MATCH REPORT | A PROMOTION PARTY AT TANNADICE
4th May 2024
The Tangerines lost out by the odd goal in five against Hibs at Spartans this afternoon, but that was a cruel reflection on their efforts in an entertaining encounter.
United started well with Justin Johnson firing in a shot which new Hibs keeper Conrad Logan beat away.
Against the run of play, however, Hibs took the lead after ten minutes thanks to Ollie Shaw’s dipping volley from just outside the box.
Thereafter, United kept Logan busy as he made a series of saves from Reghan Tumilty and Brad Smith before he was finally beaten by Justin Johnson’s superb curler from 20 yards.
Aaron Dunsmore then twice went close for Hibs and Josh Peters hit the bar as Hibs countered.
But five minutes from the break, the visitors went in front with Johnson the provider with a cross from which Flo Sinama Pongolle buried a header into the far corner.
Yet within four minutes of the restart, the hosts levelled with a fortuitous finish from Adam Watson, his angled effort taking a deflection and looping over keeper Joe McGovern.
Worse followed for United on 57 minutes when Hibs newly introduced substitute Jamie Gullan who jinked his way past two defenders before firing in a shot that McGovern got a hand to but couldn’t keep out.
With 15 minutes left United squandered a golden opportunity to level.
Ali Coote was felled in the box by substitute Ryan Porteous but, after dusting himself down, Coote cracked the spot-kick against the bar.
Hard as the visitors tried to get an equaliser, it proved elusive.
McGovern, Tumilty, H Souttar, McNaughton, Freeman, B Smith (Murrell 78), Allardice, Johnson, Pongolle (Davie 68), Coote (Taylor 84), M Smith.
Subs not used: Booth, Duke, McMeechan, Ritchie.
