Hibernian vs Dundee United. Scottish Premiership.
Easter Road.
Match report as Dundee United substitute Luke Bolton denies Hibernian the chance to go second with last-minute equaliser, after Jack Ross' side had led early on through Kyle Magennis' first goal for the club
Saturday 19 December 2020 20:36, UK
Luke Bolton grabbed an unlikely stoppage-time equaliser to earn Dundee United a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Hibernian.
The visitors were second best for long spells and had goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist to thank for keeping them in the game with a series of fine saves.
Hibs had been on course for a fifth win on the spin in all competitions courtesy of Kyle Magennis' fortuitous effort after 12 minutes.
The home side were then left frustrated in their bid to add to their lead by Siegrist, before substitute Bolton tapped in at the back post in the closing stages.
Magennis' first goal for the club came when he intended to pick out Christian Doidge with a cross into the area but the ball curled into the net at the back post.
United were struggling to get into their stride, although Hibs goalkeeper Ofir Marciano had to make a near-post block to keep out Lawrence Shankland from a tight angle.
Siegrist then kept Hibs at bay with a stunning double save.
The Swiss made a superb block with his feet after team-mate Mark Reynolds inadvertently poked Martin Boyle's cross goalwards.
Siegrist then got to his feet to make an excellent reflex block after Doidge stabbed Boyle's low cross towards goal from close range.
It was effectively one-way traffic, but Hibs were relieved to see a low 25-yard drive from Marc McNulty whistle just past the upright.
The United shot-stopper was at it again to deny Boyle from close range after a great move involving Paul Hanlon and Paul McGinn set the Australian international clear.
United brought on Paul McMullan and Bolton nine minutes into the second half in a bid to inject some life into their attack.
McMullan got involved right away with a corner that found McNulty at the back post and United were left appealing in vain for a penalty after the striker claimed his header was blocked by the arm of McGinn.
Minutes later Siegrist picked up where he left off at the end of the first half by pulling off a great save to keep out Doidge after the forward had been put clean through by Melker Hallberg.
Hibernian boss Jack Ross: "We should win the game with the amount of chances we've created throughout the match.
"It's probably the angriest I have been with the players this season with making sure they get what they deserve from football matches, because they deserved to win that.
"At half-time I don't think I can be critical of the finishing because I think Siegrist's saves were outstanding; really, really top saves.
"In the second half it flips a bit - I don't think he makes brilliant saves, I think we miss opportunities. It's not like us because generally we are ruthless and I can't criticise the way we played for the vast majority of that game and the amount of chances we created.
"But those missed opportunities came back to haunt us and they also give the opposition something to cling on to in terms of getting back into the match."
Dundee United boss Micky Mellon: "If you are going to come to places like Hibs and get something you have to have a good goalkeeper - and we have one. He is terrific, he's top drawer.
"It hasn't happened overnight, he's worked his socks off for it, but he wants to be the best version of himself he can be.
"We know we can rely on him to keep us in games and help get results. From a manager's point of view I want him working less and know we have to work on things defensively.
"But to know you have a guy there who is able to make saves like he made today is terrific. They were great saves, some pure reaction ones and he's worked hard on that."
Hibernian host St Mirren on Wednesday in the Scottish Premiership at 6pm while Dundee United host Kilmarnock at 6.30pm on the same evening.
