The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Allan hogs limelight as United disappoint
undee United were haunted by former Tannadice youngster Scott Allan as their miserable League Cup record continued.
United haven’t been at Hampden for a League Cup semi-final since 2015 and that run was extended after a dire first half.
Strikes from Joe Newell, Scott Allan and Martin Boyle put United 3-0 down at the break, with Peter Pawlett netting a consolation.
And in a further blow, United lost both Charlie Mulgrew and Mark McNulty to injury.
Courts rang the changes from the derby-winning side with Trevor Carson, Kieran Freeman, Dylan Levitt and Nicky Clark all brought in to the starting XI.
Benjamin Siegrist, Kerr Smith, Calum Butcher and Ilmari Niskanen dropped out.
But the hosts were stunned inside three minutes as Hibernian took an early lead.
A defence-splitting pass from Hibernian playmaker Allan cut the home defence open and Newell swept the ball beyond Carson.
Carson then produced a stunning stop to turn over a 20-yard net-bound chip from Kyle Magennis. United were then dealt a major blow as Mulgrew was forced off injured and he must be a real doubt Sunday’s trip to Celtic.
Mark Reynolds came on for the Tannadice side and the tide of traffic began to turn in their favour.
Peter Pawlett and Ryan Edwards both had chances to draw level before the break.
Pawlett blasted over from 15 yards and Edwards met a teasing Scott McMann cross to head wide.
But United’s night got even worse in 37 minutes as Hibs doubled their lead through Allan.
Kevin Nisbet’s initial effort was cleared by Reynolds but Allan reacted to the rebound to send a composed finish beyond Carson.
It was turning into a disastrous night for United as the Easter Road side went in 3-0 up at the break.
Paul McGinn was brought down by Reynolds in the box and Boyle slotted home the penalty.
TV replays showed the spot-kick award was harsh but the hosts were left with a mountain to climb in the second half.
The second half was as much about restoring pride as it was rescuing the tie.
And they started well as Pawlett pulled a goal back in 58 minutes.
Pawlett controlled a superb low ball from the impressive Kieran Freeman before stabbing into the bottom corner from six yards.
But United were having no luck at all and they lost their second player of the night as McNulty pulled up with hamstring injury.
United battled on bravely but couldn’t find a route to Matt Macey’s goal and Hibs marched on to their fifth consecutive semi-final.
Hibs boss Jack Ross later told Premier Sports that “the bar has been raised” at Easter Road as his side secured another last-four place.
He said: “If I’m being really picky I think in the second half we could have made better decision making, but it’s a really strong performance.
“We were ruthless in the first half, we carried that attacking intent like we have all this season.
“When you give yourself that creative platform you expect to win the game.
“We encourage players to play forward all the time and he (Scott Allan) is the one brave enough to do it all the time.”