Dundee United withstood a severe test of nerve to reach their fourth European quarter-final In five years here yesterday. There were moments in the superb Poljud Stadium when it seemed they might go out, despite their two-goal lead from the first leg. But goalkeeper Billy Thomson and a makeshift back four, magnifi-cendy marshalled by stand in skipper Dave Narey simply refused to assist the desperate Slavs.

The Scots were helped by poor finishing by Hajduk in the important early part of this UEFA Cup clash. Equally, though, they were hindered by poor refereeing from highly-rated Dutchman Jan Kaiser. His only saving grace was his refusal to fall for the Slaves blatant attempts to gain a penalty. United did settle for a spell before half-time but had to endure more minutes of danger before securing their place in the last eight. Gary McGinms emerged as a hero in 59 minutes when he booted a header by Jerolimov off the line following an Asanovic corner. Billy Thomson then made his one vital contribution when he touched a raging shot from Andri Jasevic on to the bar. The goalkeeper was beaten in 75 minutes and grateful to see a shot by Deveric come back off his right hand post.

But that final opportunity which slipped away seemed to dishearten Hadjuk and United were able to play their way through the remaining minutes. It was not totally one-way traffic because United had chances to grab an important away goal. John clark fired in a fierce shot which keeper Pralija fumbled round the post. The United defender remained in the penalty area to head Ralph Milne's corner over the bar.

And in the second half Kevin Gallacher raced clear in a superb position but pulled his shot wide when he had collegues waiting in the middle. However the tie really hingrd on the chances Split tossed away so carelessley in the opening section of the game. Danger man Deveric headed an Asanovic corner over the bar. he tried to atone later with a fine cross, but this time saw bursac shoot over. And the number nine failed to take advantage of his good lick when a Celic shot broke to him off John Clark. To United's releif he could only head straight at Thomson. Ian Redford was booke earlier in the game for a foul on Celic.

Hajduk Split: Pralija, Miljus, Setinov, Andrijasevic, Vulic, Celic. Jerolimov, Peruzovic, Bursac, Asanovic, Deveric Substitutes: Varvodic, Drazic, Jarni, Mise, Milanko.

Dundee United: B. Thomson, Malpas, Beaumont, McInally, Clark, Narey, McKinlay, Milne, Bannon, Sturrock, Redford, Substitutes: Coyne, Bowman, Gallacher, Sulley, McGinnis.

Ref: J. Kaiser (Holland)

Attendance: 30,000