Ross Graham capped an unforgettable week with a crucial goal as Dundee United secured a 1-1 draw against Hibernian.
Fresh from finding the net on his Scotland under-21 debut in Kazakhstan, Graham powered home the opener at Easter Road as the race for the top-six goes down to the wire.
Harry Clarke levelled for the Hibees prior to half-time but Tam Courts’ men held firm to claim what could be a precious point.
The draw sees United remain in fourth spot in the Premiership – a European qualification berth – and three points ahead of both seventh-placed Ross County and Livingston in eighth spot.
Golden Graham
Dylan Levitt, who was forced to withdraw from Wales duty due to illness, recovered in time to start in the capital, while Graham, Kevin McDonald and Nicky Clark all returned to the starting line-up.
Scott McMann dropped to the bench, while Miller Thomson and Calum Butcher missed out altogether from the side which defeated St Mirren last time out.
Seeking to build on that stirring, last-gasp triumph in Paisley, United claimed the lead after just 10 minutes.
A deep delivery by Tony Watt was nodded across the face of goal by Ryan Edwards, allowing fellow centre-half Graham to power ahead past Kevin Dabrowski.
In response, Hibs poked, prodded but struggled to breach a well-drilled United back-three.
Sylvester Jasper was the most willing attacker in green but found himself shadowed tirelessly by Graham and Ilmari Niskanen.
Indeed, it was United who came closest to doubling their lead when Niskanen proved unable to bundle home a Levitt cross.
Hibs finally roused themselves to a shot on target when Clarke unleashed a ferocious drive from distance, only for Benji Siegrist to make a wonderful finger-tip save.
However, Clarke would not be denied on the stroke of half-time.
Liam Smith misjudged a deep delivery from Chris Cadden, allowing the on-loan Arsenal man to slam a low effort past Siegrist.
Spoils shared
Buoyed by restoring parity, Hibs enjoyed bright start to the second period. Chris Mueller, Joe Newell and Elias Melkersen all saw efforts blocked. Nevertheless, clear-cut opportunities remained at a premium.
Siegrist was tested by a low shot from Melkersen after the Norwegian cut inside from the left flank, with the big stopper parrying the effort to safety.
United were dealt a blow when Marc McNulty hit the turf, seemingly clutching his hamstring.
The Scotland international was immediately withdrawn, with Mathew Cudjoe brought on for his debut to a rousing reception from the bumper 2,000 strong travelling support.
And the young Ghanaian was an immediate live-wire, flashing a shot narrowly wide.
However, it would be Hibs’ Melkersen who blew a golden chance to claim victory, lashing wildly over the bar in stoppage time.
