Bowie will be among the Scottish strikers hoping to make it into Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad next summer and perhaps that was on his mind when he fluffed a shot inside the six-yard box and headed over from similar range.
But his sixth goal in four games against Dundee was a reminder of what he can do as he ended a nine-game drought with a classy finish.
A long cross-field pass from Dan Barlaser set Nicky Cadden free on the left to provide the delivery for Bowie and those two were prominent throughout a strong first-half display from the hosts.
Barlaser sets the tone from the centre of the pitch, always looking to get the ball forward, while Cadden’s crossing is up there with the best in the league.
McCracken had to deal with shots from McGrath, Barlaser and Mulligan in the opening 45 minutes, while Martin Boyle hit the side-netting as the hosts cut through Dundee time and time again.
The goalkeeper was later grasping at air when McGrath hit the woodwork and was left flat-footed when the Irish midfielder raked the ball inside his near post, with Bowie teeing him up.
Mulligan then sent a fierce shot just wide against his former club.
Dundee had a mere two touches in the opposition box before the interval, with Simon Murray’s shot blocked at a corner.
Steven Pressley’s side had been completely overrun but will feel they could have snatched an unlikely draw, given the golden chances that fell to Yogane and Robertson.
On both occasions, Sallinger made incredible saves to make sure Hibs held on for the three points their earlier efforts merited.