Hamilton double dumps Hibs

Jim Hamilton slides home the equaliser for United

Dundee United 3-1 Hibernian

A Jim Hamilton double helped Dundee United fight back from behind as Hibernian suffered a blow to their hopes of staking their claim to be the third force in Scottish football.

Grant Brebner put Hibs up early on, but Hamilton grabbed the equaliser after the break.

Another goal from from the former Hearts and Aberdeen striker and a late goal from Danny Griffin completed the comeback.

United central defender Jim Lauchlan had been missing through suspension, so David McCracken came in.

Franck Sauzee, Ulises de La Cruz and Matthias Jack returned for Hibs, with Alen Orman, Derek Townsley and Tom McManus dropping on to the bench.

Grant Brebner celebrates Hibs' opener

Nick Colgan took over from Tony Caig in goal.

United started the game confidently and Ulrik Laursen did well to clear before Craig Easton pulled the trigger.

But it was Hibs who were a goal ahead after just four minutes.

Francisco Luna crossed to John O'Neil in the area and he laid the ball off to Brebner to fire past goalkeeper Paul Gallacher.

There was concern for both sides a few minutes later when Charlie Miller and Hibs Colgan collided.

Colgan initially seemed in greater pain and required lengthy treatement on the park.

But it was the United midfielder who had to be replaced by David Hannah after 12 minutes.

United came close to levelling after 24 minutes.

Defender Griffin unleashed a 35-yard drive that flew just over the crossbar.

Jim Hamilton celebrates his second goal

A Steven Thompson knock-down was met by Hamilton, who produced a half-volley that was only just turned past the post by Colgan after 28 minutes.

O'Neil then burst into the United box and Gallacher did well to block the close-range effort.

The home side were back on level terms after 64 minutes.

Hannah's cross was met by Hamilton at the far post and he bulleted a shot into the roof of the net from a yard out.

The Hibs defence gifted United their second goal when Sauzee tried to play the ball to Laursen, but the Dane misread the situation and Hamilton pounced to intercept and chip the ball into the back of the net from 25 yards.

Brewster missed a chance to equalise before Griffin sealed the points with a stunning free-kick curled into the back of the net.

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Dundee Utd: Gallacher, McCunnie, McCracken, Partridge, Aljofree, Easton, Griffin, Miller, McIntyre, Thompson, Hamilton. Subs: Combe, O'Brien, Hannah, Lilley, Paterson.

Hibernian: Colgan, Fenwick, Sauzee, Laursen, De la Cruz, Brebner, Jack, O'Neil, Murray, Brewster, Luna. Subs: Caig, Townsley, Smart, McManus, Zitelli.

Referee: J Underhill.