Hibs and Dundee United Share Six Goals After Late VAR Drama
Hibernian 3 – 3 Dundee United Kucherenko (27′ OG) Bowie (51′) McGrath (86′ pen) Stephenson (15′, 47′) Sapsford (44′) A late Jamie McGrath penalty ensured a point each for Hibs and Dundee United in a high-octane Easter Road meeting. The teams emerged into a raucous Easter Road atmosphere, with Hibs celebrating their club’s 150th anniversary. The home side started brightly, with Josh Mulligan curling an early free kick just over the crossbar. Hibs continued to press, and Martin Boyle had a powerful strike blocked by the Dundee United defence after a knockdown from Warren O’Hora. Boyle was involved again shortly after, gathering a flick from Kieron Bowie but only managing a weak effort that was easily collected by goalkeeper Yehvenii Kucherenko. Slightly against the run of play, Dundee United took the lead in the 15th minute. Luca Stephenson met Will Ferry’s cross to head past Jordan Smith. A brief VAR check confirmed the goal, much to the delight of the large contingent of travelling fans. Hibs levelled in the 27th minute, when a Rocky Bushiri header was bundled into his own net by Kucherenko. Dundee United continued to threaten, primarily through the dangerous trio of Zac Sapsford, Amar Fatah and Ivan Dolcek. Panutche Camara stole the ball from Dylan Levitt, but Sapsford’s subsequent shot was tipped wide by Smith. Stephenson had a chance for his second of the evening, but his low effort was saved by Smith’s feet. Bowie has three goals in all competitions this season, and had two opportunities to add to his tally before halftime. Unfortunately for him, Kucherenko saved both his deflected strike and a diving header to keep the score level. The visitors restored their lead after 44 minutes. After rounding Smith, Ivan Dolcek unselfishly laid the ball off to Sapsford, who slotted it home to send the away section into a frenzy. Dundee United got the perfect start to the second period, with Stephenson grabbing his second goal of the evening just two minutes in. The Liverpool loanee guided Fatah’s low cross to make it 3-1. Hibs responded moments later when Bowie robbed the United defence and scored with a left-footed strike. The goal was eventually awarded after a lengthy VAR check. Hibs almost equalised in the 56th minute. Substitute Junior Hoilett met a fizzing cross from Cadden, only to be denied by a strong hand from Kucherenko. After the hour mark, Dundee United raced forward. Dolcek offloaded the ball to Vicko Sevelj, whose right-footed shot was palmed behind by Smith. Despite conceding five goals, both goalkeepers had made some remarkable saves throughout the match. Bowie had a golden chance to level the score in the 73rd minute. The striker had plenty of time to meet Hoilett’s dinked cross at the back post, but glanced the header agonisingly wide. Hibs enjoyed a period of possession as they searched for the equaliser, but Goodwin’s side remained well-structured, frequently threatening on the counterattack. Hibs finally drew level in the 86th minute when Sevelj was given a straight red card for a handball in the box. This awarded McGrath the chance to level proceedings from the penalty spot. After a short wait, the midfielder calmly drove the ball into Kucherenko’s bottom corner. With seven minutes of additional time, both teams pushed for a winner. Stephenson had an opportunity to complete his hat-trick after racing through, but Smith spread himself well to deflect the shot behind. Bowie had a penalty shout waved off after being dragged down in the six-yard box, and Kucherenko made one last crucial save, tipping a Hoilett header over the bar. The final whistle brought an end to an exhausting and thrilling match between two exciting sides. Hibernian: Smith 6 Cadden 6 O’Hora 6 Bushiri 6 Iredale 6 N. Cadden 7 Boyle 6 Mulligan 6 Levitt 6 McGrath 7 Bowie 7 Substitutes: Hoilett 6 Klidje 6 Barlaser 6 Obita 5 Campbell 5 Dundee United: Kucherenko 6 Esselink 6 Iovu 6 Sevelj 5 Keresztes 6 Dolcek 7 Ferry 6 Camara 7 Fatah 7 Sapsford 7 Stephenson 6 Substitutes: Möller 5 Naamo 5
Hunt For First League Win Continues For Both Dundee and Motherwell
Dundee and Motherwell shared the points on a rainy afternoon in the ‘City of Discovery’, with goals from Tawanda Maswanhise and Luke Graham either side of half time ensuring a share of the spoils for both sides in a 1-1 draw at Dens’ Park. The result means that Dundee have drawn three and lost two in the league so far under new head coach Steven Pressley, whilst Motherwell remain undefeated after drawing all of their Premiership fixtures so far. It was a very principled performance from the Steelmen in the first half, playing a fast tempo style of play that has become synonymous with new gaffer Jens Berthel Askou, patiently playing out from the back and when an opening presented itself, they attacked with speed and exploited the gaps. As for Dundee, they probably soaked in more pressure than they would have liked to in the first period, opting to play a more direct style, with long balls unsuccessfully going over the top to frustrated lone striker Simon Murray. Ultimately, this played into the hands of Motherwell, who dominated the first half and looked to be the only side trying to score, yet regretfully they found themselves only ahead by one. Winger Tawanda Maswanhise collected the ball from a narrow position halfway inside the Dundee half, and drove to the right to get a shot on his favoured right foot, firing it