Hibs held in semi-final stalemate

The Tennent's Scottish Cup semi-final between Hibernian and Dunfermline ended in a goalless stalemate, meaning Celtic will have to wait a while longer to find out who they will face at Hampden next month.

There were plenty of chances at both ends but goals were in short supply.

Neither side could find the back of the net on a sun-drenched day in Glasgow and the tie will be decided by a replay on Tuesday, April 24.

The first chance of the game fell to Hibs when David Murphy's corner was met by the head of Chris Hogg a few yards out but he nodded just wide of target.

Steven Whittaker then delivered a long ball into the box, which cut through the Dunfermline defence and was begging to be helped into the back of the net. But Steven Fletcher just failed to connect in front of goal and the opportunity was gone.

At the other end, Dunfermline almost snatched a shock lead when Jamie McCunnie's effort cracked off the post before goalkeeper Andrew McNeil blocked the follow up shot from Jim O'Brien.

Undeterred, Hibs raced up the park and only the quick reflexes of goalkeeper Dorus de Vries prevented a thunderous effort from Scott Brown hitting the back of the net.

But, as Hibs fans became restless, Dunfermline grew in confidence. McNeil was called into action to tip a dipping 20-yard volley from Phil McGuire over the crossbar, and Jim McIntyre was not too far away when he met Hammill's cross only to send his header glancing narrowly wide of the upright.

Hibs were desperately unlucky not to snatch the goal that would see them through to the final when Abdessalam Benjelloun's volley was nodded off the line by Soulemayne Bamba.

Benjelloun then went to ground in the box under pressure from Bamba but pleas for a penalty were ignored by referee Craig Thomson and the tie remained deadlocked at the final whistle.