Hibs kept to their tried and tested 4-5-1 formation, with Gary O'connor as
the lone striker and Derek Riordan and Dean Shiels in supporting roles.

Dundee United gained a much needed win today against a high flying Hibernian
team who were left to rue many missed chances.

Hibs kept to their tried and tested 4-5-1 formation, with Gary O'connor as
the lone striker and Derek Riordan and Dean Shiels in supporting roles.

Dundee United made slight changes and played a 4-3-3 formation with a
Midfield of Kerr, Robson(who started off out of position in the middle of
the pitch before moving further wide and up)and the returning Stuart Duff. 
Paul Ritchie also returned as captain after serving a suspension.

While it may not have been the best weather for football today, both teams
put in a battling performance that while very slow to get going, was very
entertaining when it did.

The game started off with United looking very determined in stopping Hibs
from having too much time on the ball, and restricting the flow of their
passing.

United, playing with a front 3 of Samuel, Miller and Fernandez created
several good crosses in the opening period, although will feel that the
final delivery should have been better, as they failed to make the most of
several crosses into the box.

Even though United were keeping Hibs at bay, the jeers were starting to ring
from the restless home fans as United often squandered possession with poor
passing, and failed to threaten in the final third.

Hibs as well looked off a step, and created very little until shortly after
the half hour mark as the chances came in quick succession, and the game
sprung too life.

Dean Shiels managed to get on the end of a Scott Brown cross but placed it
over the bar.

A short time later it was Uniteds turn as Stuart Duff placed a cracking
through ball onto an already off and running Fernandez.  Steaming ahead with
little Hibs defence in front of him, along with Samuel running into the box
it was disappointing then, that his placed shot went straight to the keeper
and lacked any real venom.

Barely minutes later it was Shiels again who had a fantastic chance as he
sent the ball flying past the United goal mouth.

As both teams continued to searched for the opener, from outside the box
Stuart Duff powerfully struck the ball at Malkowski, who got down quickly to
make the save.

At the start of the second half the improved play continued, as both teams
seemed determined to settle for nothing but all 3 points.

Hibernian started to show why they are 3rd in the SPL, with the great
passing and attacking play that they are known for.

As Hibs pushed further up the pitch, there another great chance for Shiels.
Fortunately, as he was through on goal the ball became caught beneath his
feet allowing Mcracken to get in front of him and clear the ball.

The lapses of concentration that have often been the undoing of United
surfaced again, as they allowed Scott Brown to get on the end of a quick
free kick only for Stillie to make the save and tip it clear.

Derek Riordan then set up Gary O'conner inside the box but he failed to take
his chance as Stille sent it clear.

Hibs were flying at this point as Mark Kerr often gave the ball away with
his loose passing, making his team mates work that bit harder to get to the
ball.  Truth be known a goal from the away team looked moments away as the
Hibs strikers frequently found a way through the United defence.

It was with great relief then, as Collin Samuel produced an excellent goal
from a United counter attack.  After being played through by a Miller header
he placed a perfect low ball past Malkowski into the net.

As has so often happened when United take the lead, they started to sit back
and defend.  Hibs created chance after chance as Steven Fletcher(who was
brought on earlier for the injured Beuzelin)headed against the bar which was
swiftly cleared by Ritchie, Whittaker and Riordan both had chances cleared
from the goal line but it was not to be as United held on for the lead.

Summary- Hibs will certainly feel that they should have taken at least a
point from todays game, and in all honesty they are probably right.  Their
attacking play was excellent as they carved out 6-7 really good chances that
on any other day, would have ended up in the back of the net.

Dundee United on the other hand have several fine individual performances,
and a bit of luck, to thank for todays 3 points.

Paul Ritchie, Derek Stillie and Mark Wilson all played a big part in todays
win.  Ritchie commanded his area well and made some great tackles and
clearances, Stille made some fine saves and blocks while Wilson continued
his fine run of form and kept Derek Riordan out of the game.

And finally, to my man of the match Collin Samuel.  It is great to see him
showing the form and skill that he is capable of on a regular basis.  His
goal was well deserved as he chased every ball, showed great movement,
stayed on his feet well and was an all round menace to the Hibs defence who
struggled with his pace.

After several false starts hopefully this will kick or season into gear. 
With our next 2 games being against Livingston and Dunfermline, there may
never be a better time to get some much needed momentum, in an attempt to
crack the top 6.

Dundee Utd: Stillie, Wilson, McCracken, Ritchie, Archibald, Duff, Kerr, Robson, Fernandez (McIntyre 71), Miller, Samuel. Subs Not Used: Samson, McInnes, Kenneth, Robertson, Cameron, Goodwillie.

Booked: Kerr, Robson. Goal: Samuel 61.

Hibernian: Malkowski, Whittaker, Smith, Caldwell, Glass, Shiels (McCluskey 72), Scott Brown (McDonald 90), Beuzelin (Fletcher 49), Thomson, Riordan, O'Connor. Subs Not Used: Simon Brown, Morrow, Hogg, Rudge.

Booked: Glass, Thomson.

Att: 7,976

Ref: B Winter