Scottish Cup Semi-Final Sportscene

STUDIO: Rarely have two teams gone into the Scottish Cup semifinal in

poorer form, today both Hibernian and Dundee United have the chance to

take a step closer to this piece of silverware, the action is live on

the BBC, with me in the studio, Marc Wilson and Pat Nevin. The question

of who is in goal for Hibernian, it is Conrad Logan, the Irishman, who

last played a senior football mad for December Battenberg Rochdale in

December, 2015. -- last played a senior football match for Rochdale

in December, 2015. They hope to cause problems at the other end,

they are an attack minded signed, but surely, Dundee United will look

at that and think they can get them under pressure. We were watching a

Dundee United that looked like they were resigned to relegation last

week at Tannadice. They played like a championship team. That is a big

worry, for Mixu Paatelainen, can they bounced back from that

performance, it was so bad, I bedded them to have a bitter fight about

them. Coming into a semifinal, you never know, that may be a welcome

distraction for them today. Could still be a glorious season for

Hibernian, they are still be a glorious season for

potentially to a second national cup final, and they could still be

promoted. Could be stored ordinary, that is why this sport is absolutely

fantastic. We all expect the negatives of this, Dundee United and

Hibernian both having a bad time but both teams are capable of playing

well, it is unlikely but it could be a classic. The motion chasing

Hibernian against relegation haunted Dundee United, the first of the

William Hill Scottish Cup semifinals, let's get to the action,

the team is in the tunnel, commentary comes from Craig Paterson

and Liam McLeod. COMMENTATOR: Hello, everyone, promotion chasers against

the relegation candidates, 200 meeting of Hibernian and Dundee

United. Two clubs whose respectively campaigns are in serious danger of

imploding. . His cup semifinal for Hibernian,

in five years, having won only one of their last seven championship

matches, having been a serious of their last seven championship

threat to Rangers at the top for the start of the campaign, there are

roads to promotion looks like it could be a long one. -- fifth. Only

five games left to pull off a relegation survival miracle.

There is a debut, those that we were discussing, 29-year-old Irishman

Conrad Logan is in goal for Hibernian, also banned James Keating

's, and a couple of injuries, Hibernian have not won this for a

while, Anthony Stokes has, twice, he, McGregor and Gray walking a

suspension tightrope, if booked today, they will miss the final is

Hibernian get there. -- James Keatings. Mixu Paatelainen has been

putting fires out this week, mysterious departure from the club

by Gunning them at a time when they could do without any extra hassles.

On loan at Hibernian earlier this season, Henri Anier, he is on the

bench. A couple are a yellow card away from missing a potential final

and Blair Spittal comes into the team. Martin Boyle's recent win over

Livingston is a goal of the season candidate, Kevin Thomson won this

competition with Rangers, Edward Ofere needed it to, with Inverness,

just last year. -- Edward Ofere did it, too. Big afternoon for Conrad

Logan, that is for sure, since a 2-2 draw with Notts County for Rochdale,

14 months ago, the young man has not played. He is the preferred option

today. -- the 29-year-old. Hope of survival for Dundee United, they are

eight points adrift, he had been out injured for so long, the early part

of the season was not helpful. The referee there, highly rated

34-year-old, the Fifa official, he was the man in the middle when

Hibernian beat Heart of Midlothian in the Easter Road replay in round

five. Mixu Paatelainen lost a couple of finals while a Dundee United

player and a Hibernian player. He is desperate to try to turn things

around. League of looking club. This competition may not provide solace,

but it can certainly provide a little sanctuary for teams with

bigger fish to fry. Despite a slot in the 131st Scottish Cup final the

price today. -- beleaguered. 114 years of misery for Hibernian in

this competition, playing at Hampden Park for the seventh time in the

last five seasons, second this season, coming after the League Cup

heartache against Ross County one month ago. How do you see this one?

Former Hibernian player, Liam McLeod. CO-COMMENTATOR: Both teams

in poor form, if you go out there and start quick and well it is

amazing the difference that can make to your confidence. Chance to put

the ball in, but it is away by Hanlon, important figurehead in the

Hibernian defence, still without Liam Fontaine. United have begun the

semifinal on the front foot. Horrible campaign for them. They

have not played badly in every match, it has been goals going in

against them. They have seen their headstrong and their confidence

drained -- heads drop. Fine season for some of these players, John

McGinn is one of them. One month after making his Scotland debut

against Denmark, in a recent friendly, he makes his first

appearance at Hampden Park. Liam Henderson, on loan from Celtic. Back

to Hanlon. First touch of the ball for Logan,

just signed last month, until the end of the season. First chance for

Lewis Stevenson. Perhaps. Going for the spectacular. Provided

so often this season, he has scored 23 times. Certainly capable, the

ball comes in, he sees it early, cannot get over it. The last

ball comes in, he sees it early, appearance here for Hibernian was a

defeat, United's last appearance here was also a League Cup final

defeat, when they lost to Celtic, last year. You could argue that it

was at that point that things began to unravel for the Terriers, a

relegation which many believe they will take some time to recover from,

Alan Stubbs looking to guide his team in the other direction, still

time to do that, even if the championship title is gone.

Interesting to see Maurice starting out at left-back, Sean Dillon pushed

into centre-back. -- Morris. They have lost a couple of goals in the

last couple of weeks. One of the survivors of the 2010 Scottish Cup

final, under Peter Houston. One of only two Scottish Cup victories in

Scottish Cup history. The man on the bench missed that one through

injury. It has been some few months for

Paatelainen, since he replaced Jackie McNamara, taking over the

club, just a point adrift at the bottom. Good, last weekend, if

results had gone the other way, have beaten Inverness, Kilmarnock last,

results had gone the other way, have dropped to within two. You play

badly, you lose, you find the teams above you have all picked up three

points, eight adrift, they have an absolute mountain to climb. Huge

game for him next week against Hamilton, first post-split when you

ship extra. Hibernian face Rangers in the midweek.

Another poor result for Hibernian midweek, against Fulco, 2-0 up, four

minutes to play, finishing 2-2. -- 2-1 up, four minutes to play. --

full Kirk. Did nothing to hurt the aspirations of finishing second, but

plenty for Falkirk. This is promising for Hibernian. Finding

space. -- Falkirk. Running into Marvin Bartley. He is

not an easy man to get past, he really mobile. Strong challenge and

that has gone the way of Hibernian, strong challenge by David Gray.

David Gray does like a tackle. Good news for Hibernian that he is back

in the team, with Fraser Fyvie weighing slightly to the right-hand

side of midfield, he to come in centre, that will leave David Gray a

lot of room to charge up and down the right-hand side. -- with Fraser

Fyvie playing slightly to the right-hand side of midfield. Missed

the game against Falkirk, through injury, the defeat, unable to help

his team. Losing to a single goal. These two have already met in cup

competition this season, Hibernian handing United a 3-1 towelling in

the League Cup in November, it was revenge, given that the Tangerines

did it to Hibernian year before, on penalties. Big shout for obstruction

by Hanlon, an Erskine. -- on Erskine. Strong defending, as soon

as you realise the goalkeeper may be under pressure, you are quite

entitled to get involved, trying to go around... Marvin Bartley was not

the man. New contract returning to Partick

Thistle. Here we go. Moving across. Keeping

your head down, don't attract attention of the referee. You have a

new goalkeeper income you want him to get a touch early but you do not

want it done under pressure. And again. Good work by Blair

Spittal, Hibernian failing to take advantage of a good situation there,

Lewis Stevenson not renowned for his goal-scoring. The two occasions that

they have been able to get in on the right-hand side, they have not been

able to produce on the final ball to cause real problems. Stokes, for

David Gray, he does win it, and that cause real problems. Stokes, for

is an easy hold for the goalkeeper, aged cover Shima. Good spot, sees

David Gray against John Rankin, almost able to win that, and yet

again, Jason Cummings on the turn cannot quite get enough of it. --

Eiji Kawashima. You do not want to be giving him chances in that kind

of area, Stevenson looking to turn it back for David Gray.

Lost to get forward as much as he loves a tackle. Fraser Fyvie! Has

not scored this season. Terrific effort. This comes back to him, he

decides to take it on. Does not come down quick enough. Wonderful strike,

look at that, actually, hits the top of the net. Lewis Stevenson, I

mentioned he does not scored to many, he has won more than Fraser

Fyvie this season, coming against many, he has won more than Fraser

Dundee United, it was the third in the 3-0 win in the Scottish Cup.

That Lewis Stevenson goal was his fifth for the club, three came last

Not prolific, you would have to say. Not prolific, you would have to say.

-- in the cup. You know what you will get from Stevenson, week in,

week out. In the 2007 League Cup final win over Kilmarnock, he was

Man of the Match. He has only missed one game this season, Lewis

Stevenson, this is his 44th appearance of the campaign.

There had been cynics with regards to the partnership between comings

and Stokes. Returning on loan from Celtic, the two have not quite

gelled as yet. As we watch Lewis Stevenson. It does take time, going

through a bad patch, that does not help, but they are both genuine goal

threats. -- Cummings. Wondered for a moment if David Gray

knew that Fraser Fyvie was behind him.

A little edginess in the Dundee United performance. 12 minutes in,

beginning relatively well, but Hibernian have been behind a couple

of times. Starting to close their passing game on, not just kicking

the ball away, they have got to get the midfield players and front

players involved. The ball has bubbled away. This was Erskine.

