Dundee Utd 5
Hearts 2
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

After going five games without a win United roared to victory over a Hearts side depleted defensively by injury and suspension. Yet the visitors got the boost of a goal in only four minutes. Kevin Thomas launched himself at Colquhoun's low cross and although Kelham O'Hanlon got his hands to his close range header, he couldn't prevent it crossing the line. Hearts fans celebrations were, however, cut extremely short as United equalised within a minute. Brian Welsh nodded on Billy McKinlay's free-kick into the path of Grant Johnson who had time to steer a shot low past Smith from just inside the box for his first goal since April 1993.

Hearts defensive plight assumed even greater proportions when Neil Berry had to limp off with a hamstring problem and no sooner had his replacement Gary Locke arrived than Tommy McLean's men found themselves trailing. Billy McKinlay slung over the first corner of the game from the left and Craig Brewster rose to nod the ball home at the far post.

The goals continued to rain on Hearts with United getting a third four minutes later. A quick break from defence saw Christian Dailly make around on the left before squaring a ball to Billy McKinlay who cut the ball back to his left foot and despatching the ball past Smith from just inside the box. This was the international midfielder's first of the season, but five minutes from the break, he supplied the pass which led to a fourth. Billy McKinlay played the ball up to Christian Dailly who fended off a challenge before turning inside and shooting high into the net from 16 yards.

Dave Bowman ought to have made it five just after the restart when he sliced his shot wide from a good position, but a fifth goal wasn't long delayed with Christian Dailly rising to head a Maurice Malpas cross strongly past Smith from 12 yards.

Almost immediately, Hearts gained a consolation counter when they were awarded a penalty for a hand ball offence. They looked to have spurned this golden opportunity when Kelham O'Hanion dived to his right to save Robertson's penalty, but Kevin Thomas followed up to slide the ball home from a narrow angle.

That was how it finished and not only was this United's biggest win of the season, but it was the first time they had scored five times in the league since taking five off Hamilton without reply back in January 1989.

Golac commented, "We were caught napping at the first goal, but came back to play football of the highest order and score some beautiful goals"