Dundee Utd 0
Hearts 4
League (SPL)

Match Report

Fuentes and Galoppo made their home debuts while Marcora and Ramirez were left on the bench. Wright and Buchan returned after being sidelined through injury. A minutes silence was observed by both sets of players and fans for Scotland’s First Minister Donald Dewar. United kicked-off attacking the East Stand end.

In 5 minutes de Vos played a long ball for Atangana to chase. The striker was first to the ball first and managed to get in a cross which is just too close to the ‘keeper for Thompson to do anything about. However in 9 minutes United were to go a goal down. Fulton crossed for Róbert Tomaschek, who unmarked, headed home. United came close after 20 minutes when Partridge headed the ball across the six-yard box for Atangana to shoot but his effort sailed over. In 22 minutes Gallopo played Atangana through in the box. The Cameroon striker raced on but lost out physically to Pressley who shoved him off the ball. In 25 minutes United lost another goal. The ball broke to Andy Kirk 12 yards out who managed to shoot through a mass of players in the box to score. In 27 minutes things got even worse for the suffering United fans when Wright sustained an injury and had to be replaced by McQuillan. In 30 minutes United Went further behind. Juanjo crossed from the left and the ball fell perfectly for Andy Kirk who tapped in from close range to grab his second of the match.

Shortly after the restart United won a free-kick 25 yards from goal when Fuentes was felled. Aljofree stepped up to strike a powerful effort just over the bar. Minutes later United were outraged when penalty claims were waved away after Fernandez appeared to be bundled over in the box. David Partridge was incensed and made a rash tackle from behind on Durie to earn himself a yellow card. With just 10 minutes remaining United got their best chance of the match to score. Fernandez chipped the defence with a inch perfect pass to Venetis. The Greek chested the ball down but couldn't get his shot in quick enough and his effort was deflected wide for a corner. A minute later Venetis went on a run beatino three defenders to fire in a shot from 25 yards. His effort flew wide of the post. In 81 minutes United conceded a fourth goal when Kevin James’ first time shot hit the back of the net. In 89 minutes Fuentes and Marcora combined for the latter to shoot over from distance. Then, two minutes into added time, Fuentes fired a shot off of the underside of the bar. Typical of United’s luck, the ball bounced away from the goal instead of in it!