DUFC

UNITED THROUGH TO SEMI FINALS

9th November 2004

United forced their way into the Semi Final of the CIS Cup with an extra time victory over Hibs. Jim McIntyre was the hero after equalising Derek Riordan's opener with only four minutes of normal time remaining. His second goal, two minutes into the second half of extra time was enough to send his side into the next round.

United made just one change from Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Dens with striker Jim McIntyre coming back into the starting line-up to replace Karim Kerkar, who was ineligible following playing for Clyde in a previous round. Veterans Billy Dodds and James Grady were both given a place on the bench. Hibs' young side were looking to build on their 1-0 victory over Motherwell in the SPL the previous Saturday.

First Half:

In the opening few minutes both sides tried their luck with firstly Samuel for United before Riordan went close for the visitors. Jason Scotland then attempted to set up McIntyre but his pass fell just behind his fellow striker. Hibs were coming more and more into the game with Derek Riordan dictating play for the Edinburgh side. On the half hour mark they did open the scoring when a great ball from Shiels found Riordan in the United box and his powerful right foot shot gave Paul Jarvie no chance whatsoever. Barry Robson was United's top man during the first half and was trying hard to get them back into the tie. On the stroke of half time, Ian McCall's side should have been level. A great pass from Robson set up Jason Scotland who had his shot well saved by Brown. The rebound fell to Samuel and his shot was brilliantly tipped round the post by the young Hibernian keeper.

Half Time Summary:

A first half with very little incident which Hibs just edged. United however should have been on level terms but the excellent double save from Brown kept his side in front.


Second Half:

The second half started with United shooting into the East Stand looking to get back into the match. Barry Robson was again the man causing problems for the home side. In an evenly contested second period, both sides created chances without causing either keeper too many problems. With 10 minutes remaining, and Dodds and Grady on for Samuel and Scotland, United began to throw everything at Hibs. On the 86th minute mark their pressure paid off when a sliced shot from Innes landed at the feet of McIntyre who forced the ball over the line. The half was played out with nothing separating the sides.

Full Time Summary:

With their last gasp equaliser United went into extra time looking the more likely victors.


Extra Time:

There were very few talking points during the first period of extra time but it took only two minutes of the second period for United to go ahead. A great pass from Alan Archibald found Billy Dodds and his inch perfect pass was slotted home by Jim McIntyre at the back post. United rode their luck for the remainder of the match and Paul Jarvie made a great save from Murray in the dying seconds.

Match Summary:

Not the prettiest match in the world but a great result and reaching a Cup Semi final will be a great boost for everyone at the Club.

Man of the Match - Barry Robson

He was a threat throughout the match and gave his all for the full 120 minutes. A mention also goes to Paul Jarvie who handled everything that was thrown at him.

Teams:

United: Jarvie, Wilson, McInnes, Archibald, Brebner (McCracken 82), Samuel (Dodds 70), McIntyre, Robson, Scotland (Grady 69), Ritchie, Innes

Subs not used: Hirschfeld, Kerr

Hibernian: Brown, Caldwell, Murdock, Murray, Riordan (Dobbie 82), Glass, Beuzelin, Whittaker, Morrow (Fletcher 17), Shiels (Shields 85), Rocastle

Subs not used: Brown, Smith

Referee - J Rowbotham
Attendance - 4,865

Read the full report by Gareth Scott.