Hibernian vs Dundee. Scottish Premiership.
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Match report as Hibs left it late in a 2-1 win against Dundee in the cinch Premiership
Saturday 24 February 2024 18:44, UK
Myziane Maolida scored a late winning goal in a 2-1 victory to lift Hibernian to within two points of opponents Dundee in the battle for a Scottish Premiership top-six place.
The on-loan Hertha Berlin forward restored the home side's lead with a fine effort in the 81st minute just moments after Luke McCowan had brought the visitors level.
Hibs had gone in at the break in front after Dylan Vente converted a penalty that came about following an error by goalkeeper Trevor Carson.
Hibs paid tribute to their late former owner Ron Gordon - a year on from his death - with a short video on the large screens inside the stadium before kick-off.
When the action got under way it was the hosts that had to soak up early pressure.
The Leith side were relieved a VAR check went their way after an Owen Beck shot inside the box struck Rocky Bushiri.
Dark Blues goalkeeper Carson made a comfortable save when he kept out Will Fish's half volley from 12 yards out after Martin Boyle's corner was kept alive in the box.
Fish was involved in Hibs' next attempt at goal just after the half-hour mark when he connected with Emiliano Marcondes' corner but Carson gathered the header at the second attempt.
Hibs then took the lead 10 minutes before the break after a rush of blood to the head for Dundee 'keeper Carson led to a penalty.
The experienced stopper tried to make amends after flapping at Joe Newell's corner but he ended up clattering into Marcondes.
Vente stepped up to take the penalty and sent Carson the wrong way from 12 yards.
Hibs came close to a third before the break but Vente's shot was blocked by team-mate Martin Boyle before Maolida had a shot pushed wide by Carson.
Dundee brought on Rickie Lamie and Michael Mellon at the break but it was Hibs who were keen to put the game to bed.
Carson produced a fine save to keep out Boyle before the Dens Park side were handed a VAR let-off.
Boyle's cross was tapped in by Vente from inside the six-yard box but the feedback given to referee John Beaton was that he was offside.
Dundee were then denied a goal by the linesman's flag in the 73rd minute after Mellon flicked in from close range.
The visitors did level in the 78th minute when McCowan rifled a low drive from 18 yards past David Marshall.
But Hibs restored their lead three minutes later with a Maolida strike.
The Frenchman ran on to Luke Amos' pass and skinned Joe Shaughnessy before sweeping a shot past Carson.
Hibs head coach Nick Montgomery:
"I thought it was well deserved, I though it was a game we controlled throughout the whole encounter.
"We could have made a little bit easier on ourselves, Dundee had one shot on target and they scored a goal.
"Really happy for the boys, we put a lot of effort in and deserved the three points.
"We've had too many draws recently and a tough run of results so you know towards the end it's going to be a little anxious, but the boys stayed composed.
"They're all much needed wins from now, going into the derby on Wednesday it's a good foundation to build on."
Dundee manager Tony Docherty:
"I thought in the first half we had difficulty getting to grips with the game, which is uncharacteristic.
"We were giving the ball away too much but we addressed that at half-time, we changed the shape and I think with the introduction of the subs we got back into the game just through sheer spirit and mentality.
"If you're not going to win it, try not to lose it.
"I really feel for the players because of the effort they put in."
Hibs' next Scottish Premiership game is away to Hearts in the Edinburgh derby on Wednesday night, while Dundee are away to Celtic.
Both games kick off at 7.45pm.
