If David Gray wanted to ignite Hibernian’s push for European football, he couldn’t have scripted a better way to do it. In a match that swung from control to despair and finally to pure delirium, Hibs secured a vital 3-2 win over Dundee United thanks to a dream debut from deadline-day signing Ante Suto.
The victory doesn’t just end a frustrating three-game winless run; it sets the stage for a mouth-watering Edinburgh Derby against Hearts next week with the gap to the European spots rapidly closing.
The Cadden Connection
For 80 minutes, it looked like Hibs were destined for a “what if” night. After Martin Boyle gave the hosts a deserved first-half lead, Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United side staged a set-piece masterclass of their own. Goals from Ross Graham and Max Watters—both originating from corners—left the Easter Road faithful staring at a damaging home defeat.
However, the introduction of Nicky Cadden changed the game’s geometry. The winger’s delivery was nothing short of elite. His first free-kick forced a panicked clearance that allowed Elie Youan to stab home an 89th-minute equaliser. But the best was yet to come.
“That is exactly why we brought Ante to the club. He has that physical presence and the instinct to be in the right place at the ‘dying embers’ of a game.” — David Gray, Hibernian Head Coach
A Debut for the History Books
With the clock ticking past the 93rd minute, Cadden stepped up again. His cross found the towering figure of Ante Suto. The Croatian-Australian striker, who only arrived in Edinburgh 48 hours ago, showed remarkable composure to loop a header over the despairing reach of the United keeper and into the far corner.
The win moves Hibs within four points of fourth-place Motherwell, while Dundee United’s top-six hopes look increasingly slim as they fall 11 points behind Falkirk after four straight defeats.
Fitba Focus Verdict: A Turning Point for Gray?
Hibs have been accused of “softness” in recent weeks, but tonight they showed a grit that has been missing. The impact of the January signings—particularly Suto and the delivery of Cadden—suggests a squad that is finally finding its identity. With the Edinburgh Derby looming, the momentum has firmly shifted to the green side of the city.
Up Next: Can Hibs take this momentum into Tynecastle? We’ll have the full tactical preview of the Edinburgh Derby this Friday!
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
