Terrors romp to opening day win

Dundee United swept to a convincing 3-0 victory against Hibernian in their opening league game of the season.

The Terrors never looked back after the boost of Johnny Russell giving them the lead as early as three minutes.

Skipper Jon Daly added another on 74 minutes before debutant Michael Gardyne completed the scoring just before the end.

Manager Peter Houston named an unchanged starting line-up from midweek and saw his side into the lead when Russell found the far corner after neat work between Daly and John Rankin.

Hibs keeper Ben Williams then almost misjudged Russell's volley as the ball cleared the crossbar before redeeming himself by keeping out a Daly header.

New signing Brian McLean replaced Shaun Dillon at the break before Russell failed to find the required finish after being released by Gary Mackay-Steven.

The hosts were appearing well in charge but it wasn't until sixteen minutes from the end that they increased their lead when Daly deflected in Mackay-Steven's mistimed shot.

Leigh Griffiths clipped the crossbar with a free-kick at the other end before substitute Gardyne broke away in the final minute to make it the perfect start for his side.

Dundee United: Cierzniak, Dillon (McLean 46), Douglas, Gunning, Watson, Flood, Rankin, Ryan, Mackay-Steven (Armstrong 80), Russell (Gardyne 77), Daly

subs (unused): Banks, Robertson, Millar, Dow

Goals: Russell (3), Daly (74), Gardyne (90)

Hibernian: Williams, Clancy, Hanlon, McPake (O'Hanlon 90), Stephens, Cairney, Wotherspoon, Stevenson (Handling 58), Sproule (Caldwell 75), Griffiths, Doyle

subs (unused): Antell, Booth, Kujabi, Claros

Ref: C. Thomson

Att: 7,267

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