Good defending by Berkeley. -- Bartley. Calvin Morris gets it all

wrong, good performance in the semifinal of the League Cup last

season against Aberdeen, Callum Morris, indeed, he scored in that

game. -- Callum Morris. It is a key ball by Stokes. Here is grey. --

David Gray. Three in the middle, could not find one of them, all

moving towards the near post. Hibernian beginning to dominate.

Jason Cummings. First corner of the match goes to

the. They are getting the ball into feet, decent ball in, deflected the

corner, but certainly Hibernian on top in terms of the passing.

Not the worst ball. It is back in Bygrave. -- back in by Gray, an

Orthodox from Sean Dillon but it was enough. Really good defending, head

in from David Gray, has two deal with it, that is a really clever

flick. -- has two deal with it. Keeping the Hibs defence

comfortable. I mentioned Anthony Stokes is one of

those players on a yellow card, two yellow cards, if you come in at the

fourth round, you miss the next round, if Hibernian get through...

That is an side... If Hibs get through today and Celtic get through

tomorrow, Stokes and Neil Henderson through today and Celtic get through

will be unable to play in the final against their parent clubs, lots of

ifs and buts at the moment, though. On loan from West Ham United, played

a Europa League game way back in the summer for West Ham United, when

West Ham United played the remaining inside Astra Giurgiu. Onto the

former Dunfermline player. Nigel he has been called into minds, he

has given Hibernian the chance to he has been called into minds, he

break. -- Kyle Knoyle. Stays on his feet.

A lot of joy down the right-hand side. David Gray getting up and down

there all day long. Dundee United must start to think about sending an

extra player across. So often David Gray is on the run, John Rankin

tucks in, allowing him into space, the final ball is not good enough,

as you get there often enough, eventually one will hit a striker.

Hibs don't play with wingers, they do not play that kind of game,

adding David Gray and Lewis Stevenson, particularly David Gray

in particular, they have the ability, these full-backs, for most

of the season, have been able to get into those areas. That is Alan

Stubbs's formation, midfield diamond, no white players, staying

in the middle, getting on the ball, leaving room for the two full-backs.

Conrad Logan, the Hibernian debiting, yet to be tested by Dundee

United. This game is flowing to our left, most of the time, Jason

Cummings bursting into the box. Fraser Fyvie goes down, the referee

does not want to know. The ball comes back does not see a great deal

in that, big shout from the Hibs fans. The referee had a good view.

It was a good idea, saw him on the run. Just had to check that ball

with a bit of check, too much on it. Alan Stubbs, unused substitute when

Celtic beat Hibernian in the final in 2001, to complete a treble.

Lovely play by Chris Erskine. Felt Rankin was the better option, rather

than the well marshalled Mackay full is. -- Mackay.

David Gray again... How did he find him? Can he find him, not 1 million

miles away from doing so. Decent idea, Dundee United had dropped

back, they were deep enough, it made it difficult to get the ball in

behind him and the goalkeeper always looked favourite.

The last meeting between these two in this competition was also at the

final stage, 2005. -- semifinal stage. Gold from Jim McIntyre and

Jason Scotland overturned a 1-0 deficit and sent Dundee United

through. -- goals. After a penalty had been converted by Derek Riordan.

First big decision of the game so far forward referee John Beaton, the

penalty shout. -- so far for referee John Beaton.

You could produce a good case for Hibernian's dominance on the ball,

looking at possession statistics. Neat and tidy, Hibernian, when they

want to be. Neat and tidy by Paul Paton. Not enough work for the

goalkeeper, very little to do. Statistics will tell you so much,

but Hibernian have their positions, they just need that bit of spark,

that little bit of magic, in the final third.

Mackay, offside. The last time that Dundee United were in such peril in

the league, at the bottom of the table, back in 2000/1, they won

their last four matches. That campaign, they stayed up. At St.

Mirren's expense. They will need something similar. Even then, they

will be needing snookers. Eiji Kawashima gets there, well read

by the Japanese. Gets him at the second attempt.

You have got to be sharp to outrun Darren McGregor, once he gets up a

head of steam, he can cover the ground. Sticks a leg in there, takes

Marvin Bartley, it is going to be a warning, a word of warning.

Big chance, they have asked a question of Conrad Logan. The

Hibernian debited and comes up with an answer. There is confidence, big

save. Normally does. Again, John Beaton had a right good luck at

that, as Marvin Bartley tumbled in the Dundee United penalty area.

Twice, he has said no. This game has opened right up in the last minute

or so, this is Mackay. 13 goals this season. You would put a lot of

money, Billy Mackay, one-on-one, to make it 14, he failed to do so, and

he has given away the ball. -- Billy Mckay. Stevenson, two strokes. And

again. Suddenly it is going from one end to

the other. Fine day for it, on the new service.

-- surface. It was a shout for a penalty, Batley

on the run. Very difficult to see if there was any contact but here is a

chance for United. Mackay is one on one. That is a really good save from

Conrad Logan. Spreads himself, doesn't give him much to aim for. A

really good block. Billy Mackay almost had a one goal every two

games ratio. He missed out on a Scottish Cup medal. After make his

move to Wigan. -- after making his move to Wigan.

United's Tok top scorer. He will keep looking for chances. Helped

United to this semi-final with a late winner against Ross County.

They really had to overcome a series of adversities that day. Lost Mark

Dunn to a red card. Behind at the time, as well, came

certainly looked the more likely, in the blink of an eye, Billy Mackay

could have been out in front. Could have had two free kicks out there.

Mackay let that go out thinking it was a goal kick. He could be made to

suffer here. The linesman is so close that, in its going to get that

right. They don't have a lot of height, Hibs. You need those two

centre-backs in better at that Biddle bit extra. -- to add that

little bit extra. Oh, he's given a penalty for a

handball. It is a third penalty shout for the afternoon and John

Beaton has pointed to the spot. Donaldson gets the head down and the

arm up here. Unusual position, it is difficult to tell exactly where it

hit from that angle. He is coming out to block and, you know

something, that is a tough one. Jason Cummings is going to have the

chance to put Hibs in front in the semifinal. Against the Japanese 80

Kawashima, Hibernian's top scorer this season. Oh, dear, oh, dear, oh,

dear. What on earth was that? That is the one, you are either a hero or

you are the opposite. At this stage in the competition, they don't need

that. They need the ball to fire into the back of the net. He has

gone for a clever chance, and he has missed the best chance of the game.

Red faces all round. In particular for Jason Cummings. There are times

to the gallant, semifinal 29 minutes in, is not one of them. I would love

to see the face of Alan Stubbs is that ball went behind the goal. A

yellow card here. Paul Donaldson will be breathing a big sigh of

relief. It was a debatable penalty. He came charging in. It is a tough

decision, again. I think it is a genuine challenge for the ball. How

decision, again. I think it is a important will that proves to be?

Mixu Paatelainen, you can see what he makes over debugging. -- over the

booking. It is Liam Henderson's free kick.

You just wonder where Jason Cummings's head is right now.

Ford lip readers out there, a apology in case you were offended by

Mixu Paatelainen. Although it may have been in finish. Just sneaks by,

John McGinn attacked it. Still have no answer, Gray down that right-hand

side. Beyond the front post, difficult to get it on target.

United are really struggling. Billy Mackay had the best chance for them,

United could so easily have been won nothing up. They have been up

against it in this first half. Hibs have passed the ball better,

dominated possession. You tend to tagging all the time, and that has

given David Gray absolute control. Here is Stevenson. Gets it in, at

the expense of a corner. Donaldson intervention. I think United are

thinking about a change. Callum Morris appears to be the man who

will be sacrificed with Paul Dixon coming on. A natural line back

will be sacrificed with Paul Dixon playing in that position. It hasn't

worked, Mixu has to change it. Fancies it. You don't want to give

him room. From 30 yards in, it just takes a step and I tell you what,

only hits than absolute beauty rising all the time, just too high.

But what a hit. Callum Morris is being withdrawn here. Paul Dixon, as

we were saying, is going to replace him. We can only imagine it is

because he is being torn apart by David Gray's running on the flank.

Callum Morris, he hasn't played badly but when you keep tucking in

and leaving room, they will eventually be picked. It is good

management. These decisions have to be made. Paul Dixon's von hasn't

been fantastic but if you have a natural left-back who is experienced

and played in games of this magnitude, do not start them ahead

of a centre-half in that position? Sometimes in an effort to get all

your best players in the team, you don't do the team any favours. But

Mixu has done the best thing and changed it. Certainly didn't look

like an injury to Callum Morris. He is smiling now, Donaldson. He

wasn't earlier on. John Beaton gave a penalty and Jason Cummings dipped

wasn't earlier on. John Beaton gave it over the crossbar.

Such a fine line when that happens, because if that goes in, he is a

genius. It makes headlines, but now depending on how this game goes, it

will make headlines for the wrong reasons. I think at that stage of

the game, if you are on a run like Hibs are, you don't try something

funny. He said after a win over Rangers last season, he had the

touch other names angel. -- the touch of an angel. He just has to

settle down now. You don't want to go trying every time you get the

ball to get it on your left foot and try and work the goalkeeper. He

needs to work his way back into the game. A chance will come for him.

