Dundee 1-2 Hibernian: Ten-man visitors hang on for impressive win
- Published
Lewis Miller's towering header proved to be the winner for Hibernian.
Ten-man Hibernian "stood strong" for an impressive victory at Dundee to win back-to-back Scottish Premiership games for the first time this season.
Goals from Jair Tavares and Lewis Miller put Nick Montgomery's side in command before Miller's dismissal gave Dundee hope.
The hosts threw everything at a Hibs defence that has conceded several late goals this season, and eventually hit back through Owen Beck, but could not find an equaliser.
Hibs climb to fifth, while Dundee drop to seventh.
"At 2-1 you need to stand strong," Montgomery said. "David Marshall was there when we needed him, and I'm really proud of the effort today.
"They're a good side, it's not an easy place to come, but we came with a game plan and deserved the win."
Hibs started by far the brighter, dominating possession and playing plenty of football inside the Dundee half, and they deservedly took the lead on 16 minutes.
Tavares spun his marker, released Dylan Vente down the left, and continued his run to knock home the Dutch striker's low cross.
The goal seemed to shake Dundee to life, and they would have levelled before the break were it not for David Marshall in the Hibs goal. The veteran goalkeeper twice denied Luke McCowan with sharp saves, before foiling Amadou Bakayoko.
The hosts were made to pay for their lack of cutting edge when Miller climbed highest to head Joe Newell's corner into the top corner in front of a jubilant away end.
Five minutes later, though, Miller went from hero to villain. The Australian full-back pushed Beck to ground and was duly shown his second yellow by referee Don Robertson.
From a position of command, suddenly Hibs found themselves camped in their own penalty box, repelling wave after wave of Dundee attack.
Bakayoko shot straight at Marshall, McCowan fired just over from the edge of the box, and Antonio Portales inexplicably ducked under a Beck cross when he had the goal at his mercy.
The impressive Beck, Dundee's standout performer, did pull one back with a low drive under Marshall, but Tony Docherty's side could not translate their overwhelming pressure into a late leveller.
Player of the match - David Marshall (Hibs)
The veteran goalkeeper was a big part in Hibernian's win, making five crucial saves
Hibs show much-needed grit as Dundee rue missed chances - analysis
An unwelcome characteristic of Hibs' season has been their defensive fragility, demonstrated by their habit of conceding costly late goals.
There was a sense under Lee Johnson that they have a soft centre, and although performances have improved under Montgomery, that air of vulnerability at the back still lingers.
When Miller saw red, the away contingent would have feared that all their good work was about to go up in smoke, but instead Hibs showed a steel and found a way to win with their backs against the wall. That can only prove a positive moving forwards.
For Dundee, they will look back at this as a missed opportunity. McCowan could have had a hat-trick on another day, Bakayoko missed a couple of decent chances, and the Portales non-header truly beggars belief.
What will encourage Docherty is that once again they more than held their own against an established Premiership side, and in Liverpool loanee Beck, they have one of the brightest talents in the division.
If the Dens Park outfit can sustain this level of performance, a top-six finish is a reachable target.
What the managers said
Dundee manager Tony Docherty: "I think our reaction - the spirit of the squad is clear to see. We just ran out of time.
"The way we impacted the game when it went to 2-0, a lot of teams would give that up. Our good play forced the sending off, and then we had the impetus the whole way through.
"The only thing I'm a wee bit disappointed with is we could have been a bit more clinical. In a game like that you have to take your chances. David Marshall had a particularly good game, but I think we deserved at least a point.
"We dust ourselves down and go to Fir Park. The only way we can do something about the defeat today is go there and get a win."
Hibernian manager Nick Montgomery: "First half, we were excellent. We created a lot of opportunities.
"Away from home, you have a man sent off and the crowd lift. We dealt with the majority [of balls in] really well, and I'm really happy with the performance.
"We've probably not got what we deserved in some games, but that's football, you have to earn the right, and I thought we did that. A lot of improvement to make, but we've been on the upward trajectory every week."
What's next?
Dundee are away to Motherwell next Saturday (15:00), while Hibs host Aberdeen 24 hours later.