Dundee United 1 Hibernian 2

2002
Scottish Premier League
Attendance: 5,801.

Scorers:
Hibernian: Arpinion, O'Connor.
Dundee Utd: Thompson.

This is a copy of a report of the game as it appeared in the Scotland on Sunday on Sunday 24th March 2002

O’Connor puts Scotland manager in the picture

THERE were no prizes on offer for the victors, but this was still an enjoyable romp. Both of these sides’ souls have been purged at various times this season, but the bad memories were put behind them in this exciting spectacle.

Hibernian won by the odd goal in three, but there were more pertinent happenings off field. Berti Vogts, Scotland’s new coach, looking stern as he entered Tannadice, would have been roused by a joyous afternoon’s entertainment.

Worthwhile Scottish fare is becoming rare these days, but the sides served up a feast for Vogts on his second trip to Tayside this month.

The German witnessed United’s 1-0 defeat by Rangers at the outset of March and proceeded to include the Tannadice club’s goalkeeper, Paul Gallacher, and striker Steven Thompson, for this week’s international friendly against France in Paris.

He would have been pleased to see the United pair perform sturdily, but it was Hibernian’s young forward, Garry O’Connor, who deserved most plaudits after scoring his fourth goal in successive matches and making a constant nuisance of himself.

O’Connor was animated at full-time, describing himself as a "big, confident boy", and that description was certainly justified. After Dundee United had careered forward with purpose in the early part of the game - a Thompson shot was whacked off the line by Mathias Jack - Hibs struck a delicious opener in 38 minutes. Ulises de le Cruz, the Ecuadorian wing-back, has looked a troubled figure in a stormy season for the Easter Road club, but was a vibrant performer in Dundee. He raced past United’s defence before whipping over a cross that Freddy Arpinon smacked beyond Gallacher.

Alex Smith, the Dundee United manager, felt the goal was a cruel blow. He said: "Sometimes football is a strange game - things happen and you can’t do anything about it. We were dominating the game, then Hibs pull out a goal of great quality."

Arpinon, the French midfielder, departed at half-time due to back pains, but Hibs remained diligent. John O’Neil harried and fetched to some effect (perhaps buoyed by being omitted from Vogts’s squad) and was unlucky to see a chip palmed over by Gallacher.

O’Connor soon killed it, though, after being set up by Paco Luna. His shot took a big deflection off a home player and span past Gallacher. Bobby Williamson, the Hibs manager, was happy with O’Connor. "I’m delighted for Gary because he’s a good lad and works very hard.

"He’s getting his reward because he’s prepared to have a go at goal - that’s what you want from a striker."

Thompson reduced the deficit as he headed home a cross from young midfielder Stuart Duff - who had an impressive game - and only a fingertip save by Tony Caig from a fine Craig Easton shot prevented United from rescuing an unlikely draw.

Vogts occupied the glass box overlooking the pitch that former manager and chairman Jim McLean once occupied.

McLean would have been thrilled with the young Scots in the United side. It may sound surreal, but his thoughts on the subject could also make for engrossing reading if he ever decides to pen a newspaper column.

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