Jason Cummings actually missed one of the penalties in the play-off

final against Hamilton that relegated Hibs a couple of seasons

ago. They have never been outside the top for more than a couple of

campaigns. They want to finish second because that means they won't

have to play Raith Rovers over two legs. If nothing else, third place,

fourth, the winner of that plays team 11 in the Premiership. If

either of these two are involved,, either of these two are involved,,

... A free kick. Might have been some sarcasm from the United

supporters there. First chance if United can see they can work

something out. Paul Donaldson getting himself up in that back post

area. Coll Donaldson, nearly gave away the

disputed penalty there. A hearts supporter, certainly was as a

youngster. Actually not a bad ball in there but

you have two credit the Hibs defenders, they got around, they got

next to players, made sure the United player wasn't getting his

head on that. outline how far Dundee United have

fallen in this campaign, it is the first time they've been outside the

top six since 2007. Finished fifth, fifth, third when they won the

Scottish Cup in 2010, fourth, sixth and fifth. They are marooned in 12

this campaign. There is so long -- only so long a plaster will tend to

a deep wound because they have lost so many players over the last few

years. I think the family silver being flogged this season...

Donaldson giving it away. Good recovery initially. I thought just

made it onto your right foot, take on the goalkeeper, but the mistake

is made. I fancy Stokes to get a shot away. Defending. Eventually

Paul Donaldson -- Coll Donaldson completed.

They lost their areas players -- they lost various players in

previous seasons. John Rankin has been at Tannadice for a while.

Difficult to sustain a good position in the league and have good seasons

when you are losing your best in the league and have good seasons

players in such a regular basis and perhaps not replacing them with that

kind of quality. You tend to replace them with youngsters from the youth

system. You can't do that over a period of ten years. You have a lot

system. You can't do that over a of players coming through, when that

dries up, it you have to spend money and Dundee United didn't have the

money to spend. Is not going either way. A good run by Dixon. He has got

to get back to his post. Just over five minutes to half-time.

0-0 at the National Stadium. A wonderful chance for both teams in

this first task, if you are joining us, Mackay is in, penalty went over

the bar, that is why we are still at stalemate.

Mixu Paatelainen very much a hero at Hibs in his time. Really good team

Mixu Paatelainen very much a hero at in that campaign, or the way to the

Scottish Cup final. Noticed an article with John O'Neill

this morning where he was talking about winning the Scottish Cup,

would be preferential in the eyes of the Hibs supporters to promotion.

A chance for Spittal inside the box to create havoc. Another great save

by the goalkeeper. Guilty final ball doesn't get into the danger area

again. Options ahead of them. You have

to pick somebody out there, and I have to say, a lot of goalkeepers

don't go for that. Logan, was brave and got down and that was a good

stop. Knoyle looking for doubt. The winner of this, faces the winner

of tomorrow's semifinal between Rangers and Celtic. You may have

heard about that one. I'm not sure Kawashima is the best

at cross balls. He dealt with it and that is all that matters now.

Here is Spittal on familiar territory, former Queens Park man.

Mackay is in, Hibs just stopped and again he is denied by Conrad Logan.

The goalkeeper I'll has been worth his weight in this first half.

Another defensive lapse let Mackay in and the keeper makes a real good

stop. How many of them will Hibs be able to count and the keeper against

Mackay? It has been entertaining stuff,

plenty happening, that is for sure. United trying to finish the first

half strongly. One minute added on at the end, minimum of. Another

substitution earlier on. Dixon replaced Morris. -- there was a

substitution. Will someone make the breakthrough

before the interval? Hibs are going to get a chance. One last

opportunity to get the ball into the box. Here is the chance. When it

goes through, Bailly I is offside. No one touches the ball, linesman

doesn't see it. -- Bailly RA. Free kick goes united's way. He has

ended up having a fairly eventful first half, John Beaton, the

referee. Who was the happier manager? I think

Mixu. Look at the dominance Hibs have had on the ball, both sides are

going to look back at chances missed. Alan Stubbs is not good to

be happy with that missed opportunity. There is nothing

between their respective sides at the moment, though there possibly

should be. Billy Mackay the two gilt-edged opportunities. The second

was well offside. It doesn't matter any more, but Conrad Logan making a

couple of saves and Jason Cummings might be about to get a flea in the

couple of saves and Jason Cummings era from his manager after his

penalty went horribly wrong over the bar and that means at half-time in

the first of the William Hill Scottish Cup semis, it is 0-0. For

much of that first half, it looks as if Hibs are heading for the second

major cup final for the season. What a sucker punch that might have been

had Billy Mackay scored. When you're too has been on the run Hibs have

been on recently, that maybe wasn't the best idea from Jason Cummings.

He will be hearing all about it and it is a goalless at half-time. Let's

hear from Mark Wilson and from Pat Nevin as well. For much of that

half, it looked like the old team from the league below hips rather

than the one above. We said at the top of the show her love week United

look like that. I thought with this being a semifinal they would come

out and play like a Premiership side. They have been off the pace,

Hibs have controlled the ball for the majority of the game and

tactically I thought they were all over the place, especially with

their choice at left-back. Not a good first half but they still

their choice at left-back. Not a created two chances to score. How

will Hibs be feeling currently in the game is still goalless?

Groundhogs to day. Dominated possession, got into great

positions, not always made good chances but should be ahead. They

are not, and Hibs and have been watching for a good of time. Alan

Stubbs saying for long periods, we are playing really well but we're

not winning games. Sounding a bit like that just now and there will be

a lot of people watching thinking we are finding new and exciting ways to

mess up and it looks a bit like that just now. It just takes one goal for

his and that would relax them. -- Hibs. Let's look at the penalty.

This is a good shout from John Beaton. Quickly, it wasn't instantly

obvious. Yes, behind the play, not obvious. My first reaction, it is a

penalty. His arm comes up. I think Donaldson is a bit unlucky that he

attempts to head the ball but you can just see his armies in the

awkward position. It stops the ball, definitely. -- his arm is. Is it

still a Brit? You kind of needs to drag his arm away there. -- is it

deliberate? We'll say it is entertaining, but when you miss it

and the run that you're on. I think slightly on his head, in his head,

that Tuesday night he scored a penalty kick and he's might it into

the right-hand corner there. People think you will be really confident,

but your mind is thinking, do I do it in the same place? Do I do it

lower? That is probably why he has done it as he did. I feel sorry for

him because Hibs deserved to be one goal up. It is about percentages.

The run Hibs have been on, they have to get something powerfully on

course. Pat mentioned it there, the penalty scored on Tuesday night was

a beauty. I think just put your boot through it. His try to be too

clever. It is part of it, he scored two goals on Tuesday, he had the

confidence of a centre forward and he is not working in confidence that

the best of times anyway. I struggle to be too hard because when it

the best of times anyway. I struggle works, we all applaud and say well

done, fantastic. When it doesn't, it doesn't look good. For much of that

first half, we were asking the question who is playing left-back

for Dundee United and it was a good question. After about three seconds

I looked at the teams and I couldn't believe I saw Callum Morris at

left-back. I played with him and he is an outstanding centre-half. Not

one I thought could be can converted to that position. We all assumed

Sean Dillon would play left-back. There were so many examples of Hibs

exploiting weakness. It took them only a few minutes to realise what

was going on ahead of them. It is the additional, the full-backs have

to see the full position and if you look at Morris, he is totally caught

out, getting dragged to the ball. He shouldn't be going there, stay with

your man. The move comes from going down the right-hand side and Hibs

kept trying to exploit it. There he goes, he comes in. He would see Gray

bombing on and hold his position. In time and time again he got caught

out and I felt sorry for him because he has been asked to do a job and it

looks like he has been put in there without any thought. This one

particularly, you must read it. The guy is going wide, you must read

that is where to go. That is exact we what saying beforehand about not

a centre-back, there you go. You cannot afford to let... Full-back

star let that happen. Again, it came off there. I feel sorry for him.

He's trying to do a job for his team, he's not used to it and in my

opinion it is the manager's mistake putting in there. Don't think

there's much doubt that Hibs haven't created enough for a team that has

dominated that first half. Two out of three are long-range shot at

goal. If it is on target, you kind of want the goalkeeper to save that

one. It is a nice short but I read some statistics recently. If you

look at football, one in 20 shots from outside the box go in so you

need to have a hell of a lot of shots out there if you are going to

work. Have you thought of getting out of it more? Hanging around the

wrong people. But you are right about this, yes, getting balls into

dangerous areas. If it lands at Stokes's feet, you think it may get

to the back of the net but not from so far out. That is asking a lot.

Loads of possession, fantastic areas that Hibs are getting into, chances?

Very few. If you are a Hibs fan, you are not feeling good about the game

at the moment because Hibs have been running the show. That is the thing,

that is the worry. How many times have Hibs done this? They play so

well and fall at the final hurdle. It looks like the game is going that

way now. They have controlled the first half but they haven't taken

advantage. You would think Dundee United can't play that much worse in

the second half. You'd think that come out and have a go. Can you not

just feel a little lift at the end there from Dundee United. Not only

the tactical change, but getting the odd little half chance now. The

original stats where they had 64% of position Hibs had, when they did

have these little chances, that was your first question before the game,

have these little chances, that was what is he going to do? The first

thing you do, make yourself big, and he has managed to do that. I don't

think there is much doubt Conrad Logan has been a better shape. A

couple of absolutely crucial saves. That one we've just seen, this one

is good for him. That is what you practice in training every day. He

anticipated it. I don't know what he is thinking of here, but again, he

spreads and self and a top-class save. On the United side, you would

think Billy Mackay at the start of the season, more confident.

