Hibernian 1 Dundee 1

Last updated : 31 January 2004 By Footymad Previewer

A second-half penalty from Derek Riordan gave Hibs a share of the spoils against Dundee at Easter Road.

Scott Brown was fouled in the area by Barry Smith midway through the second half and Riordan sent Julian Speroni the wrong way with the spot-kick.

Riordan had the ball in the net again late in the game, but his effort was ruled offside as Hibs threw everything forward in the closing stages.

The game survived a pitch inspection but a swirling wind made life difficult for both sides.

Garry O'Connor sent an early effort just over the top as Hibs pressed and then Speroni did well to get his hand to a low cross from Riordan with Brown waiting to pounce.

Dundee took time to get out of the blocks but Nacho Novo was a constant threat with Colin Murdock having an uncertain game at the heart of the home defence.

Riordan was unlucky not to give Hibs the lead when a shot from the edge of the area came back off the face of the crossbar.

But Dundee took the lead two minutes from the break with a well-worked goal. Dave Mackay beat Steven Whittaker on the right and pulled the ball back for Mark Fotheringham to slot the ball home.

Garry Brady brought the save of the match from Daniel Andersson early in the second half but it was Hibs who pressed for most of the half.

Whittaker had a decent long-range effort well held by Speroni and the goalkeeper then spilled a shot from Kevin Thomson and Riordan could not get his boot to the loose ball.

The goal finally came from the penalty spot courtesy of the lively Riordan, who was the best player on the field.

Dundee substitute Steve Robb wasted a great chance when he thumped a shot well wide of target with only Andersson to beat after Murdock was caught flat-footed.

Late on, Riordan was again denied by Speroni after Brent Sancho had headed the ball into his path.

Thomson then saw another effort blocked by Speroni but the goalkeeper recovered to smother the ball before Hibs could take advantage.

Hibs had a strong penalty claim turned down after the ball struck Smith's hand, but referee Steve Conroy waved play on.