Martin Boyle earns Hibernian a point at Dundee United

Dundee United and Hibernian had to be content with a point apiece after a 1-1 William Hill Premiership draw at Tannadice.

The hosts took the lead through on-loan Liverpool midfielder Luca Stephenson with his fourth goal of the season.

But they were pegged back before the break with the visitors skipper Martin Boyle hitting the back of the net.

Both sides had chances in the second half but could not find a winner, with the result meaning United remain eighth and Hibs fifth in the table.

The hosts made just one change to the team that beat Celtic in midweek with Bert Esselink making way for Vicko Sevelj.

Hibs made four alterations to the side that lost to Rangers on Monday with Zach Mitchell making his debut for the ill Warren O’Hora, while Nicky Cadden, Kanayo Megwa and Boyle came in for Jordan Obita, Elie Youan and Chris Cadden, who was unavailable due to personal reasons.

The hosts suffered a big blow in just the fifth minute when Ryan Strain had to hobble off and was replaced by Dario Naamo.

After an even opening, it was the Terrors who stormed into the lead in the 20th minute. Will Ferry dug out a cross from the right with Max Watters playing the ball back to Stephenson who produced a low, clinical finish past Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger.

Shortly after, Sallinger provided United with a great opening, kicking the ball straight to Zac Sapsford who teed up Watters. But as the striker pulled the trigger, Hibees defender Grant Hanley made a vital block.

However, Hibs drew level in the 38th minute. Cadden swung a corner in from the right which was flicked on by Mitchell to Boyle who powered a shot home off the turf past home keeper Dave Richards.

The visitors’ tails were up and they came close to taking the lead when Mitchell was first to another Cadden corner but his header cannoned off the crossbar.

In first-half stoppage time, Ferry hit a corner from the right which clipped the top of Sallinger’s bar but the sides headed down the tunnel with the scores level.

United had the first opportunity of the second half when Sapsford flicked the ball into the path of Watters who looked to have a clear run on goal but his first touch was a poor one and the chance was lost.

In the 72nd minute, Terrors sub Kristijan Trapanovski came close when he cut in from the left and hit a low shot that Sallinger had to keep out with his feet.

Richards then came to United’s rescue making a vital block from Hibs sub Thibault Klidje.

As the clock ticked down, both sides tried to find a winner without success.