passed Jon McCracken in the Dark Blues net, putting the visitors a goal to the good with just over half an hour played. The Zimbabwean’s tally now stands at 7 in all competitions. Motherwell continued with their constant threatening on the break, with Dundee outnumbered numerous times and seemingly spared by Calum Scott’s halftime whistle which killed the backlog of momentum generated by the ‘Well. The home fans made their feelings known to Pressley and his side as boos rang around Dens’ as the players headed up the tunnel. Whatever Steven Pressley said at halftime, it certainly done wonders for the hosts. Cameron Congreve, who had just come on at the break, drove down the right hand side and crossed the ball in for centre back Luke Graham to produce a powerful header beyond Calum Ward and level the scoring, not even two minutes after the restart. And they were so nearly ahead come the 50th minute. A looping ball was played into the Motherwell area, met by a diving Simon Murray, but only went as far as the side netting, with many in Dundee’s main stand believing the captain had scored. An even bigger chance for Murray went begging just five minutes later. Congreve was denied a second assist after he put the ball on a plate for his captain who was just 10 yards from goal, but he dragged his effort wide of the post as his hunt for his first goal of the league season goes on after 15 last campaign. Motherwell showed signs of their first half performance again in the closing half hour, with their biggest chance coming 13 minutes from time. Goalscorer Maswanhise could have made it a double when he was played in, but his first time effort was beaten away by McCracken. Dundee would be reduced to ten men just five minutes from time. Loanee Yan Dhanda, who signed for the season from Hearts, was given his marching orders following a high challenge on Motherwell’s Lukas Fadinger. The visitors from North Lanarkshire face a double header against Aberdeen next, travelling to Pittodrie in the cup before hosting them the week after in the league, As for Steven Pressley’s men, they will be in league action next weekend looking to pick up some points against Livingston at home. DUNDEE: McCracken 7 , C. Robertson 5, Astley 6, Wright 5, F. Robertson 6 (Jones 1), Murray 4 (Samuels 1), Yogane 6 (Hay 3), Westley 4 (Congreve 7), Dhanda 3, Graham 6, Hamilton 5 MOTHERWELL: Ward 5, Gordon 5, Stamatelopoulos 5 (Osong 4), Fadinger 6, Maswanhise 8, Watt 6, Koutroumbis 5 (O’Donnell 4), Longelo 6, Welsh 6 (Balmer 5), Charles-Cook 5 (Just 4), Said 6(Priestman 3)
Match Preview – Dundee vs Motherwell
Motherwell travel North to Dens Park to face Dundee in the Scottish Premiership following the recent international break. The two sides last met in the split last campaign with the Steelmen defeating the Dees’ 2-1 at Dens despite a sending off. Antonio Portales got the Dundee side ahead but goals from Tom Sparrow and a late, late Tawanda Maswanhise winner ensured Motherwell left with maximum points. Dundee have failed to pick up any wins in the league so far this season.They have drawn twice this season, against Kilmarnock as well as a 1-1 draw at Ibrox against Rangers as well as defeats against Hibernian and most recently, rivals Dundee United. Dundee’s last win was a month-and-a-half ago as they defeated League One Montrose 5-0 at Dens’ Park. Whereas for the visitors, they are undefeated in league duty so far, drawing all four of their opening games against Rangers, St Mirren, Hearts, and Kilmarnock. Motherwell’s last victory was a late winner by Fadinger to send Motherwell through in the League Cup. Last time out for the hosts, they were defeated on home soil to next door neighbors, Dundee United with both Zak Sepsford and Ivan Dolcek scoring in their first ever Dundee Derby as Jim Goodwin’s side left with the bragging rights. Motherwell, however, picked up their fourth draw of the season two weeks ago as the Steelmen drew 2-2 against former well boss, Stuart Kettlewell and Kilmarnock as they kept their unbeaten run going. In terms of injuries, Dundee are without duo Charlie Reilly who’s out with a broken collarbone as well as Paul Digby who is currently doubtful following a calf injury. Motherwell have four players sidelined. Filip Stuparevic remains out with a cruciate ligament issue. Sam Nicholson also looks to miss out with a knee injury picked up all the way back in February against Ross County. Zach Robinson is also expected to miss out with an Achilles tendon injury as well as last season’s goal scorer when the two sides last met is also set to be an absentee. Stephen Welsh could be set to make his Motherwell debut after joining on loan from Celtic. Here is what Dundee boss, Steven Pressley had to say ahead of Saturday to BBC Scotland:“Motherwell are now in the quarterfinals of the League Cup and are unbeaten in the league campaign thus far but what we need to remember is that if we beat them at the weekend, we go above them,” Pressley said. “So there’s a lot of positives to look forward to.“We have an opportunity to change the narrative, and we have to be ready for that. We’ve worked very hard for it.” While still waiting for his first league win, Pressley has been impressed with the progress he’s seen since the start of the campaign. “If you look back at the Hibs game we were struggling to put a team out there,” he added.