Hibernian 2-1 Dundee United

Ivan Sproule (centre) is congratulated by team-mates

Ivan Sproule was again the hero for Hibs as he came off the bench to net the winner at Easter Road.

Former Hibee Grant Brebner put United ahead after 14 minutes when he slotted home a David Fernandez cross.

Garry O'Connor levelled from the spot minutes later, after Michael Stewart had been pulled down in the box by Stuart Duff.

Sproule rifled home the winner after 70 minutes, following a superb chipped pass from Garry O'Connor.

Easter Road boss Tony Mowbray sprang a surprise by playing Scotland cap Garry O'Connor as a lone striker but his deployment of two banks of midfield caused Dundee United some early problems.

Michael Stewart in particular was able to find holes in the visiting defence and a foul on the former Manchester United player presented a chance for Hibs in the fifth minute.

However, Kevin Thomson's free-kick was held easily by Derek Stillie.

There was a moment of controversy shortly after, as O'Connor floated a delightful pass over the top of the United defence for Stewart to chase.

Mark Kerr tracked him all the way and was tempted into a clumsy challenge as the Hibs midfielder prepared to pull the trigger, but Kenny Clark waved aside claims for a penalty.

That was to prove crucial two minutes later as United took the lead on the break.

David Fernandez found space on the right side of the home box and picked out former Hibs skipper Grant Brebner, who side-footed home superbly.

The match was back level barely five minutes later when Hibs were awarded a penalty.

Dean Shiels raced on to Thomson's through ball and, when he picked out the breaking Stewart, Stuart Duff was penalised for a tackle from behind.

O'Connor made no mistake from the spot.

United had the ball in the net four minutes from the break when Malkowski could only parry Brebner's volley from a half-cleared corner.

But, as Fernandez knocked the rebound into the unguarded net, the linesman's flag halted the celebrations.

The second period opened in a similar vein to the first, with Hibs continuing their assault on the United goal as Thomson, Guillaume Beuzelin and O'Connor all had chances to put their side ahead.

Hibs made a double change on the hour mark, with Sproule afforded a standing ovation and Derek Riordan introduced for his first appearance since knocking back a move to Cardiff City.

The alteration brought immediate dividends as Hibs took the lead through Sproule.

Still on a high from his remarkable performance at Ibrox and making his Northern Ireland debut against England, the winger was sent clear by O'Connor but still had plenty to do.

The 24-year-old looked as if he might have lost his chance as he dithered after coming inside keeper Derek Stillie on the edge of the area but his left-foot shot beat Mark Wilson on the line.

That was enough to earn his side the win their overall play deserved and they will be hopeful of another improved performance when Dnipro visit in the Uefa Cup.

---

Hibernian: Malkowski, Whittaker, Hogg, Smith, Murphy, Scott Brown (Riordan 61), Beuzelin, Stewart, Thomson (Glass 79), Shiels (Sproule 61), O'Connor. Subs Not Used: Simon Brown, Konte, Morrow, Rudge.

Booked: Murphy.

Goals: O'Connor 18 pen, Sproule 70.

Dundee Utd: Stillie, Wilson, Kenneth, Ritchie, Archibald, Canero (McIntyre 75), Kerr, Brebner, Duff (Robson 81), Fernandez, Miller. Subs Not Used: Samson, McCracken, Dodds, Robertson, Cameron.

Booked: Duff, Kerr, Wilson, Ritchie, Archibald.

Goals: Brebner 14.

Ref: K Clark