David Goodwillie netted an 87th-minute winner as Dundee United ended a run of three straight losses with a 1-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League victory over hapless Hibernian.
Hibs forward John Rankin blocked Jon Daly's first-half diving header on the line but spurned his opportunity for further heroics as his 65th-minute penalty was saved by Dusan Pernis.
And Hibs' misery was compounded when Goodwillie latched onto a loose ball and visiting goalkeeper Mark Brown was caught in no-man's land as the United striker tucked in.
Rankin shot over for Hibs before United had the best opportunity of the half after 19 minutes. Daly's diving header from Barry Douglas' corner hit Rankin on the line before being held by Hibs goalkeeper Mark Brown.
Garry Kenneth, Daly and Morgaro Gomis had opportunities before Derek Riordan spurned Hibs' best chance of the opening period. After strong work from Daniel Galbraith and Edwin de Graaf, the striker only lofted the ball into Pernis' arms as he tried to curl a right-footed effort into the top corner.
Riordan shot straight at Pernis again, but it was the hosts who finished the half the better with three chances in quick succession.
Lewis Stevenson glanced a header wide for Hibs and Barry Douglas shot a free-kick at Brown before the visitors were awarded a penalty when Prince Buaben fouled Galbraith.
Rankin hit the resulting spot-kick left-footed, but Pernis pushed it away diving down to his left and the Hibs forward failed to connect with the rebound.
Hibs' misery was complete when Goodwillie pounced on a long ball.
Brown and his defence mis-judged the bounce, allowing Goodwillie to knock the ball between the Hibs goalkeeper's legs and run through to make sure by prodding in.
Source: PA