“Slowly but surely, we’ve managed to get players in the building and look a little bit stronger. “There’s a real positivity around the place; we’re all working incredibly hard. We are all pulling in the one direction but of course wins and results help that process. “A win at the weekend would certainly go a long way in installing further confidence into the group.” Motherwell boss, Askou also speaking to BBC Scotland on Saturday’s trip to Dundee: “We have zoomed in on some tactical details that we need to improve – it’s been a good couple of weeks,” he said. “We have had a positive start but we want to improve some phases. We’ve been a little bit too open because we’ve been extremely eager to win the ball back, especially in some of the games we’ve dominated possession. “So the defensive phase has just been counter-pressing, basically, which has sometimes led to unstructured defensive situations that has caused some chances against us that we shouldn’t concede. “We’ve been working a little bit on how to sharpen that up. So we don’t give big chances away unnecessarily against teams who struggle to produce big chances against us when we’re well structured. “We have had a little bit too much xG against us given the dominance and the control we feel that we have had through most of the games.”
Hibernian and Dundee United Shift Attention to Domestic Football after European Excursions
Scottish Premiership action returns on Saturday following the international break, as Hibs welcome Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United to Easter Road on Saturday evening. David Gray’s Hibs will be eager to claim their second victory of the 2025/26 campaign in front of a bumper crowd inside Easter Road. The Easter Road outfit currently occupies third place, having played three league matches so far, winning one and drawing the other two. The Edinburgh side had played all of those games on the back of European ties, as they were involved in the second qualifying round of the Europa League and the UEFA Conference League qualifiers respectively. Despite an impressive showing in the majority of their European qualifiers, Hibs were denied a place in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League at the expense of last season’s quarter-finalists Legia Warsaw, as the Polish side prevailed 5-4 on aggregate. Hibs are coming into this encounter on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Stephen Robinson’s St Mirren. Centre-back Rocky Bushiri netted in the 70th minute to cancel out Miguel Freckleton’s opener for the Saints. Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United sit in fourth place, with just one point separating them from their opponents on Saturday. Dundee United were also involved in European action throughout the summer. After finishing fourth last season, they entered the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round. Luxembourg outfit Una Strassen were their opponents, as Dundee United progressed 2-0 on aggregate, which set up a two-legged tie with Rapid Wien in the third qualifying round. United gave a solid account of themselves in both ties against Rapid Wien. However, Goodwin’s side fell just short of a Conference League play-off spot, losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout in the second leg at Tannadice. Most recently, Dundee United claimed all three points in the first Dundee Derby of the season following a 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from summer arrivals Ivan Dolček and Zac Sapsford. Twelve Hibs players were away on international duty, and each player’s fitness is set to be monitored ahead of Saturday, with Joe Newell remaining sidelined. Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic loanees Dan Barlaser and Zach Mitchell could make their Hibernian debuts. Dundee United are missing several players: Max Watters, Ryan Strain, Kristijan Trapanovski, and Ross Graham are all out with hamstring injuries, whilst Isaac Pappoe will also miss out.
Jackson Longridge Targets First Morton Win at Queen’s Park
Morton’s search for a first league win of the season continues after last weekend’s narrow 1-0 home defeat to Raith Rovers. Vice-captain Jackson Longridge saw a late equaliser controversially ruled out, but insists the squad remains confident despite a five-game winless run to start the season. Longridge pointed to the number of new signings and young players in the squad, stressing that the group has “clicked really quickly” and only needs time to gel fully. He believes the first victory will act as a springboard, he said: “As soon as we get the win, it’ll put us in a good position for going forward and I think we’ll kick on as a group.” Frustration with refereeing decisions aside, Morton’s performances have generally been competitive, with four draws before last week’s defeat. Longridge emphasised the importance of staying calm when behind and using the experience in the squad to help younger players through tight games. The defender also underlined his faith in manager Dougie Imrie, having worked with him previously at Livingston: “He’s on us every day, so we’re not allowed to take a foot off the gas. “It’s down to us on the pitch to go and perform and work hard for him.” With Queen’s Park up next, also without a league win, Morton will be eager to turn solid performances into three points. The Greenock side has the depth to improve once all the new faces get up to speed, but the priority now is simple, get that first win on the board to release the pressure and kickstart their campaign and playoff push.
