Goals in each half from Dean Cleland sealed the win for the Hibees in what was a feisty and competitive encounter from start to finish.
It was the visitors who created the first chance of the game, calling Hibs Goalkeeper Ryan Mallon into action early on. A United attacker’s effort from close range inside the box was well saved by the feet of Ryan Mallon.
The opening goal would come on the 10-minute mark and it was United who took the lead. Brandon Forbes cut inside whilst in the box before firing into the far bottom corner beyond Mallon.
The wee Hibees struggled to get into the game in the opening 15 or so minutes however, their equaliser came 20 minutes in.
It all came from Josh Lander’s determination to keep the ball in play on the byline, battling well against a United defender before picking out Owen Calder. Calder played an inch-perfect cross to the back post which was well met by Dean Cleland who headed home to level things up.
Moments later Josh Landers was denied the chance of getting a goal himself with the Dundee goalkeeper making a good save with his feet to deny the striker one-on-one.
The last chance of the half came for Hibs when Alfie Smith rattled a strike off the crossbar from the edge of the area, however, it was later called back for offside by the linesman.
The second 45 was quite a tight encounter with both teams well up for the occasion.
Hibs had a penalty claim quickly dismissed after an attacker was allegedly pulled down in the box after a corner from Reuben McAllister.
The Hibees were creating plenty more this half and limiting United to very little possession or chances.
Joseph McGrath came close when he was set up inside the box after another cross from Owen Calder, McGrath was at full stretch to get a connection onto the ball but the United goalkeeper saved comfortably.
Hibs were pushing for a second and applying plenty of pressure on the United defence late on with Owen Calder sending a volley from long-range over the bar.
Owen Hastie then saw his header fly narrowly over the bar as the game looked to be slipping away from the wee Hibees.
But Hibs’ pressure eventually paid off with five minutes to go as they grabbed the decisive goal, courtesy of Dean Cleland.
Joseph McGrath threaded a ball through the United defence into the path of Cleland who made a brilliantly timed run to get in front of his man and finish with ease to secure a deserved three points from the hosts.
A very competitive and entertaining 90 minutes with the wee Hibees eventually coming out on top thanks to a moment of magic from duo Joseph McGrath and goalscorer Dean Cleland.
Hibs U18 Starting XI: Mallon, Hastie (C), McAllister, Cleland, J. MacIntyre, Landers, McGarva, Smith, Calder, McGrath, McMurdo.
