By Hibernian FC

A second-half double from Stuart Heenan cancelled out Josh Landers’ first-half opener.

The visitors dominated the early proceedings, putting the Hibs defence under pressure in search of an early goal.

Young Hibs ‘keeper Freddie Owens was forced to stretch well and tip Zuke Cameron’s header over the bar from a corner.

Dundee United were soon to threaten again as some good link-up play between a few United players saw Adam Carnwath played one-on-one against Freddie Owens as he did well to deny the United forward with his feet.

Not long after that Hibs created their first opportunity of the half when Rocky Waugh sent a teasing ball into the box which found the head of Dean Clelland but his effort sailed just over the bar.

The Wee Hibees were beginning to find their feet as Ethan Laidlaw played a lovely through ball to Josh Landers who did brilliantly to control the ball under pressure, however the feet of Utd ‘keeper Jamie McCabe prevented it from going in.

In what was an evenly contested game, it was Hibs who broke the deadlock at the half hour mark!

It came as the United defence had the ball pick pocketed from them by Josh Landers who finished from long range, catching McCabe off his line to give his side the lead.

Dundee United responded well to going behind, creating several opportunities, and pinning the Hibs defence back.

Left-back Keir Bertie came close for United following good footwork to beat his man on the left flank but sent his effort just over the crossbar.

Moments later, Craig Moore found himself free inside the area as he was met by the outrushing Freddie Owens as he was denied well once again by the feet of the Hibs Keeper.

Both teams had free kicks before the interval, with United coming the closest as Bryan Mwangi sent his tantalising effort inches wide of goal.

The visitors made things tougher for the Wee Hibees in the second 45 as they didn’t enjoy as much of the ball.

Despite this, it was Hibs who created the first opportunity of the half as Reuben McAllister fancied his chances from range as he tested out the United ‘keeper early on, however his effort was comfortably saved.

Later on in the half, Hibs were adamant they netted their second goal of the night when Jacob McIntyre made a bursting run into the box finishing well before being penalised for offside.

Shortly after, though, Dundee United found an equaliser. Stuart Heenan headed in from a corner to cancel out Josh Landers opener in the first half.

Almost instantly after conceding, Hibs went up the other end and were unfortunate not to have regained their lead as Jacob McIntyre played a pinpoint ball into the path of Josh Landers who smacked the outside of the crossbar.

Hibs were reduced to 10 men later on in the half as Rory Whittaker was shown a second yellow for a shirt pull, having stopped a promising United attack.

It was mostly the visitors threatening from then on as they pushed for a winner with a flurry of set pieces.

With 10 minutes to go, Dundee United were awarded a spot kick as Hibs were penalised for handball. Stuart Heeman stepped up and slotted past Freddie Owens, sending the Hibs ‘keeper the wrong way.

With a few minutes to go Josh Landers’ did well to beat his man on the edge of the area as his effort from a tight angle was parried out for a corner.

That was the closest Hibs came to getting an equaliser late on as Gareth Evans' side had to settle for a disappointing defeat.

Next up for Gareth Evans' side is a trip to Paisley to take on St Mirren on Friday 28 April.

Hibs Under-18s

Owens; Wright, Waugh, Bullock, Khan; McAllister, MacIntyre; Smith, Clelland, Laidlaw; Landers

Subs

McGarva, Whittaker, Calder, Innes, McMurdo