All square at Tannadice

Ian Murray headed Hibs level after seven minutes

Dundee United 1-1 Hibernian

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Dundee United and Hibernian shared the spoils in an entertaining match at Tannadice.

Both goals came inside the opening seven minutes but neither side could convert a number of good chances later in the game.

United defender Mark Wilson scored his first goal for the club to put the home side in front but Hibs were soon on level terms through Ian Murray.

The Edinburgh side enjoyed more of the ball and looked more purposeful in attack but found home goalkeeper Paul Gallagher at the top of his form.

United started at a whirlwind pace and had three shots cleared off the goal line in the opening minute.

Derek Lilley's initial shot was parried by Nick Colgan, with Jim Hamilton and Craig Easton's follow-ups blocked by the scrambling Hibs back-line.

United soon found the net however, after winning a corner barely a minute later.

Jim Paterson's curling effort met the advancing Wilson, who steered an unstoppable header through the crowded penalty box.

But United did not hold their lead for long and Hibs were level after seven minutes.

Former Tannadice frontman Mixu Paatelainen gave Paul Gallacher a fright with a looping header, earning a corner for the visitors.

Jarkko Wiss' first corner was blocked but a second effort was flicked on by Paul Fenwick, leaving Murray to nod an easy header for the equaliser.

Hibs created the better chances

Hibs gradually took a grip of the game and the veteran Paatelainen was proving a handful for United's young defence.

Gallacher was kept busy in the home goal and produced an excellent save to deny Wiss in the 34th minute.

Yannick Zambernardi then found Paatelainen free just outside the box and his precise chipped shot was brilliantly palmed over the bar by Gallacher.

Hibs started the second half strongly and two corners from Wiss sparked panic in the United defence but the nearest Hibs came to scoring came was when Paatelainen bundled Gallacher over the line.

Murray forced his way into the penalty area with a superb run but, despite a series of heavy challenges,he opted to stay on his feet with only a United goal-kick as reward.

McManus found himself with an excellent scoring chance from John O'Neil's wonderful right-footed cross, but the young striker could only stab a shot wide of the post.

United were denied a second goal when a brilliant save from Colgan stopped a Lilley shot from just three yards out.

Hibs skipper O'Neil rifled a shot from fully 30 yards out in the 67th minute but despite initially spilling the ball, Gallacher recovered just in time with Paatelainen ready to pounce.

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, Wilson, McCraken, Duff, McCunnie, Easton, Miller, McIntyre, Paterson (Cummings 71), Hamilton, Lilley (Thompson 89).
Subs Not Used: Combe, Smart, Carson.

Booked: Lilley, McCunnie, Hamilton.

Hibernian: Colgan, Smith, Fenwick, Zambernardi, Orman, Wiss, O'Neil (Townsley 88), Murray, James, McManus (Reid 81), Paatelainen.
Subs Not Used: Caig, Jack, Doumbe.

Booked: O'Neil, McManus.

Attendance: 5,673
Referee: D McDonald