Ross relishes rampant start as Doidge does the damage
HIBERNIAN head coach Jack Ross enjoyed setting the pace as his side beat Dundee United to make it their best start to a top-flight season since 1974.
Christian Doidge pounced on a loose ball to fire home the only goal at Tannadice in the 65th minute and make it three wins from three for the Scottish Premiership leaders – the first time they have recorded a hat-trick of opening victories since Eddie Turnbull’s time in charge.
Ross, 44, said: “It’s not often a stat comes from even before I was born. It’s a great start for us, and it’s one you have to enjoy, but the frequency of the fixtures at the moment means we are back in in the morning preparing for Saturday.
“But it’s an enjoyable start for us and one that gives us a platform to build on.”
Hibs announced the departure of Adam Jackson to Lincoln shortly before kick-off and named the same attacking lineup that earned them a 4-1 win at Livingston on Saturday with two wingers and two strikers.
United were again without Lawrence Shankland because of an ankle injury while Liam Smith dropped out with a knock. Mellon handed former Blackpool centre-back Ryan Edwards a debut as he switched to a back three.
United also lost Jamie Robson early on following a serious aerial collision with Paul McGinn, who recovered after treatment. Robson was booked by referee Don Robertson as he walked off in a daze.
There was little to report in the first 45 minutes. Hibs midfield pair Alex Gogic and Joe Newell both took yellow cards for halting United attacks and more fouls from the pair offered Nicky Clark two shots at goal, but neither tested Ofir Marciano. Hibs could not threaten either with Josh Doig and Daryl Horgan off target from long range.
The highlight of the half was Kevin Nisbet’s nutmeg on Mark Connolly near the bye-line. Even then the United defender hauled the Hibs striker down just outside the box and the free-kick came to nothing.
United had a better chance early in the second half when Luke Bolton sped past Doig and pulled it back for Ian Harkes on the edge of the box but the midfielder dragged his shot wide.
Connolly cleared Boyle’s low cross from the goalmouth as
Nisbet looked to force home and Hibs soon took the lead after a cross from Gogic. Doig was first to it and the loose ball broke kindly for Doidge to fire high inside the near post, his 20th goal for the club.
Ross said: “He’s a massive asset for me. He’s a brilliant boy, really, really humble and down to earth and if anything probably sometimes doesn’t appreciate how good he is and what he’s done in terms of the goals he has scored. We are trying to grow that in him.”
United fought back. Calum
Butcher’s deflected shot went close, Connolly headed wide from a corner and the hosts almost netted a memorable equaliser after Louis Appere chested down for Peter Pawlett, but the midfielder volleyed wide.
Dundee United boss Micky Mellon felt Hibernian’s winner was offside. Doig looked half a yard off when Nisbet flicked on Gogic’s cross.
“There was nothing in it,” Mellon said. “It’s one error from us, they get a wee nick and a break of fortune, and it breaks to a guy who is in good form.”