That is a tough one for the assistant to see, because you would

expect the defender to get it, say what you like about Logan, he is

quick off his line, spreading himself. He's not leaving much to

the striker to go for, in that goal. You have got the above for that. He

has saved well there, is that a case of a new goalkeeper and a lack of

communication with Paul Hanlon? They train alongside each other every day

in training, I know that he has not played so much but... Hanlon should

deal with it, I don't like defenders standing off and waiting for a

goalkeeper, I like to see a defender or a goalkeeper clearing it

goalkeeper, I like to see a defender properly, and doing it properly. We

will come back to today semifinal, but a few words about the one

tomorrow, Rangers against Celtic, only the second time in four

seasons, this was 14 months ago a League Cup semifinal, 2-0 was the

final scoreline. With its and Connolly got the goals. 2-0, going

on a good deal more. There was an absolute chasm between the two clubs

at the time, it could have been 14 years ago, so little in common, with

the side. Not just personnel, but the way that they play. Their ideas

about how to play, the quality, the confidence, there was no confidence.

The confidence in this Rangers team now, winning the league, winning the

cup last week, beating Premiership opposition, this time, on their way

here. They have a better squad. The gap has definitely got more narrow

as the years have gone on. Fairly obvious that Rangers have improved,

have your old team, Celtic, have they improved? That is the question,

I don't think they have improved. Ronny Deila has said that we will

get better, but it has not happened, that is why it is so interesting.

Celtic have stood still, Rangers have improved, how big is the gap?

We will find out. The result of the match was fairly inconsequential,

but Rangers winning the title by a country mile, James Tavernier, now

up to 14 goals for the season. All sorts of attacking options for

Rangers midfield. The concern would be at the back end. The defence is

the question, comfortable in midfield, they have goals, playing

with confidence. The fans are behind them. Winning the cup, winning the

league, everything feeling good. I do not know how good he is going

forward. They will really get tested. If you somehow stop Rangers,

if you are Celtic, you have got to stop that left-back and back right

back hammering forward, if you can do that, you have done a good job in

stopping them. -- big job. He will have his own team in mind, but they

are almost certain to win this if they do that. 4-0, Rangers winning

at Hampden Park, against Peterhead, this was something of a

at Hampden Park, against Peterhead, reconnaissance mission for a lot of

players who had not been to the national stadium, getting a feel of

what it is like, a different playing surface, by this weekend, it allows

them to have a sampler. One of the goals of the season, but you get to

the stadium, especially if few have not been there, such a different

environment, Hampden Park, the fans are a wee bit further away,

different pressure. Those guys have not sampled that, they will feel

better about themselves. No lack of confidence whatsoever. You have got

to be honest about this. That is the thing that would worry Rangers fans

right now. Four of the best buy is not playing, it is going to be

difficult. There is going to be live coverage on BBC radio Scotland, from

11:30am. The second of the William Hill Scottish Cup semifinals, and

11:30am. The second of the William you can see the best of the action

on sports scene, tomorrow, highlights, from this one, and that

one, from 10:30pm. I wonder, the way that the first

half ended, the penalty miss, Dundee United looking more of a force,

would not have been difficult for them for the top they were not in

it. Do you think the match has turned a little towards United in

that half. I think they will go in feeling the happier side, that can

give you a lift when you go into the dressing room, and you think that

you are still in the game, I think they will come out a better side.

They cannot play any worse than they did in the first half, I would

expect United to have a real go. Have United got away with one so

far? They have, and Hibernian have not been finishing strongly

recently. Everyone has asked the question, really, what has been

wrong with Hibs, recently, it is tiredness, towards the end of the

game. The story so far of the first of the Scottish Cup semifinals.

Hibs threatening the Dundee United goal from the very start, that could

have been a sucker punch, no credit to Jason Cummings for the glaring

penalty miss, boy was his face red at that point! Stokes going close,

not close enough for Hibs, as the first half came to a close, it is

0-0, heading into the second half at Hampden Park. Back to the commentary

team. COMMENTATOR: Hibernian about to get

us under way for the second half. The talk has been about Jason

Cummings and the penalty miss, Zinedine Zidane, seventh minute of

the World Cup final, is it just about goes in on the underside of

the bar, you are a national hero. Other side of the debate, the former

Hibernian defender, he has been very critical at half-time, on social

media platforms. He says, is one of my team-mates did that in a semi and

we did not go through, I would rip off his head! You want what Alan

Stubbs had to say to them at the break. CO-COMMENTATOR: He has got to

keep them going, he is the man most likely to score a goal. You have got

to lift players. This is a good early chance. Not a great touch by

John McGinn, looked like it was going to open up. That is the

umpteenth time that Hibs have got into this position. Worth defending,

another chance gone. No changes for either team in the second half. Paul

Dixon replacing Callum Morris. Towards the interval.

Hibs attacking the east end of the stadium. United going back towards.

Mixu Paatelainen staring down at the semifinal.

The Japanese goalkeeper has played at two World Cup finals tournaments.

With Japan. Five clean sheets for the Dundee

United deeper since he arrived. Great play by McGinn, lovely play,

Sean Dillon left it. He has two deal with it. Fraser Fyvie... And

again... Hibernian almost a little guilty of trying to pass the ball

into the net. Willing to have a pop. Marvin Hartley has had a good game,

winning the ball back once again. John McGinn, Man of the Match in the

Scotland game against Denmark. United again starting the second

half nervously. Defensively, they have blocked the goalkeeper. You

have got a clear your lines. Do not get caught playing it out from the

back. Probably Liam Henderson's poorest corner of the afternoon.

You would be a brave man to step up. No replays in Scottish Cup

semifinals anymore. If Bernie part in the last one. Jim McIntyre

scored. -- Hibernian. Knocking out Hibernian.

Jim McIntyre, scorer for Dundee United against Hibernian, 2005.

Conrad Logan Ingold today, because Mark Oxley was booked for time

wasting in the replay in invidious in the last round. -- Inverness. He

was looking for his contact lens, at the time... He was booked anyway.

Great ball, great take via David Gray. Jason Cummings was close. Not

close enough. What a goal that would have been, crossfield pass, take

into the box, Jason Cummings must have been so close. What a ball in

from David Gray. If you are a striker, that is the kind of ball,

the kind of service that you want. Hibernian continuing their dominance

of the ball. Second period. Everything was quality, from that

ball, to the touch, early ball into the middle, Jason Cummings, just

half a yard away, David Gray, all of the pace on the ball, just needs a

touch, cannot get there. Not his afternoon. But plenty of time still.

Blair Spittal, that is poor. He had a really good first half to the

season, Blair Spittal, a rare shining light for this Dundee United

side. They need him, they need Erskine, they need the three players

playing under Mackay to get more involved in the first half, we saw

them in tandem in the first half at the Hibs end, causing problems but

we have not seen enough. This is to the ire of the Dundee

United supporters. Paul Dixon got himself into a really

good area. Erskine delayed it. Jason Cummings. That would have been

quite something. That work out as planned. Anthony Stokes, return

ball... Lovely understanding between

Henderson and Stokes. Neatly taken by the goalkeeper. That is a real

waste, I mentioned Hibernian don't have too many tall players, but the

two centre-backs, they have got to get there and get a chance. Look who

is there again for Hibs, United have struggled in the final third, every

time they have gone in there, Marvin Bartley, the majority of occasions,

as won it back for his team. It is the two Billy Mckayone-on-ones. This

is a chance, set play, get things sorted out, get bodies into the box.

Thought they might try to take it short, seemed to take...

This is an a knife edge, two teams outperform and out of sorts. -- out

of form and out of sorts. What did you make of the surface? Looking

lush, green, cut nice and low, really holding up, it suits the

players, they can really get the ball fizzing about on it.

Erskine, two ranking. They don't want to pass to Paul Dixon, for some

reason! -- Erskine, to Rankin. Stevens finding

Henderson. Offside flag up here. At least there was.

Henderson still things he is taking a corner. Clever ball from him, but

I think the fact that the delayed it, Lewis Stevenson must have got

the wrong side, and found himself half a yard offside. Dundee United,

twice winners of the competition, runners up 11 times. Hibernian

looking to get back to the Scottish Cup final after losing two in a row,

in 12 and 13, better outcome this time. Stretching something there.

Certainly no contact with the Hibs player, that is a hamstring that he

has tweaked, it is going to be difficult to see out 90 minutes.

Took off one of their best centre halves, in the first half, in Callum

Morris. I have seen Paul Paton play at full-back, I have seen him play

at centre-back, one of those players at full-back, I have seen him play

who does all over the park, but they will be hoping that this man can

continue. Well, he is smiling. Many options on the bench for Dundee

United, but not too many defensive options. They have Henri Anier, and

Florent Sinama Pongolle, among the attacking options, Edward Ofere, as

well. Erskine, back from Billy Mckay...

Got plenty behind it. Good play around the edge of the box from

Dundee United and another decent save from the Hibs goalkeeper.

Winning all of these 50/50s. -- 50/50s. The Hibs bench.

Paul Thompson, Edinburgh boy, started his career at Kingston.

United see more of it. Last five minutes or so.

