CONRAD LOGAN CAME OUT of the wilderness to inspire Hibs to a dramatic Scottish Cup semi-final win over Dundee United.
The Ramelton man made his first senior appearance in 16 months and his Hibernian debut was the stuff of dreams at Hampden Park.
In a 4-2 penalty shoot-out triumph, the former Swilly Rovers man saved spot kicks from Blair Spittal and Billy McKay.
Jason Cummings, who missed a penalty for Hibs in the first half of normal time, netted the winning spot kick for Alan Stubbs’ men, who had Logan to thank for a string of saves to keep the sheet clean.
Stubbs said beforehand that he plumped for Logan because of his ‘experience’. While the decision had been a tight one for Stubbs, he went for Logan’s reliability – and it paid off in some style.
With Mark Oxley, the Hibs number 1, suspended, Logan was in for his first appearance since December 2014, when he suffered an achillies injury while playing for Rochdale against Notts County.
Logan made a great save to deny McKay in the 24th minute. McKay raced clear of defender Hanlon, but Logan saved with his left leg to keep Dundee United at bay,
Just four minutes later, Hubs were handed a glorious opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty as Fraser Fyvie’s cross struck the hand of Coll Donaldson, the Dundee United defender.
However, Cummings was left red-faced when a Panenka penalty went horribly wrong, floating over the crossbar.
Late in the half, Logan saved well after good work by Kyle Knoyle and Spittal, while he was out again to save from McKay as Dundee United started to get into the swing of things.
Logan got down well to deny John Rankin in extra time, with his shot seemingly destined for the bottom corner, Logan flinging down to his left to make the save having earlier had his palms stung by Chris Erskine.
Also in extra time, Logan denied Henri Anier as he bore in on goal – and the 29-year-old was the the shoot-out hero as Hibs booked their spot in next month’s final, where they’ll play the winners of tomorrow’s Old Firm clash of Celtic and Rangers.
