Dundee Utd 0-1 Hibs: Christian Doidge goal extends visitors' 100% start

Christian Doidge maintained Hibernian's 100% start as they beat Dundee United to win their opening three top-flight games for the first time in 46 years.

The Welshman struck from a narrow angle to beat United goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist at his near post in one of the game's few chances.

Peter Pawlett flashed a volley high and wide in United's best opening.

And the hosts, still without Lawrence Shankland, sustained their first defeat since winning promotion.

• Reaction & as it happened
• How did the players rate?

Doidge's presence as a focal point was exactly what United were missing, with the striker providing the game's one bit of inspiration in the 65th minute.

He got the break of the ball after Josh Doig's attempt was blocked and took a touch away from the chasing pack of defenders before unleashing a fierce drive high past Siegrist. However, replays suggested Doig may have been slightly offside.

United lacked Doidge's composure, exemplified by an Ian Harkes effort that trickled wide and Pawlett's shot that sailed out.

The game's other main talking point was an early aerial collision between Jamie Robson and Paul McGinn, with the former booked and unable to continue.

Man of the match - Christian Doidge

What did we learn?

Neither side hit the heights of their weekend performances with the turnover of possession startling at times.

The hosts had promising opportunities to test Marciano from free-kicks and struggled to get past the wall.

Shankland's return will be welcome for the Tangerines, while Hibs' confidence grows ever more with their front men on form and their defence giving little away.

What did they say?

Dundee United manager Micky Mellon: "One little moment goes against us and Hibernian score from it. We maybe didn't get those breaks. When those half-chances come at this level, we have to take them.

"Jamie Robson took a sore one. He'll be okay. What I was disappointed with was that he got booked? What did he get booked for? Did he go and try knock himself out or something? Where is the common sense in that?"

Hibernian head coach Jack Ross: "Christian Doidge's goalscoring record for me since I came to the club has been remarkable. He's a massive asset for me. He's so unselfish in his work. Delighted for him again.

"We have ambitions that we want to try and achieve and to do that, we need to produce victories like this. It is still very early. We need to keep recognising what we're doing well and keep doing that."

What's next?

Dundee United visit Ross County on Saturday at 15:00 BST, with Hibs going for four wins in a row at home to Motherwell later that day at 17:30.