First Team
EVERY WORD | JACK WALTON LOOKS AHEAD TO IBROX TEST
21st November 2024
United hit late against Hibs to earn a point in the capital.
Hibernian 1 (Miller 28')
Dundee United 1 (Dalby 90+')
3pm Sunday 3 November 2024
Easter Road Stadium
William Hill Premiership
Attendance: 15,454 (Away: 1,558)
Images: Richard Wiseman (Club Photographer)
Team News
Jim Goodwin made one change following our midweek defeat to Motherwell.
Ryan Strain made his first league start following a long outing through injury, replacing Kristijan Trapabnovski who dropped to the bench.
There were four DUFC Academy graduates involved in our matchday squad.
Chances Hard to Come By
United had the better of the limited opportunities in the opening exchanges but it's fair to say it was a timid affair.
Slack play in the centre of the park from Nectarios Triantis led to our first sighting as David Babunski pounced on the loose ball. Sliding it forward to Sam Dalby, our number 19 struck goalwards but his left-footed effort was tame and comfortable for Josef Bursik.
Glenn Middleton then went close with a fierce effort from range that flew just past the left-hand post.
Hibs Hit First
The half's best chance fell to Lewis Miller after some trickery on the wing from Jordan Obita allowed him to jink inside the box. His cut-back looked inch-perfect for the Hibs' full-back but the effort came off his heel and the danger was cleared.
The Australian made amends two minutes later as he headed Hibs in front after peeling away at the back post and nodding Obita's cross beyond Jack Walton.
A brilliant block from Will Ferry five minutes before the break then denied Hibs a second, getting out quickly to bravely block Martin Boyle's volley.
The final chance of the half again fell to Hibs number 10 as Declan Gallagher was cautioned for a foul right on the edge of the area. Boyle looked to catch out Walton with a low freekick but our number 1 was equal to it and Colin Steven brought the curtains down on the first 45.
A Switch in System
We made two changes at the break in search of more impetus in the final third.
OFF: Gallagher and Strain
ON: Odada and Trapanovski
Our best chance of the match so far then fell to David Babunski who really should have levelled proceedings. It was a move simple in creation as Middleton slid in Luca Stephenson towards the by-line and he cut the ball back for our number 10 inside the area. Running on to it, Babunski could only guide his left-footed effort wide of the mark.
The hosts' lead was almost doubled as Walton beat Mykola Kukharevych to a slack backpass but could only clear as far as Kwon Hyeok-ky. He was spared any blushes as the on-loan Celtic midfielder's shot was well wide of the mark.
After looking an initial threat, Trapanovski's afternoon lasted only ten minutes as he was forced off through injury. Kai Fotheringham was the man to take his place following a short stoppage in play due to a connectivity issue with VAR before the hour.
We rolled the dice again with just over 15 minutes to play as Jort van der Sande replaced Vicko Ševelj. He was unlucky not to hit his first United goal as a well-struck effort was blocked en route to goal by a Hibs defender.
Another Late Fightback
There was more late drama between the sides as United once again struck in injury time against the men in green and white.
A deep freekick into the penalty area resulted in a VAR intervention as Emmanuel Adegboyega was hauled to ground by Mykola Kukharevych who earned himself a second yellow card in the process.
Dalby was ice-cool from the spot, sending Bursik the wrong way in front of a buoyant gravelling support of over 1,500 Arabs!
More drama followed as in the final minute of the ten added, VAR checked for a penalty at the opposite end following an aerial dual between Warren O'Hora and Dalby. Thankfully it was waved away as we took a point in the capital to send us fourth.
POST-MATCH THOUGHTS
Jim Goodwin reflects on this afternoon's draw:
?? Worthy of a point after positive second half
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) November 3, 2024
?? Character of group unquestionable
?? Satisfied with return from first round of fixtures
?? Welcome respite ahead of Ross County clash
Post-match reaction from #DUFC Manager Jim Goodwin following this afternoon's draw in Leith ????? pic.twitter.com/6b9BlitRT3
NEXT UP
We're back home next Saturday as Ross County visit Tayside.
