Hibernian 2
Dundee 1
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Newspaper extract from The Courier.

The Hibs hoodoo that hangs over Dundee at Easter Road stayed firmly in place when the Dens Parkers crashed to a 2-1 defeat in a game in which they wasted the first hour.

They have now failed to win any of their last 11 games at Easter Road, though they have drawn five.

After the tonic of three league successes on the trot Dundee drifted back to their early season bad habits.

Donald Mackay decided to bring back George McGeachie at right-back after injury, but he failed to make an impression and was replaced at half-time.

Defending his decision, Donald said, "I stand by it because McGeachie had outstanding games against Aberdeen, Motherwell and St Johnstone. He was fit and deserved to get his place back."

He went on, "We didn't compete until the last half-hour. Hibs were a competent side who worked hard."

Dundee had a bad start. Arthur Duncan was not marked at the far post when a Ralph Callachan free kick arrived after only 50 seconds' play. Greying, vastly-experienced Arthur thumped the ball, left- footed, into the roof of the net.

The lead was increased in 22 minutes when McGeachie was judged to have brought down Callachan and Willie Irvine slammed home the spot kick.

Duncan was being given lots of space and teased the Dundee defence like a frisky youngster.

Walker McCall got a nasty crack above his left knee-as the unhappy half neared its end-and was carried off.

It's unlikely he will be fit to face Meadowbank tomorrow evening, but his prospects for the Aberdeen game on Saturday are hopeful.

After Dundee finally got into their stride in the last half-hour there was a red raw finish and Callaghan ended his comeback after injury when he hurt the same ankle desperately sweeping a Fraser cross past his own goal and had to go off.

Alan Rougn made one of his very best saves to push an Iain Ferguson header over the bar, but he was beaten by Peter Mackie after a Ferguson cross caused havoc in the goal area.

To a man the Dundee side sought a time check-eight minutes to go.

Jim Smith, Lex Richardson and Cammy Fraser were all booked quickfire style for things said to the referee.

A Fraser-shot from 30 yards appeared to be touched past by Rough, but the keeper did not complain when the decision was a goal-kick.

Ferguson and Jackie McNamara went uncompromisingly for a touchline ball and Jackie crashed into the crowd barriers next to the Hibs dugout, lying on the track throughout the ensuing hubbub.

McNamara returned to the pitch but took no part in the final minute, after which he and Ferguson shook hands.

When it was all over and we were getting our breath back the stand-side linesman told referee Mike Delaney about an incident involving Andy Geddes and ex-Dens Parker Stuart Turnbull.

The upshot was that Turnbull was told he would be reported for violent conduct-which is an ordering off offence.