Hibernian 2 Dundee United 1: match report Hibs were almost gifted the lead within minutes. Willo Flood's attempted back pass to Radoslaw Cierzniak was closed down by Griffiths. Curiously, the United keeper opted to pick it up, handing Hibs an indirect free-kick inside the penalty area. Flood atoned by rushing out to block Griffiths" shot. But the diminutive striker notched his 12th goal in as many league games to give his side the lead in the 19th minute. There appeared to be little danger when Cairney received possession 30 yards from goal, but the midfielder's reverse pass was perfectly weighted for Doyle to cross to the back post for Griffiths who slammed the ball home off the woodwork. The first half was scrappy but Hibs were unquestionably the better side, particularly in attack where United looked limp and lifeless in comparison. It was something Peter Houston tried to correct by bringing on Gary Mackay-Steven for the ineffective Mark Millar in the 34th minute. Although United appeared to be an increased threat Hibs began the second half, much like the first, looking the likelier to score, which they did in the 51st minute. Cairney, so often the architect for Hibs this season, was the creator again. The midfielder brilliantly nutmegged Keith Watson on the left side of the penalty area before laying off for Doyle to stroke the ball into the top corner. It should have represented a commanding position for Hibs but they allowed United back into the game in bizarre circumstances. First Hanlon and then Ben Williams decided against knocking long under pressure deep in their half, and the latter succeeded only in playing it straight to Mackay-Steven who coolly passed the ball around the advanced keeper from the edge of the area. From then the match was played at a frantic pace with both sides desperate to find the next goal. It seemed the script was written for former Hearts hero Rudi Skacel to complete the comeback, but the second-half substitute saw his close-range header ruled out for offside, and soon after the woodwork came to Hibs rescue after the attacker attempted an audacious effort. With his body turned away from goal Skacel unleashed a first-time volley from 20 yards that had beaten Williams but came crashing back off the crossbar. With three minutes remaining Skacel took one last bite at the cherry, but saw his first-time shot, following a Jon Daly knockdown, go wide of the goal. Tempers frayed just before full-time with an altercation between Skacel and a couple of Hibs players. And after the completion of the match the Czech responded to the abuse from the Hibs support by pointing to the "51" on the back of his shirt. "Television cameras prove that Skacel's 'goal' was onside," bemoaned Houston, "but yet again we're left here talking about a decision poorly made by the official. The linesman should be able to see that. It's different if the ball ricochets here, there and everywhere, but it's just a ball into the box and he's not recognised the fact that Skacel is level. If I go and ask the official it's not going to change anything, but they need to realise that they've made an error.