A late Jim Paterson goal handed Dundee United a surprise win at Easter Road despite Hibs dominating the entire Scottish Premier League match.

The Easter Road side's weakness in front of goal was only too obvious as they failed to even take a point in a game in which they had almost total command.

And new manager Franck Sauzee is not only still waiting for his first win, his side are now deep in the relegation battle.

The best the home side could manage were two long-range efforts from impressive youngster Garry O'Connor, although they did have David Zitelli's goal ruled out for offside in injury time.

But the Tannadice outfit, who had Jamie Fullarton sent off for two bookable offences, scored right at the end with almost their first real attack of the game to take the pressure off manager Alex Smith.

Yet right from the off it was clear Hibs were the only side interested in going for the win.

They could have got off to a flyer when United keeper Paul Gallacher was penalised for picking up a Jim Lauchlan back pass.

The indirect free-kick was cut back to Mathias Jack but the German completely missed the ball with his kick.

Hibs went close to opening the scoring in the 11th minute when Tam McManus cut the ball back on the byline and O'Connor stabbed just wide.

Hibs continued to dominate the first half and McManus saw a 26th-minute effort blocked as the one-way traffic towards the United goal continued.

Youngster O'Connor lit up the game in the 29th minute when he unleashed a spectacular 30-yard drive that flew inches past the post.

United had to rely on a fantastic save from Gallacher in the 49th minute to keep them level.

The Scotland Under-21 goalkeeper flung himself to the right to tip over another stinging long-range shot from O'Connor.

McManus thought he had finally made the breakthrough in the 54th minute when his volley beat Gallacher but the ball drifted just wide.

It took United until the 59th minute before they managed a shot on target and it was a weak chip from Charlie Miller which floated harmlessly into Hibs keeper Nick Colgan's arms.

Hibs had an 84th-minute penalty appeal for hand ball turned down, then Grant Brebner fired a 10-yard volley wide as they continued to draw a blank.

It was not to be their day and the hosts were shocked when United took the lead with two minutes to go.

Substitute Paterson drifted in from the left unchallenged through the Hibs defence before shooting into the net form the edge of the box via the right-hand post.

United were reduced to 10 men with a minute to go when Fullarton was sent off for a second bookable offence.

In injury time Hibs' last hope disappeared when sub Zitelli had a goal ruled out for offside.

Teams

Hibernian: Colgan, Smith, Murray, Laursen, De la Cruz, Brebner, Jack, O'Neil, Arpinon (Zitelli 74), O'Connor, McManus (Hurtado 63).

Subs Not Used: Caig, Townsley, Riorodan.

Booked: O'Connor.

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, Wright, Lauchlan, Hannah, Aljofree, Easton, Miller (Paterson 71), Fullarton, McCunnie, Hamilton, Lilley (McIntyre 78).

Subs Not Used: Combe, Thompson, Cocozza.

Sent Off: Fullarton (89).

Booked: Hannah, Fullarton, Aljofree, Lilley.

Goals: Paterson 87.

Att: 11,155

Ref: D McDonald (Scotland).