Corner, the assistant was not sure. Waiting for John Beaton to clarify

his position. Runner coming in the middle of the park. You have got to

see, coming back. Dundee United's first corner of the match. Taken by

Erskine, Donaldson jumped. Did not get anything on it. It was a

sandwich, Paul Hanlon very close, Allan McGregor behind him, making

sure that he does not get a touch. -- Darren McGregor. Decent ball in,

whipped into a good area. That victory for Dundee United in 2005 at

this stage was Gordon Chisholm's first win as caretaker, against Tony

Mowbray's team, they reach their first Scottish Cup final since 1994,

that day, the other semifinal meeting, in the 1993/94 League Cup,

Darren Jackson scored the only goal for Hibs, in zero victory. -- in a

1-0 victory, another who played for both of these clubs.

Hibs six points behind Falkirk in the championship. Couple of games in

hand. It could be in their own hands, when it comes to finishing

second, the team that finishes third will be taking on Raith Rovers, in

the play-offs. Two games in hand. Mixu Paatelainen and Dundee United

would rip your arm off for a place in the play-offs right now. It is

all about the cup today. Here comes Paul Dixon. Erskine, two -- to

Rankin. United probing. Paul Paton, Paul Dixon. Erskine, two -- to

Erskine... He was onside, still alive... Off the line by Hanlon!

Real chance for Dundee United, a lot of Hibs players standing with their

hands in the air, looking for offside rather than getting on with

the job, comes back, another decent blog, taking up a decent position on

the line, cover ball, little flick chests, onside, and United should

have made Hibernian pay, good defending, chances do not come a lot

better. Darren McGregor, Paul Hanlon, looked like taking the lead.

It is in from Blair Spittal... 6-2, in Hibs's favour, on the corner

kick. They do have a good understanding, Paul Paton and Chris

Erskine, played for Partick Thistle understanding, Paul Paton and Chris

together, Jackie McNamara brought them to Tannadice.

Stokes... Just came back of the wheel of Anthony Stokes. Scored six

times, double Scottish Cup winner. Man of the Match against Hibernian

in the final in 2013, 3-0 Celtic win. Game on as a sub to Jude a

couple of years before that, Celtic brushed aside Motherwell by the same

scoreline. Billy Mckay has been on the periphery of things. Couple of

chances in the first half. Stevenson. Less than 25 to play of

the 90, will we be going to extra time. United get that all wrong,

Marvin Bartley, Fraser Fyvie, now Henderson... David Gray... Sean

Dillon beats his countrymen Anthony Stokes to the ball. -- countryman.

Sense of anticipation among the Hibs supporters after all that but Dundee

United have won it back. Paul Paton. Out it goes to Kyle

Knoyle. He is onto it. Does just enough. So too does Fraser Fyvie, he

is going to get a free kick as well. Just a tangle of legs, enjoying a

bit of possession and territory. Not working the goalkeeper that often,

but the first half, they could not get hold of the ball, but

second-half, certainly going better for them. Neither of these teams

come here in good form at all, at what point would it come into the

mind of a player that things have not been going for us recently? It

is because things have not been going well recently that the nearer

the end of the game you beget, the more nervous you get, you get the

ball as far from you as possible, but Hibs cannot do that, they need

to get it down and play. -- it is because things have not been going

well recently that the nearer the end of the game you get, the more

nervous you get. All kinds of problems here...

Just one win in their last six league games for Dundee United. Just

one loss in their previous five. Many expecting them to crawl out of

the hole they have got themselves into. Space for David Gray here.

Stokes! Some people don't think Anthony

Stokes' move to Hibs has worked out for either party. He plays every

week so that tells me something about his attitude in training and

what the manager thinks. The fact it has coincided with a bit of a dip in

form, you can never blame one player for that.

Since beating hearts in their replay, they have only won three.

Alloa and Livingston in the league, Caley Thistle. Erskine tries to find

Mckay. We are about to go into the final

20. He has got United at the park.

Donaldson is down again. Out of your picture. He had to be treated

earlier on in the second half. I don't think he is going to last a

great deal longer. That is two or three times. A tweak in your

hamstring turns into ATA and you could be out for six weeks. He does

not want to go off, it is a semifinal, it is a big stage, but if

you can't sprint you could cost your team. You have got to say to the

manager, I could become a liability. You need to make a change.

He gave away the penalty in the first half. It was a disputed one.

He got away with it. Cummings failed to do what the team managed to do in

1976. I don't think United have got anyone to come on yet, have they?

Coll Donaldson has left his side playing with ten men and United have

not even got a sub ready. As soon as he went down, I thought the signal

had come on, you have got to make a change, somebody would be ready, and

you don't want to play for any period of time with ten men, because

if you are picked off, it does not look good. He is not happy, Coll

Donaldson. He was down for more than a minute. United have surely got to

be aware of the situation. Guy Demel is going to come on for United. Hibs

have a man advantage at the moment. They are seeking to profit.

United are getting away with another one. Fancher replaces Donaldson. --

Demel replaces Donaldson. We will see where Demel takes a position. He

Demel replaces Donaldson. We will can see, he can certainly play at

the back. Guy Demel is going to be asked to go in there and fill that

hole next to Sean Dillon. He played for West Ham United. He was dropped

from the starting line-up today. Once upon a time, he won the

Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund. Mixu Paatelainen is not a man to

fall out with. Donaldson is a tall man. I think the message is, stay

down, we get somebody on and we don't play with ten men.

They have got their full complement restored now, United. The ball into

the box is cut out by Stevenson. Just over 15 minutes left of the

first William Hill Scottish Cup semifinal. This is Paul Paton.

Chris Erskine went down earlier. Minutes ago. He has been important

to Dundee United in the second half in particular. He has made them look

like more of a threat in the final third. It is the Estonian who is

about to come on. That is the weight you get substituted. You sit there

and you refuse to move. The physio comes on. You give it a try and then

off you come and you are back to your full complement.

To get here, Hibs had to beat Raith Rovers, hearts, after a replay,

Caley Thistle after a replay. Dundee United came through against

Partick Thistle and Ross County to get to this stage. Henry and near

scored in the quarters. -- Anier scored in the quarters. He had a

loans fell at Hibernian. He is going to come on with the sole intention

of knocking them out of the Scottish Cup. He is a goal threat. He has

certainly got that going for him. A new test for the Hibs back division.

Not too many chances in the second half. The penalty in the first, the

two Mckay chances. And one of the line from Ryan Dow's deflected

effort. For Dundee United, that is three

service down and they could be quite a long way to go. Potentially,

effectively half a football match. On the new service, it does take its

toll. A high-stakes game. In sunny Glasgow.

A double change for Hibs at the moment. Two attacking players will

be coming on. I think it is going to be El Alagui certainly coming on and

Martin Boyle may be the other one. Whatever Alan Stubbs decides to do

here, it is a big call. Anthony Stokes is a big game player. He has

won this competition twice. Jason Cummings is your top scorer. He is

going to have to take at least one of them off. It is just a different

test for Dundee United now. They have tried to play through Hibs,

they have not managed to get there, and now it is a more robust striker,

someone you can hit early, and it is a new test. Guy Demel is on there,

someone you can hit early, and it is Sean Dillon. El Alagui will pose a

someone you can hit early, and it is real threat. They are holding off on

the Martin Boyle one. El Alagui had a brief spell at Dundee United,

didn't he? He has been blighted by injury this year. He is desperate to

get in there and play a part before the end of the season. At Falkirk,

he scored 27 in 43 appearances. A very different kind of threat to

what Stokes offers. The Cummings, Stokes partnership has not really

gelled yet so this might be the best thing to happen to Hibs. They have

got a lot of balls into the box, now they have got a striker in their

will feed off that kind of service. -- service. Can they keep getting

them in there? 11 minutes to play. A bit more even Stevens now. That

will be a concern for Alan Stubbs. This time last week, they were

preparing to take on already relegated Alloa and lost. 1-0. They

surrendered a 2-0 lead with three minutes to play against ten men at

home when they took on faltered in the league. -- Falkirk. All these

things I am sure will be going through the manager's mind. Both

managers. If your team has been losing recently, you fear the worst.

What can go against us, rather than thinking positive. Just under 20,000

inside the National Stadium today. I am sure both clubs would have hoped

inside the National Stadium today. I for more. Dow. Knoyle. In those

Mckay and McGregor gets there! I am sure it will be very much on

the bucket list for Darren McGregor to lift the Scottish up playing for

Hibs. I tell you what, United are the

better team right now. They are looking sharp and they look up for

it. Henderson. El Alagui. That is the

first time that Kawashima has had to make a shave -- save in recent

times. A simple save for the goalkeeper as well. Just make sure

you don't spill it. Write down his throat. El Alagui knew he had lost

any impetus so we just decided to try his luck. Good play. Just shut

the door on Anier. After it had creaked open.

We are on a knife edge and Hampden Park.

It is the kind of time that if a goal goes in, it will put you in the

final. It would certainly help, a goal now, and it would be a

ding-dong last seven or eight minutes. You would certainly see

some end to end stuff. Hibs suffered recent heartache here.

They were thinking extra time that day. Ross County had used all their

Serbs that day. One or two were starting to run on empty.

Serbs that day. One or two were Gray is in a decent position.

A sore one for both players there. John McGinn looks like he's going be

OK. It looks like he gets caught in the back of the head. Both eyes on

the ball. That change we brought you exclusive

news of ages ago is now being made. Martin Boyle for Liam Henderson.

