McManus dumps Dundee Utd

Derek Riordan (left) equalised for Hibs at Tannadice

Dundee United 1-2 Hibernian

Hibernian proved party poopers as they defeated Ian McCall's rebuilt Dundee United at Tannadice.

Former Everton target Collin Samuel's opener looked to have given United a victory that would justify the pre-season hype.

But young Derek Riordan struck an equaliser after 74 minutes following good play by substitute Tam McManus.

And McManus grabbed the winner from the spot with four minutes remaining as United were left to rue a series of chances that would have ensured victory over a side tipped by some to be rivals for a European place come May.

To make matters worse for United, Barry Robson was dismissed for conceding the penalty by pulling down Ian Murray.

McCall handed six of his nine new players their competitive debuts for the club for the visit of Hibernian.

Derek McInnes joined Mark Kerr and Barry Robson in midfield, Collin Samuel was in attack and former Partick Thistle pair Scott Paterson and Alan Archibald in defence.

Hibs' summer arrivals, Stephen Glass and Daniel Andersson, also won their first competitive starts.

Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder McInnes was instrumental early on as United dominated possession.

United should have taken the lead after 25 minutes, when Samuel found himself all alone in the box 10 yards from goal.

But the Trinidad and Tobago international shot weakly at goalkeeper Andersson's legs.

Samuel went close again 10 minutes later, breaking clear before drawing the goalkeeper, but his lob from a difficult angle drifted across the face of the goal.

Alan Archibald (right) was one of several debutants at Tannadice

United wasted another golden opportunity when Charlie Miller ran on to an excellent ball from Kerr but was unable to connect, despite being unmarked six yards from goal.

Samuel made amends for his first-half misses by scoring with his first touch of the ball after the restart.

Billy Dodds dispossessed Mathias Doumbe on the left touchline after the Hibs player mis-hit a clearance.

The former Rangers striker raced into the penalty area before playing a ball through the six-yard box for his strike partner, who sent it past Andersson from four yards.

Danny Griffin forced Andersson into a diving save from a 30-yard free-kick.

But Hibs equalised against the run of play through Riordan after 74 minutes, when he stabbed home a cross from McManus that took a deflection that looped over goalkeeper Paul Gallacher.

McManus then applied the killer finish.

---

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, Scott Paterson, Griffin, Archibald, Robson, Kerr, McInnes, Miller (Duff 71), James Paterson (Bollan 79), Dodds (McIntyre 76), Samuel .
Subs Not Used: Bullock, Scotland.

Sent Off: Robson (87).

Booked: Duff.

Goal: Samuel 46.

Hibernian: Andersson, Orman, Doumbe, Smith, Zambernardi, Murray, Brebner, Wiss, Glass (McManus 70), Riordan, Scott Brown (Dobie 85).
Subs Not Used: Hyldgaard, Whittaker, Thomson.

Booked: Zambernardi, Doumbe.

Goals: Riordan 74, McManus 88 pen.

Attendance: 9,809

Referee: K Clark

Have your say: BBC Scotland Fans Forum

---