Dundee United 0-3 Hibernian

Killen notched his second goal of the season

Hibernian savoured their first away league victory in nine months after a comprehensive second-half performance against a disappointing Dundee United.

Chris Killen fired the visitors into the lead after the interval by smashing a fine finish beyond Derek Stillie.

Then Hibernian substitute Dean Shiels was rewarded for his clever play when he lobbed over the United keeper.

To compound United's misery, another Hibs replacement, Ivan Sproule, slotted calmly past Stillie for the third.

United were without suspended winger Barry Robson whose place was taken by Noel Hunt.

Hibernian were boosted by the return of striker Killen from injury while David Murphy replaced Jay Shields.

The visitors were nearly caught out in the second minute when Hunt shot just wide of the left-hand post.

Hibs defender Rob Jones was fortunate not to concede a penalty kick when he lunged at Hunt but no award was given.

Tony Mowbray's team were not at their best but Hibs had the best chances of the first period.

Abdessalam Benjelloun had a shot deflected over the crossbar and then scuffed an effort wide when he should have done better.

From close-range, Jones hooked over when he might have hit the target, and at the other end Collin Samuel tested Zbigniew Malkowski with a low drive.

Hibs went ahead shortly after the break when Killen raced on to a long ball, beating the defender Alan Archibald for pace, and lashing a superb finish past Derek Stillie.

The Kiwi could have doubled his tally when the skilfull Merouane Zemmama threaded the ball into Killen's path but his acute-angled attempt was halted by the feet of Stillie.

When United player-manager Craig Brewster entered the fray he almost put United level, his initial shot well saved by Malkowski, then his header sailing high.

United lived to regret that as Hibs substitute Shiels lobbed a perfect finish over Stillie after the home keeper had saved Benjelloun's long-range smash.

Substitute Sproule rounded off a fine afternoon for Hibs by slotting calmly past the United keeper in the closing moments.

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Dundee United: Stillie, Proctor, McCracken, Archibald, Kalvenes, Duff (Robertson 83), Cameron (Easton 74), Kerr, Conway, Samuel, Hunt (Brewster 74).

Subs not used: McLean, Kenneth, Gardiner, Burnett.

Hibernian: Malkowski, Whittaker, Jones, Martis, Murphy, Zemmama (Shiels 76), Stewart, Scott Brown, Thomson, Killen, Benjelloun (Sproule 81).

Subs not used: McNeil, McCluskey, Fletcher, Shields, Konde.

Goals: Killen 52, Shiels 81, Sproule 90.

Ref: Craig Thomson.

Att: 6,387.