AS sequels go this was more Speed 2 than Godfather II but the relative aesthetic merits of the victory won’t give Hibernian much cause for sleepless nights.

A fortnight after these teams ran in five goals in their Betfred Cup group match, this reprise in the form of a last-16 tie delivered just a solitary moment of inspiration in a contest that was short on entertainment value.

Not that Hibs will be caring at the end of a difficult week. After throwing away a two-goal lead against Celtic, being held at home by St Johnstone and then seeing their chief executive Leeann Dempster quit her post, the Easter Road side needed something to lift the spirits.

It wasn’t their most fluent performance – and the outcome remained in the balance right until the final whistle – but, as with all cup ties, the only thing that mattered was that they made it through. Jamie Murphy’s first-half goal ensured it will be them and not Dundee in the hat when the quarter-final draw is made this afternoon.

“The most important thing in these games is to get through because it’s not easy to win these games,” said manager Jack Ross. “So to get through to another quarter-final is great for the club and for this group of players. I am delighted because it was a hard game.

“When you play a team again so quickly, especially after beating them so comfortably before, the next game is harder. That’s the way it worked out so I’m happy to get through.”

Dundee put up stout resistance for most of the first half only to let their guard down a minute before the half-time interval. It was a decent goal from Hibs’ perspective, a rare moment of magic in a match that rarely rose above the mediocre.

Kevin Nisbet was the creator rather than finisher for once, sliding a ball through to Murphy in the inside left channel.

Dundee right-back Christie Elliott looked to have extinguished the danger but Murphy simply eased past him before threading a shot into the far corner of the net.

There wasn’t a huge amount of the goal to aim at but the on-loan Rangers forward was unerring in his accuracy.

“Jamie showed what he can do and is getting the benefit of playing consistently,” added Ross. “He was ineligible against Rangers and then had a little injury, so this is the first time he’s really had a consistent run of games. His career history points to him handling that because he’s played in England where you have to churn out a lot of matches. We have challenged him to produce assists and goals, which he has been doing lately.

“He’s looking better and better in recent weeks. It’s good for me because he’s improving with each passing match.”

With Charlie Adam trotting over to take every one, Dundee maintained a regular threat from set-plays even if they did struggle to create much from open play. When they did finally get the ball in the net early in the second half, Alex Jabukiak was quickly flagged offside.

Martin Boyle had a shot cleared off the line by Lee Ashcroft while another intricate passing move concluded with Joe Newell leaning back and driving his effort high into the stand. Substitute Drey Wright had a great chance to kill the game just moments after coming on as a substitute but was denied by a fine save from Jack Hamilton.

Dundee offered a half-hearted late rally but couldn’t find the goal that would have taken the tie to extra-time.

“I’m really proud of my players but gutted for them at the same time,” said manager James McPake. “We wanted to be in the next round. They didn’t deserve to lose that game.”