Liam Henderson missed out during the week so I am not sure if it is a

situation where his legs are starting to go. Alan Stubbs is

looking for something in the last starting to go. Alan Stubbs is

few minutes so he is bringing on a flying machine. What a goal it was

against Livingston a couple of weeks back. It looked like that was the

signal, for Hibs to go four across the midfield.

They have still got a change left. United have used all this.

Hibs looking to reach both major cup finals in the first calendar year

for the first time since 1972. -- in the same calendar year.

Only East Fife have won the Scottish Cup while playing outside the top

division. We have seen team from outside the top division play in the

final plenty in recent times. Falkirk last season. Ross County,

Queen of the South and Gretna, the others.

United go back to come forward. Hibs have not won at Hampden Park since

they beat Falkirk 4-3 in the breathtaking semifinal in this

competition. I wonder what the odds were on two 4-3 results. Stokes, who

is now off the park, scored the winner in extra time.

The final couple of minutes of the 90. The spectre of extra time is

looming large over the National stadium.

This is Blair Spittal. Paul Paton. United left it very late against

Ross County in the last round. Sean Dillon's ambitious ball for

Dixon. That is good defending. Talkers through what it is like at

this stage of such a big game. Nothing in it. Extra time is just

about upon us. You settle for the fact you are going to extra time.

Deep breaths, don't give anything away. Nobody wants to lose at this

stage in the game. Get the ball down the other end and prepare for

another 30 minutes. We have not heard how much injury

time is going to be added on at the end. A minimum of four minutes. That

is clever play initially. That is good play. Back to Fyvie.

Away by Dillon. Mckay will chase. McGregor will

cover. He has got a free kick as well as we go into stoppage time.

And he has a chance to hit El Alagui. Paul Hanlon is going

forward. You need to get one in the mixer.

McGregor. Gray. Here is Cummings! It just would not sit for him.

El Alagui. Three waiting in the middle in green and white. Others

arriving. Hibs looking for a late winner that would take them into the

Scottish Cup final. It would be their 14th.

Anyway will do for Kyle Knoyle there.

Dow has popped it through to Anier. Stevenson has to get there and does.

It is a really clever ball through to the long-running Anier. I thought

the fresh legs might make the difference but Stevenson did really

well to get back. I am not sure the referee is flavour

of the month. John McGinn falls on the ball. Knoyle is trying to win

it. If it is a free kick, it has got to be the other way. After the

injury time has come and gone. Anier. A free kick for Hibs.

You can blow the Bugle right about now. Everybody in the box. Just get

the ball forward. They have got cover for the centre-backs. Fyvie

takes. Away by Demel. Hibs have had some late heroics in

this competition this season as well. 2-macro-0 down at Tynecastle.

Hanlon salvaging a replay. Hibs then dispatched their neighbours.

Optimistic appeals for a free kick there. Here is Anier, up against

Hanlon. Has he won a corner? No, free kick. I think the referee would

love to blow now and get into stoppage time.

Ryan Dow has been booked in the wake of all that. I think he must have

felt he had a word with the referee and he has got himself booked, which

is not the best thing to be doing at this stage of a game of this

magnitude. He would is not one of those who would miss the final with

a yellow to bash today. The final whistle. Billy McBryde has had their

two best chances. And that man Conrad Logan has made a save on each

occasion. But we are still talking about Cummings's failure to score

from that first half penalty and the importance of that is growing by the

minute at Hampden Park. As we prepare for extra time, it is

goalless. Cummings missed that first half

penalty and he Mike Havenaar the web to take before we finished at

Hampden Park. The semifinal, if it cannot be settled in the next

half-hour, that is a thought going through his head at the moment. Hibs

dominated the first half. The second half much more even and it is really

difficult to call. Extremely difficult to call. Maybe the first

ten minutes of the second half, Hibs played well, but after that Dundee

United came into it a little bit more. Dundee defended really well.

They have got stronger and stronger as the game has gone on. They got to

the byline a few times but could not pick anyone out. In the end, the

most important thing, apart from the penalty kick, I think the best

chances have fallen to Dundee United. Has the balance shifted the

way of your old team? The first ten minutes, I thought Hibs came out the

same. United looked like they were going to perform the same as the

first half. They had a few chances. Gray flashed it across. I feared for

Dundee United but they came back into it. They started to keep the

ball bit better and created a few chances and probably had the best

chance of the second half. It was a horrific block in the end by

McGregor. But I think Mixu Paatelainen will be happy because

Hibs controlled the majority of it. The majority -- the only worry would

be the tired legs. They have both been really positive. I said at

half-time, Hibs, for me, I think it has been a case of putting so much

effort into the game, they have faded near the end of games. The

likes of Henderson and McGinn, who were able to keep it going,

eventually, in the length of a season, legs will tire, even for

young men as well. You can see it with some of those Hibs players.

They are not getting up to support the strikers at the moment. Stokes

in particular at the end. Both teams are tired. Maybe it is a question of

who is the most tired. Jason Cummings is still the story at the

moment from a negative point of view. Could he turned that on its

head and become the hero in the next half an hour? He is one of these

players that has the ability to do that. We have seen time and time

again him popping up with terrific goals. Is that still playing on his

mind? There has been a lot of places that penalty miss two full-time and

he must have thought one of his team-mates will help him out. That

has not happened so it is on his mind. Can I make one absolute guess?

If it comes to a penalty, he won't think the next one. The one thing I

would say about Hibs, Cummings has got legs left and that is going to

trouble Dundee United. Mixu Paatelainen almost walks into the

camera there. We were read and I guess those Hibs fans worried about

the goalkeeping position. Conrad Logan has not put a foot long. He

has been brilliant. That saves he made in the first half were

outstanding. I think he is getting a touch on that because he spreads

himself, makes himself difficult to beat. His kicking is brilliant. It

clears the halfway line. He has been a real plus point for Hibs.

COMMENTATOR: A couple of players have popped off for... Comfort

breaks... We understand, so we will have to wait a moment longer.

After 2007, replays were abolished, at this stage, losing to

Dunfermline, Celtic were the last victims of the replay. Jim McIntyre

did what Jason Cummings didn't, this afternoon. -- couldn't.

30 minutes to decide who will be going to the Scottish Cup final, if

we still don't know the penalty shoot out will take place. As Jason

Cummings will still get is due from the spot this afternoon.

CO-COMMENTATOR: Difficult to pick a winner. Could not decide who you

CO-COMMENTATOR: Difficult to pick a could make as favourites this

afternoon. Some tired legs out there. Let's hope that it is a

wonder goal, if somebody scores I wonder goal it is better than

somebody making a mistake. With 15 minutes left of the 90, Dundee

United had used all of their substitutions.

Real self belief, Jason Cummings. Scored in the first leg of the pile

final, couple of years back, he said that he can open a tin of beans with

his left full. Getting just about enough there.

Says it all on the scoreline, both teams have defended pretty well

throughout. Forces that to Rankin. Blair Spittal popping up on the

left. That is what you are looking for, anybody in the wide area,

one-on-one situation, trying to get to the byline. Any cross that is

blocked, still playing the final third. Corner kick keeps the

pressure on Hibernian. Took many years to find a goalless draw

between these two, until now. It comes, the keeper is there.

He is quick but he is not that quick. Too many Hibs players getting

behind the ball but doing nothing. You have got to come closer, you

have got to get closer to your opposite number, it cannot allow

players to come off, take touches, and begin spreading it around. Billy

Mckay is offside. They have started extra time really

well. Little passes, getting players involved. Hibs getting themselves a

little bit too deep. Who knows the kind of impact that a semifinal will

have an the survival battle. Big favourites to be relegated from the

Premiership. Eight points behind Kilmarnock.

Farida El Alagui may be coming off. He himself was a substitute. As was

mentioned at the time, there has been injuries. Two Hibs players have

clashed there, McGregor and David Gray. And it is going to be the sub

the Jewish and we expected, the nightmare really cannot stop, it

continues, cannot get games under his belt, he has come on open to do

something special. -- it is going to be the substitution that week 's bet

Farida El Alagui is coming. -- Farid El Alagui. You can see edged all

over his face, the disappointment. Chris Daigle has not yet scored for

this club, Dundee United have begun extra time more positively. I have a

corner here. Player of the Year at Rangers last

season, they did Long throw from Rankin. Dylan gave

it away. Goodbye. Paul Paton volleys it out. Blair

Spittal... Beaten to it. Has not been the influence on the

game that we all know that he can be.

Keeper had to make the save. John Rankin thought that he was scoring.

More than capable, John Rankin, fires its download, wonderful save,

bottom corner. Decent strike, great save. Famously scored goals like

that for Hibs. Another Blair Spittal corner.

He has a couple this season, Paton, never looked likely there. A

lot of wrestling going in, cannot get his head to it, made his mind to

go for the volley. Mixu Paatelainen, called in young, his assistant, they

must be delighted with the way that the extra time has gone, still 0-0.

Krist Admiral, to Stevenson. -- Krist Dagnall. -- Chris Dagnall. One

heavy touch has killed the mood. It was never going to catch it.

heavy touch has killed the mood. It desertion, Dundee United, at one

heavy touch has killed the mood. It point, it was up at 67 in the favour

of Hibernian. Most of the first half. Totally dominated, as the game

has gone on. They have themselves into it. They have begun to pass the

ball far better. Mark Wilson mentioned the kicking of

Conrad Logan, there is another good example of it.

