Dundee United miss two penalties in victory over Hibernian

Dundee United missed two penalties but still had enough to beat 10-man Hibernian 3-1 at Easter Road tonight in Scottish Premiership action.

Nadir Ciftci saw his tame effort from 12 yards saved midway through the first period, but put the Terrors ahead by holding off the challenge of Paul Hanlon before creating room to fire past Ben Williams on 43 minutes.

However, United's advantage lasted only four minutes as goalkeeper Radoslaw Cierniak punched a corner against Hibs defender Jordan Forster and into the net to gift the hosts half-time parity.

The equaliser had come against the run of play, and Jackie McNamara's side soon regained the lead as Gary Mackay-Steven picked out defender Gavin Gunning, who headed in his third goal in two games.

The centre-back again caused havoc in the Hibernian box as Michael Nelson floored Gunning in the box and Mackay-Steven took over the spot-kick duties, but smashed the ball over the crossbar.

That gave Hibs hope of a comeback, but Tom Taiwo was sent off for a second bookable offence after bringing down Paul Paton to hand United the momentum again, and Farid El Alagui made the points secure in the 67th minute to see the visitors victorious for a third game in succession.