Hibernian leave it late to see off Dundee United in five-goal thriller

Ante Suto’s dream debut goal helped Hibernian stage a dramatic late comeback to beat Dundee United 3-2 at Easter Road.

The striker, who joined from Croatian side Slaven Belupo on deadline day, looped home a stoppage-time header in an incredible ending.

Hibs went ahead in the first half through Martin Boyle but Dundee United seized control when Ross Graham and Max Watters converted from two Kristijan Trapanovski corners.

But Hibernian rallied late on and after Elie Youan equalised in the 89th minute, Suto endeared himself to the home fans with the winner.

Both teams contributed to a thoroughly entertaining first half as a glut of chances came at both ends.

There were barely two minutes on the clock when United winger Trapanovski got the better of Felix Passlack and Miguel Chaiwa before flashing a dangerous shot across goal.

Youan then curled a first-time shot wide at the other end following neat build-up play from Dane Scarlett.

Trapanovski was not short of confidence and he had an ambitious free-kick beaten away by Hibs goalkeeper Rafa Sallinger.

Garananga headed wide from a corner at the near post before Zac Sapsford wasted a great opportunity for the visitors when he headed Will Ferry’s corner wide from inside the six-yard box.

United were made to rue that chance as Boyle swept Hibs in front in the 36th minute.

Passlack and the lively Scarlett were involved in the build-up before Boyle collected the ball just outside the area.

The Hibs captain’s left-footed shot looked like it was heading at Ashley Maynard-Brewer but a glancing header from visiting defender Sam Cleall-Harding took it away from the United goalkeeper.

The second half followed a similar theme, with chances coming at both ends.

Hibs forward Youan should have done better after being found in the box from a Scarlett pass but he miscued a left-footed shot well wide.

United striker Saspford was once again wasteful with another good chance to test Sallinger when he flicked a volley wide from Ferry’s cross into the area.

Hibernian came close to adding a second through Boyle but the experienced playmaker could not keep his header down from a Passlack cross right under the bar.

But United turned the game on its head with two quick-fire goals. Graham levelled in the 74th minute when he slid in from close range to meet a loose ball from a Trapanovksi corner before substitute Watters headed in at the back post seven minutes later.

But the visitors failed to deal with two Nicky Cadden deliveries as Hibs rallied.

Youan fired home from on the line before Suto then looped a header into the top corner in the third minute of time added on.