You just wonder if Dundee United have to take advantage of this spell

of domination they are enjoying. You have got to hurt the opposition, the

only way to do that, scoring goals. Certainly looked more lively since

coming on. Until recently, Leicester City, 13 years at Leicester City,

loads of loan spells. Boyle is the better target there.

But it has got to be on the ground. It has got to be perfect, far too

much on it, no chance. Hibs enjoying city 7% of possession

in the second half, but in the first period of extra time, the exact same

amount for Dundee United, and the first period of extra time

amount for Dundee United, and the another three minutes to

run full stealing a march on Hanlon. Good cover. Saw that his centre-back

partner was in trouble, clever ball in behind Hanlon. McGregor, making

it difficult. Forced it through... What a save!

Still alive... Conrad Logan has just received a standing ovation from the

Hibernian supporters. He has been a real star turned today. Quick...

Gets off his line so well, once again, spreads himself, that is an

easy save, the first one, Hibs needed that, Dundee United, what a

chance. Immediate attention being required for Blair Spittal. They

have used all their substitute, now, both teams have. Martin Boyle going

through... He has caught him on the both teams have. Martin Boyle going

shoulder, by the look of things. Hoping that it is one of those

injuries, just a clash, nothing that... Cannot afford to take him

off the park. Here is the save again, not for the first time,

Conrad Logan... He gets there, makes himself big, brilliant stop.

Absolute star. These Hibs boulders have not seen

their team lift the Scottish Cup, many of them. Not many generations

of Hibs fans have. -- these Hibs supporters. Is unfortunate it has

big one of these talking points. -- it is unfortunate that it has become

one of these talking points. They have the win it sometime, as we said

earlier. I am 56, I have been saying that since I knew what football was!

These things can hang around. It is a good job that the Hamdan

playing surface is looking tiptop, given the extra time to deal with

today. -- Hampden. One minute added on and if Hibs go through today,

Conrad Logan, you would imagine, will be getting some kind of special

prize, from Jason Cummings, after that horrible penalty miss in the

first half. It is ambitious, from Dixon. As soon as you see him coming

onto the right foot he is... You have got to be thinking, make a

pass, make a pass, he could not help have got to be thinking, make a

himself. This man has been the star turn. 16 months? Big game, big

occasion, had to be nervous, he has not put a foot wrong. Play for

Rochdale, in a 2-2 draw with Notts County... 16 months, December,

Rochdale, in a 2-2 draw with Notts 2014...! Here he is, the hero of the

hour, denying Henri Anier, in extra time, we are no closer to finding

out which will be the first team in the Scottish Cup final. 0-0.

The second semifinal taking place here tomorrow, midday kick-off,

Rangers against Celtic. That match will be live on BBC radio Scotland,

the frequencies tomorrow, from 11:30am, kick-off 12pm. Craig

Paterson, we do not know who the winners of that will be playing.

Absolutely no idea, and the players who have a penalty kick to take will

want to settle the situation before they go into that arena. United on

top, creating chances. Another save to make. At the other end, Conrad

Logan has been absolutely terrific. Can Hibernian wrestle back control?

Will united state on top? -- will Dundee United stay on top, can they

create one last chance? The magnitude of the penalty, this gets

bigger and bigger, longer this plays out. The longer it plays out without

Hibs scoring. It is horrible for the players, you would rather have a

replay, go at it again. The substitutes have been used, these

guys that are out there, they are the ones that will have to deal with

it, will there be a hero? Will the players have to go through the

torture of the penalty shoot out. 200 meeting between the two. 14th in

the Scottish Cup, Hibernian have one four, Dundee United, five, and there

have been four drawers, four replays. Dundee United have looked

the better team in extra time. -- Hibernian have won four, Dundee

United have won five. 105 minutes without a goal. You

would think that most people would put money on a shoot out now. Such

was Hibs's early season form, they thumped Dundee United in the League

Cup tie, played at Easter Road, 3-0. They have not been able to recapture

it, in recent times. The cross from Fraser Fyvie sums up the current

form. What has gone wrong? , You have got to credit Dundee United,

final system, working hard, making the play, I really don't know...

Anthony Stokes, Liam Henderson... The guys that are out there, they

are plenty enough, they have got to stand up and be counted at this

stage. Rankin felt that he was fouled.

Quite a time of things, since the first half.

Goalkeeper decided to punch that, looking unorthodox, again, from Eiji

Kawashima, the Japanese. Jason Cummings looking for the top corner.

Time to bring Hibernian to life. Dispiriting season for Dundee

United, six wins in 33 league games. The Scottish Cup has given them a

nice distraction. Here is John Rankin.

If he does not put arms over Sean Dillon, he has a chance of winning a

free kick. Shot well, can the goalkeeper catch that? I suppose he

decided not to take the chance. Rather clawed it away. He is from

just north of Tokyo, he is from Yono, Saitama. He featured at

World Cup in Brazil and South Africa, for Japan.

Fraser Fyvie... Ten minutes until the lottery.

So tense out there! Both teams losing the ball.

Lovely turn, from Blair Spittal. Poor pass, though. For all of their

domination, still finding it difficult to create chances. Good

turn by Blair Spittal, once again, it is the weight of the past, the

most important thing and he fails to get it right. The extra assistance

for the Scottish Cup semifinal, this afternoon, tomorrow's one as well,

Alan Mear and Andrew Dallas. That is something I didn't even notice! --

Alan Muir. They have not had much to do, not much to do, no great impact

in the game so far. Won back by Dagnall, for Hibs.

Cannot prevent the corner... For the first time in a while, Hanlon and

McGregor get to stretch their legs and get forward for this corner,

John McGinn is going to keep this away from the goalkeeper.

Nothing doing for Hibs. All sorts of players flying through, at the back

post. McGregor has gone through the back, trying to spin their...

Wrestling, jostling, the referee decides it has come from a Hibs

buyer, and it is a goal kick. Alan Stubbs arrived at what was

effectively a basket case a couple of years ago. Hardly any players to

begin with either. -- spin there. Took a little while to get going,

but apart from the recent trials they have had on the football pitch,

you have got to give a lot of credit to Rod Petrie, for the job they have

been doing behind-the-scenes, but he has really turned things around, by

and large, a promotion is required now, though, Scottish Cup would of

easily be phenomenal, as Mixu Paatelainen... Played in a certain

final, which you will remember, with many great memories, best Scottish

Cup final of all time, unless you are a Dundee United fan! Motherwell,

winning it. Nobody in tangerine, other than Blair Spittal,

retrieving. Good play by John McGinn, but that

is not the area where they want to see him doing his stuff, it is at

the other end, needs must. Goal side of Lewis Stevenson. Some good

ground, strong enough to see it out for the goalkick.

Scottish Cup semifinals do not often go to penalties. Heading that way.

Surely Jason Cummings will not be going for the chip shot, gets the

chance. Almost broke for Henri Anier,

McGregor was there, Fraser Fyvie getting it away. That is tired legs

and a poor touch going back towards his own goal.

Less than five to play of extra time.

Hibs looking at bit jittery in defence all of a sudden. I would not

say it is their strong point, defending at depth, and they are

being forced back. They are being caused real problems.

It has not been the prettiest extra time, that is for sure. Both

struggling. United were in the Scottish Cup

final as recently as two years ago and they lost to St Johnstone. Hibs

fell at the semis stage last year. The final couple of minutes. This is

Dixon. Rankin. Dixon continued his run. A

big moment her potentially! Read by Lewis Stevenson. Intelligent

defending. He saw the danger. In fact, Hibs have not looked like

scoring since the penalty. One shot on target, the Cummings one, which

was a comfortable save. United have certainly looks stronger in extra

time. Just one minute of football left to

be played this afternoon. And then it is penalties.

Paton winds one. Well away. He just snatched at it. Hibs did close him

down so he had to pull the trigger quickly. It is one touch and then he

has cut right across it. I am sure Jason Cummings will get

the chance to make up for that miss in the shoot out, which we are very

close to now. The referee has had a look at his watch. He has blown his

whistle and the first William Hill Scottish Cup semifinal is going to a

penalty shoot out. Drama Abbey National Stadium. It finished after

extra time goalless. Hibs were the better team right from

the start, from the first half an hour, but missed a penalty. Since

then, as this two hours have progressed, Dundee United ending be

stronger and better team. All of which matters not a jot because it

is penalties. Absolutely not. They look stronger, they look fitter. I

suggested that after the first half. But the positive that the Hibs fans

will be thinking, who has been the Man of the Match so far? I am going

for Conrad Logan and he is going to be in goal. They will be delighted

because he is absolutely buzzing with confidence. Kawashima, what has

he had to do so far? What a story that would be, if Conrad Logan, his

last game for months ago for Rochdale, only signed two or three

weeks ago, not the best of condition one might surmise, but four

brilliant saves. It is a fairy tale story for the guy. He has come in,

people did not know what to expect from him because not many people had

seen him. But he has shown what a quality keeper he is. Especially

that last one, when Anier went through. Terrific, down to his right

hand side. On a technical side, from crosses, his petition -- positional

sense as well, but it counts for nothing if the penalties are right.

For me, the Dundee United players have grown in confidence as the game

has gone on. Stokes has gone off and the other one has missed a penalty

already for Hibernian. There are so many ways you can look at

Cummings has already missed one and if that is in your head, it is never

good. You are thinking, the next one, you are going to put your laces

on it. Not if you have got a dodgy groin. So many questions right now.

