riordon and O’Connor with half chances and though neither was converted, a second Hibs goal looked likely. And it arrived after 55 minutes: O’Connor played a fine flick back into the path of Fletcher who skipped past Wilson before calmly drilling a left foot shot into the net. Jason Scotland replaced Grady and David McCracken replaced Kerr – with Mark Wilson pushing into midfield – as United tried to get back into the game. But while they enjoyed greater possession and passed the ball around neatly in midfield, the cutting edge was still missing with chances restricted to shots from outside the box. McInnes had one effort well saved and Scotland came close with a 20 yard shot which was inches past the post. Then with two minutes remaining Archibald sliced a free header from a great Robson corner harmlessly wide from 6 yards. It was not United’s day. Hibs collected the full three points which was probably just merited due to a more decisive attacking edge..