A close encounter with the Highland League side saw the 90 minutes end in a draw, with Josh Landers on the scoresheet for the Hibees.
Nerves seemed to get the better of two United players as they stepped up to the spot in the resulting penalty shootout, giving Malik Zaid the opportunity to smash the winning penalty into the top left corner and send the Dev Squad through to the next round of the SPFL Trust Trophy.
Hibs began proceedings at Meadowbank Stadium with a spring in their step, with the first half-chance falling to the feet of Josh Landers inside the opening minute.
A well-timed run in behind Formartine United’s defence gave Landers the opportunity to pull the trigger early, but his left footed effort was dragged wide of the post.
United responded with their first attempt in the fourth minute of the match.
Scott Lisle found himself in space on the edge of the 18-yard-box before working the ball onto his left foot with his resulting snapshot being tipped over the bar by Max Boruc.
Guillaume Beuzelin’s side began to control the tempo after the high-intensity start and had United chasing the ball for large parts of the first half, with Robbie Hamilton and Malik Zaid pulling the strings in the middle of the park.
We started wearing the visitors down and had two excellent opportunities around the half-hour mark. Josh Landers did well to control a driven ball into the box, connecting well on the half volley - but United’s No.1 stood strong and was able to keep a hold of the ball.Five minutes later, Rudi Molotnikov’s low free kick from 25 yards whistled past the post.
Formartine United grew into the game as they edged closer to halftime, having good spells on the ball and testing the Hibee backline with wicked deliveries into the box.
The Highland League side were rewarded for their continued efforts when they opened the scoring in the 42nd minute. After earning a free kick on the left-hand side of Boruc’s box, Daniel Park was able to fool the Polish goalkeeper.
In what seemed to be a prime position to deliver a cross, Park curled a low effort that crept into Boruc’s near post, surprising players and fans alike.
United’s lead didn’t last too long, with Josh Landers levelling the cup tie on the stroke of half time.
Alfie Smith delivered a teasing corner that was met by the leaping Landers. The 16-year-old powerfully headed the ball goalward and despite the goalkeepers’ best efforts, the ball managed to find the roof of the net.
‘Boozy’ made two changes at the break with Reuben McAllister and Jacob MacIntyre replacing Rudi Molotnikov and Alfie Smith.
The extra energy in midfield gave the home side a spark as they looked to take the lead with two excellent opportunities early in the second half.
Robbie Hamilton went close, but his off-balance strike could only find the side netting before Malik Zaid’s late arrival into the box could only sting the goalkeepers' palms.
Chances in the second half were few and far between for both sides as they matched each other in almost every department.
As we headed into the final ten minutes of play, tired legs opened up opportunities to snatch a late winner. Josh Landers was causing havoc and had two great chances to steal the win.
A terrific pick out by Jay McGarva was met by Landers but his first-time volley flew high and wide of the target.
Moments later, Landers found himself driving at the last line of the United defence and looked to beat the ‘keeper with an effort from outside of the area but it came crashing back off the bar. Landers’ effort was the last of the 90’ and the tie would be decided by a penalty shootout.
United’s goal scorer Daniel Park stepped up first and fired it past Boruc, despite him getting a fingertip to the ball.
Second-half substitute Reuben McAllister stepped up first for the Hibees and calmy sent the ‘keeper in the wrong direction.
Paul Campbell was up next for the visitors and he sent his spot kick wide.
Jacob MacIntyre gave Hibs the lead by calmly putting the ball down the middle of the goal.
Graeme Rodger’s penalty was then tipped onto the post by Max Boruc, allowing Kanayo Megwa to give the Hibees a two-goal advantage.
Stuart Smith kept United in the match by firing his penalty straight down the middle, but Malik Zaid expertly dispatched the winning penalty and sent Hibs through to the second round of the SPFL Trust Trophy.
Hibernian Starting XI: M. Boruc, H. Wright (J. Bulloch), D. McGregor, K. Megwa, O. MacIntyre, J. McGarva, R. Molotnikov (R. McAllister), A. Smith (J. MacIntyre), M. Zaid, R. Hamilton, J. Landers.