But both managers have to look at the faces and say, who is confident?

Who has got the bottle to do it? It is all those things. Willie did you

tend to be in the queue for the penalty shoot outs? I was not in the

queue. I was hiding behind the physio. I was never selected. I was

always overlooked on these occasions, which I was never too

disappointed about. Everybody tells you they are not really spooked by

it. How were you at penalties? It is a horrible feeling. There is no joy

in it. Even when you get it, it is just too a relief. Joy for the

neutral watching it. This is now pure excitement. To be fair, the way

they have played, I don't know if the game deserved to finish any

other way. No team deserved to fully win. We are very much into that

stage of this first semifinal. A penalty shoot out. Is that the Hiro

in the middle of the television picture? At the moment, it is all

about to be settled. Back to Liam and Craig for the story of this

penalty shoot out. Blair Spittal is up first. The

penalties being taken into the East goal of Hampden Park. United went

through against Hibs on penalties in the quarterfinal of the League Cup

last season. Blair Spittal is up first. Well, wouldn't you know it?

The man of the moment does it again. It is not a great penalty. It is a

good height, he gets it right and he gets his hands behind it and

advantage Hibs straightaway. Far too close to the goalkeeper and a decent

save. The earliest possible advantage for Hibernian. John McGinn

to put them in front. And does! As decisive as you get. That is the

difference. The goalkeeper guesses right this time but the penalty is

too good. Too much pace on the ball. Kawashima goes to his right but he

is never getting there. And another save! Logan! Absolutely incredible.

He is having the game of his life. He may not have played for a while

but he has been an absolute star. And this is a better penalty. He

gets his hands behind it and that is another horrific save. He has

already put Hibernian one foot in the final. -- another terrific save.

They are so close! That is a never horrific penalty by Hibs, drilled

into the bottom corner. -- another terrific penalty. We are already at

the point here where Paul Dixon simply has to score for Dundee

United. He does. They are still breathing. No question about that

one. That is exactly what United needed to keep themselves in the

tide. Right in the corner. But they have taken three and only scored one

of them. Martin Boyle has the chance to take Hibernian closer to the

final. Scored a wonder goal recently. This is a lot closer.

A wonderful penalty. They are just about there. Every penalty Hibs have

struck has been an absolute pearl. It is highly past the goalkeeper.

There is a chance for the goalkeeper but the pace beat him again. This

has got to go in or Hibs are through. It is Guy Demel. The weight

of the world on his shoulders. That is a terrific penalty from

facture and he just about keeps Dundee United going -- from Demel.

He is going straight down the middle. Well, well, wouldn't you

believe this? Jason Cummings has the chance to put Hibernian into the

final. Coming after that horror story in the first half. It is one

of these ones, you know he is not going to chip it, but he has two

options. You can go for the corner or just go for power. It is Glory,

Glory. Jason Cummings can erase all mammaries of that penalty miss in

the first half. He has taken Hibs through to the final with more than

a helping hand from Conrad Logan. The Hibs fans would not known much

about him before today. Alan Stubbs has guided Hibernian into the

Scottish Cup final and with a chance again of perhaps ending that long,

long, long wait for Scottish Cup success. Scottish Cup success that

this club craves. 114 long years since they last won it. Jason

Cummings with the winning penalty in the shoot out. Conrad Logan is an

absolute star today. He has made some marvellous saves, anything that

came into the box he dealt with, and sometimes you get days like that. He

is Man of the Match today. But I have got a feel for Dundee United.

They dealt with the early pressure from Hibs. As the game went on they

got stronger and stronger and stronger. But it goes to penalties

and it is down to who can find the back of the net. His' penalties were

good and the keeper was a star all afternoon. It is his heading for the

final. You have got a feel for Dundee United. What a job Mixu

Paatelainen has on his hands to try and lift their spirits ahead of the

running to try and avoid what looks like a certain relegation. The

supporters will believe they were about to win this. And that is

Hibernian lifting the Scottish Cup. Last time they did it was in 1902.

It was the year Real Madrid were founded. The Royal Navy's first

submarine was launched in that year. The Hibs fans are no stranger to

those lines. They have had to listen to them for years and years and

years. But right now, they will celebrate and it will be they who

will be back here on Saturday May the 21st where they will take on

will be back here on Saturday May either Rangers or Celtic, who meet

tomorrow. But for now, that is for another day. They have got huge fish

to fry in the coming weeks. The championship run in. The chance to

try and get that second place back of Falkirk. It would mean less games

in the arduous play-off that they will have to go through. Potentially

three ties to get back to where they belong, in the Premiership. Jason

Cummings has dodged a big bullet. That is an incredible day for him

because he must have known that if they were knocked out, he was the

man who was going to be blamed. It finished goalless after extra time.

Jason Cummings with the winning penalty. But he had huge assistance

from Conrad Logan. I am wondering if fairy tale is the

word to describe this afternoon? Yes. Unbelievable. Everything went

my way. Absolutely delighted and delighted for the boys as well

because they put a proper shift him. I have not been here that long. As

you say, every time United got the chance, you were there to stop it.

That is what I am paid for. You get lucky Sundays. You make yourself

big. I like to think you make yourself -- your own luck. I am

delighted. It looks like you are a new cult hero for the fans. Everyone

is buzzing. There is no better way to win a cup game than a penalty

shoot out. Just delighted to be part of it. Would you have believed a few

weeks ago that you would have been the Euro at Hampden Park? No. It was

my first game in 16 months. I am just grateful for the manager

bringing me in and giving me a chance. I felt I was getting back to

fitness. Obviously, there are few games be for the end of the season.

I am delighted the manager took Mia Pearce and also playing me today

because we have got Otso Virtanen as well. Congratulations today.

because we have got Otso Virtanen as What a good decision that was, to

pitch in Conrad Logan. The penalty shoot out was the script writer's

dream. The new goalkeeper who barely knew his team-mates saves shots in

open play, saves a couple of penalties and Jason Cummings who

missed from the spot takes Hibs to their second cup final of the

season. It is a phenomenal story. When he went to bed last night,

Conrad Logan, I bet he wished this would happen. Everything he would

have dreamt of happening would -- has happened for him. After the

first two penalties, he must have thought, can anyone beat him today?

He was Man of the Match after 90 minutes. And then it just got better

after that. Absolutely astonishing. You have to say that Dundee United's

first couple of penalties were not great. They were poor but you have

got to give Logan the respect he deserves today. I'm sure when Blair

Spittal looks back at his penalty, he could have done better. The

goalkeeper has got to save them and he has guessed correctly. I love

stories like that. An underdog story, a guy coming out of nowhere,

no expectations. That is a decent save. And in sharp contrast to a

little bit of indecision, Spittal's was not great, but everyone of Hibs'

penalties were perfect. The manager was not great, but everyone of Hibs'

seemed to believe in his players. Let's hear from Alan Stubbs.

Congratulations. Can you sum up your emotions after that? I am delighted.

There are parts of me that feels sorry for Dundee United because it

is never a great way to lose a semifinal, penalties. It is a cruel

way. You have seen the of it. I do feel for them lads in dressing room.

They put a lot of effort in. In the first half we were good, I thought

we were the better team and I thought Dundee United came into the

second half and it got to a point where it was both teams not wanting

to lose the game. Talk to me about Conrad Logan's game today. I think

people have been questioning me all week and it could have easily been

not so. But I went for his experience and it looks like I made

the right call. Does Jason Cummings owe him a great debt of gratitude?

He certainly does. He has taken vital penalties for us and he is a

confident boy. But if he takes his penalties that way and he has scored

like that before, I don't mind, but I don't want him to start practising

penalties like that in a semifinal. Did he give you any explanation for

that? When you are taking penalties, it is a spur of the moment. You have

got to have a strong character and he has certainly got that. If it

goes in, everybody is talking about how calm and cool but when they

don't, people are talking about how stupid it looks. And here is the

man. Can you explain to your manager? I asked the boys, is this

for me to win it? I went, I was a bit nervous, but I was just buzzing

when it went in. The first penalty, a big question from the fans, why? I

tried to dink it but I did not pull it off. I can say that now, getting

the winner, but at the time I was thinking, it is not my day. But when

I realised it was the winning penalty, I had a chance to win it, I

was delighted. Is he for given, given he scored the winning penalty?

On here, I will, but wait until he gets back in the dressing room! It

is fair to say Jason Cummings has recovered his confidence after what

happened in the first half because it was glory, glory at the end. But

what about this from the first half? Donaldson handled the ball. I felt

sorry for Donaldson because I don't know if he really meant it. But you

can't understand why it is given. -- you can understand. But he has done

that first penalty from his mind. That is exactly the kind of guy you

want on penalty kicks. That's what I said, mentality Weiss, was he still

up to it? But he showed that in the last penalty kick. I am sure he is

sitting there thankful that he had a chance to make up for that. It

really is quite an interesting thing that when he is immediately asked

about the penalty kick after the game, he is not thinking of the

other one, he is thinking of the one he just scored. He had a hard day

today. But he always works his socks off. Hibs were a wee bit lucky in

the end. Dundee United got better and better. And the conversation as

Alan Stubbs was saying will not be quite so polite when they get in

private. I think that was a little bit tongue in cheek. If they had

lost it, he would have really let the player know what he thought, but