Rumours were afoot that our manager’s position was under threat if we lost last night. Jeff Stelling on Sky Soccer even giving it a mention on his show. Well, after 86 minutes last night it looked like JS’s speculation was about to proved or disproved, as United trailed Hibs 1-0, until Jim McIntyre popped up with a late late equaliser, and also grabbed the winner in extra time.
It was not a strong performance from United. We looked edgy and lacking in confidence – hardly surprising after Saturday’s debacle at
Derek Riordan opened the scoring for Hibs on the half hour, banging a low drive from the edge of the box past Jarvie. Chances came to United, but were not taken – guilty parties Jimmy Mac,
Jim McIntyre eventually bundled the ball home on 87 minutes, getting on the end of a Mark Wilson free kick. McIntyre again scored early in the second half of extra time, connecting with a Billy Dodds through-ball to score the winner, and take United into the semis of the CIS Cup.
Hibs shaded possession, and it may not be unfair to say that they looked the slightly more organised outfit overall, though United would have been understandably shaken following their late late derby defeat, and the strange decisions involved there.
It was however the kind of break United needed, and whilst no one is under any illusion that we have turned the corner, it may be enough of a confidence booster to go an and improve for the season.
There’s a long way to go in the league, and I honestly don’t think United will be in the relegation dogfight come April, but we need to work very hard, which I’m sure we will.
Final word? About time a bit of luck went our way, and a Cup-Semi to look forward to.