Dundee Utd 3
Hearts 0
League (SPL)

Match Report

A superb display saw United chalk up their first home victory of the SPL campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Hearts. A fantastic Craig Conway free kick had United ahead at the break with goals from Jon Daly and Scott Robertson in the second period rounding off a fine afternoon. To make matters worse for the visitors, they had Eggert Jonsson sent off for two bookable offences.

After midweek success in the CIS Cup against Airdrie United, Craig Levein made two changes for the visit of Hearts. Willo Flood returned in place of David Robertson and fresh from becoming a father, Jon Daly replaced David Goodwillie in attack.

United were in complete control in the opening period, playing some great stuff. As early as the second minute they were unlucky not to be in front when Daly headed against the crossbar. Seven minutes later Dillon was denied when Kello made a great save to deny the Irishman. On the 20 minute mark United again went close when Roberston flicked on a Flood free kick that Kello finger tipped over the crossbar. The eight minutes of the half left the deadlock was broken with a moment of magic. Conway won a free kick 30 yards out and the former Ayr man stepped up and sent an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner of the net. United almost doubled their lead on the stroke of half time when a thunderbolt from Gomis skimmed off the top of the crossbar.

The second half was much of the same and within five minutes of the restart United went further ahead. Willo Flood did well on the right and he found Jon Daly in the box who controlled the ball on his chest and sent in a volley that found the back of the net via the right hand post. With an hour on the clock United put the game beyond the men from Edinburgh. Conway was again involved when he sent in a free kick that Scott Robertson headed beyond the helpless Marian Kello. With the game over as a contest it was just a case of United running down the clock but there was time for the visitors to be reduced to ten men when Eggert Jonnson was sent off for two late challenges, both on Craig Conway.